How former role players became stars for undefeated Heights girls basketball
What began as a collection of role players has quickly morphed into a confident, fully realized team.
Under first-year head coach Jen Pillich, the Wichita Heights girls basketball team is seeing players who were asked to complement others in past seasons step into expanded roles and excel in them.
That growth has fueled an 8-0 start, putting the Falcons atop the City League standings and announcing themselves as a legitimate Class 6A championship contender in the process.
“Whether it’s a chip on their shoulder or their own personal vendetta of wanting to be great,” Pillich said. “It’s so cool to see the girls grow and step into new roles this year.”
Pillich already understood the weight of the job from a parent’s perspective, having watched her son play for the Falcons before graduating in 2020. She also arrived with a proven track record of success, as her teams at Robinson Middle School were consistent winners.
A former standout player herself, Pillich was a teammate of Lisa Leslie at USC during the 1992-93 season. Even with that background, she recognized the adjustment required when stepping into a program with seven state championships — the most recent in 2012 — and a program accustomed to competing deep into March every year.
“The girls didn’t know me. I’m not from here. I’m not a Wichita State great that decided to stay home,” Pillich said. “So the girls have really embraced what we’re trying to do. I really wanted to get to know them, who they are and how we can meet them on and off the court. I think that helped the buy-in to our new team culture.”
That culture has been put the test already.
In the first six weeks of the season alone, Heights edged Southeast 49-44, knocked off East 54-51 when the Blue Aces were ranked No. 1 in Class 6A, ran away for a 22-point win over a ranked Bishop Carroll team and most recently handled a quality Eisenhower team 53-39 in the City League-vs.-AV-CTL Challenge.
There is no letup ahead, with a looming matchup against a ranked Kapaun Mt. Carmel team led by star Zoey Buckner-Franklin on Tuesday.
The East win, in particular, crystallized what this Heights team can be. East freshman phenom Jada Davis poured in 28 points, yet Heights never flinched. Rising junior Destiny Maze answered with 25 points, including five 3s and a complete two-way performance that defined the victory.
Maze’s evolution has been one of the season’s biggest storylines in Wichita. Known primarily as a defensive stopper last year before a season-ending injury, the 5-foot-8 guard has expanded her offensive role without losing her edge on the other end. She leads the Falcons at 15.4 points per game while also averaging 4.7 assists and 3.3 steals.
“The biggest thing with Destiny was just confidence,” Pillich said. “I told her the light is as green as you want it to be. Any shade of green, you name it, you’ve got it. I’ve seen her play before and seeing her shine and glow and truly take advantage of these moments makes me happy.”
Maze is hardly carrying the load alone. Heights’ numbers reflect balance and that depth has allowed Pillich to lean into her defensive vision, one inspired by her Texas roots and admiration for Houston coach Kelvin Sampson’s relentless, pressure-based identity.
Heights is holding opponents to an average of 32.9 points while coming up with 15.5 steals per game.
“We want to make sure our identity stays solid with our defense,” Pillich said. “Our offense will come, but we want to make sure the girls are connected and locked in on defense.”
Freshman guard Aaliyah Waller has embodied that philosophy. Playing for Pillich previously at Robinson, Waller has made a seamless transition to the high school level, averaging 12.6 points while shooting 56% from the field. She leads the team in steals and consistently turns defense into offense with her activity and instincts.
Senior guard Aniyah Harris has provided steadiness and shot-making, averaging 12.7 points while defending multiple positions. In the frontcourt, 6-foot-2 junior Jocelyn Rose has anchored the defense with rebounding and rim protection, giving Heights a physical presence inside. Around them, junior Ashlynn Reed and seniors Terri Brown and Jessiah Dingle have filled vital roles to the team’s success.
“We break down a lot of film and think about ways that we can stay locked in,” Pillich said. “If the score isn’t in our favor, how do we dig ourselves out of it? When we get ahead, how do we keep ourselves ahead?”
This story was originally published January 12, 2026 at 5:31 AM.
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