Back on track

Chiefs upend Patriots for 3rd straight

Jan 20., 2010, 2:55 a.m.

  It took Canton boys basketball coach Jimmy Reddy about as long as it takes Dietrich Lever to perform a cross-over dribble to describe what he's been most impressed with during the Chiefs' recent three-game winning streak.

  "We're finally turning the corner defensively," Reddy said, moments after Canton knocked off KLAA South rival Livonia Franklin, 55-48.  "During our last three wins, we've held team s to 48, 38 and 48, so we're doing a better job of locking down on defense."

  Tuesday's triumph lifted Canton's record to 5-4 overall and 3-1 in the KLAA's South Division. The Patriots fell to 2-7 and 0-4, respectively.

  Canton held a healthy 19-12 lead after one quarter before the Patriots stormed back to take a 30-29 halftime advantage.

  The Chiefs went up 43-42 after three quarters before holding Franklin to just six fourth-quarter points.

  Lever led the Chiefs with 17 points, six assists and four steals. Brandon Duffey and Kevin Weisz both scorched the nets for 13 points a piece.

  Mike Gadsby led the Patriots with 15 points.

  Canton sank 17 of 25 free throws. The Patriots were 12 of 19 from the line.