New Era 'Reddy'
to start at Canton

Familiar face takes over reins of a program with plenty of potential

BY ED WRIGHT
Dec. 5, 2009, 7:40 p.m.

  As the rhythmic chaos of basketball drills unfolded all around Canton's basketball coach Saturday afternoon, he wore the calm, in-charge look of a man who was continuing something familiar, not starting something new.

  While Jimmy Reddy is the Chiefs' new coach, his roots are entrenched deeply in the shiny new hardwood floor that covers the Phase III gymnasium.

  Shortly after his days as a Chiefs difference-making guard ended in the late-90s, he became a coaching fixture in the boys and girls programs -- which probably explains his cool, calm and collected appearance Saturday afternoon.

  "I've coached our seniors since they were freshmen," noted Reddy, when asked about his familiarity with his team. "I moved up to be the JV coach their 10th-grade year and I was a varsity assistant last year, so I know them all pretty well."

  Reddy's roster is not deep -- he chose to keep just 10 players -- but it is stuffed with talent that blankets all phases of the game.

  "I've learned a lot from Brian (Samulski), and he's always kept smaller teams," Reddy said. "The chemistry is usually better with smaller teams and the players are better conditioned. The only problem is if we have a couple of players missing and we're down to seven or eight kids."

  What will be the Chiefs' trademark this winter?

  "I hope it's what we've been emphasizing, which is defending, rebounding and being able to pass and catch the ball," Reddy said. "If we do this stuff, we have a chance to win a lot of games."

  The Chiefs' catalyst this season will be junior Dietrich Lever II, a 5-foot-10 point guard who is quicker than a lightning bug on Red Bull.

  "He's a great ball-handler, a great passer and he can attack the paint and get into the lane," Reddy said. "He can score at the rim and he does a great job of creating shots for his teammates."

  Lever's starting back-court running mate will be 5-8 senior Yuseff Bazzy, an accomplished soccer player who saw considerable time on the court as a junior.

  "The reason why Yuseff is starting is because we're a lot better when he's in the game," said Reddy. "When he's not in the game, we're not as organized, not as effective."

  Starting at small forward for Canton will be 6-2 senior Brandon Duffey, a high-rising, slashing type of player who gives opponents fits at both ends of the court.

  "Brandon has worked really hard to improve his shooting," Reddy emphasized. "Two years ago, his shot was a mess, but he's come a long way. Defensively, he'll guard the other team's best perimeter player. He gets after it."

  The Chiefs' fourth starter is sophomore center Paul Baumgart, a 6-6 athletic space-eater.

  "Paul is big, athletic and he has good hands," said Reddy. "He can block shots and score around the rim."

  The final starting spot is still up in the air, Reddy revealed.

  "We haven't really decided on a '4' yet, but we have two guys -- Kai Walther and Kevin Weisz -- who will play a lot," Reddy said. "Kevin can shoot the ball from anywhere -- he's our best shooter. And Kai sets great screens. He gets people open shots."

  Reddy said the seventh through 10th players on the roster -- Kyle Adams (6-0 sophomore guard), Alec Martin (6-2 senior guard), Hayatt Ali (6-2 senior forward) and Ben Spreitzer (6-4 junior forward) are expected to make significant contributions throughout the season.

  "Other than Kevin, Alec is is probably our best shooter," said Reddy. "Kyle has probably been the biggest surprise. He played with us this summer, but we weren't sure if we were going to bring him up or not. But we took a long, hard look at him during tryouts and played really well.

  "Hayatt actually got cut last year as a junior, but the reason he made it this year because even when he's not executing perfectly, he's always working hard and playing his tail off.

  "Ben is a lot like Kevin in that he's an inside/outside player with long arms."

  Reddy will be assisted by Dan Colligan, Neil Sharma and Deverone Jackson.

  The Chiefs open the season Tuesday at Dearborn Heights Crestwood. The opening tip is set for 7 p.m.
 
  Ed Wright can be reached at (734) 453-1980 or [email protected].