Senior Gavin Pritzel Learns From Mistakes, Leads Lafayette Jeff Into Sectionals

Since Gavin Pritzel rejoined the lineup, Lafayette Jeff has won eight games, a stretch that included a road victory over defending IHSAA sectional champion Harrison and clinched the Hornets’ berth in sectionals. The 6-foot-5 senior forward’s presence has changed matchups for coach Mark Barnhizer’s team and shifted Jeff’s postseason trajectory.

Pritzel’s playing profile explains why. He is being used as both a scorer, rebounder and shot blocker and "he carried a natural follow through and could score from anywhere in the halfcourt." Teammates and coaches point to his length and instincts: "He has soft hands, is long and possesses a natural awareness that allows him to read offenses, deflect passes and turn opponents' mistakes into opportunities." Pritzel also provides athletic finishing — "He can also rise against defenders in the paint and throw down dunks" — which gives Jeff a reliable interior option late in games.

The turnaround is as much off the court as on it. "Pritzel's problem was himself. He couldn't stay out of trouble," the reporting notes, and school- and program-level support helped him refocus. Pritzel has been clear about his priorities this season: "Right now my life is just basketball and school right now." Coach Barnhizer has tracked that change in demeanor and availability; the coach said, "He's grown up and he's matured a lot and grown up a lot this year, " reflecting a visible maturation that Barnhizer credits with stabilizing Jeff’s rotation.

The timeline of improvement contains concrete moments fans have seen. A home game photograph shows Pritzel reacting to a basket against Tindley on Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026 in Lafayette, and the team’s road win at Harrison underscored his impact against quality competition. Pritzel’s early background helps explain his readiness for physical play: he was "born in Stockton, California," grew up in Oakland, and "moved to Lafayette during his eighth-grade year," and he recalls early experience playing above his age group — "I always played up. When I was 10 years old I was put onto a 14/U team. I always got used to playing up."

Barnhizer sees upside beyond the immediate sectional appearance. "Some kids are topping out talent wise but he's just scratching the surface," the coach said, adding, "There's a future for him if he's doing things the right way." The staff also notes that "there's also plenty of programs outside of traditional four year schools that could see his potential and help him continue his high trajectory," leaving multiple post-high-school pathways open.

Pritzel’s smile and on-court production have become fixtures at Jeff games; "Pritzel is smiling more than he's ever been with his role as both a scorer, rebounder and shot blocker." And while he can't erase what came before, there is a clear line from that past to the present: "And while he can't erase his past mistakes, Pritzel has certainly learned from them.