REED CITY — Schuyler Smith is among the juniors who came up with some key contributions for the Reed City Coyotes during the 2014-15 boys basketball season and is looking to make huge strides as he prepares for his senior campaign.

He’s had some key games for the Coyotes including a win at Big Rapids when he made some key plays. Smith had his best game in the regular-season finale against Manistee with 14 points, including 11 in the first half.

It’s his first varsity season.

The transition to varsity, “was a little hard,” Smith said. “Halfway through the season, I started understanding my role on the team. Then it got (easier).”

His role has been “coming off the bench and being strong,” Smith said.

Rebounding has become a huge part of his game, he added. “I’ve become a lot better big man,” Smith said.

At 6-3, he’s been among the bigger players on the team.

The Coyotes entered the postseason at 12-8, defeated Chippewa Hills and Big Rapids for the district title and lost to Cadillac 53-50 last week in the regional.

Late in the season, the Coyotes “had been playing better than when we started. Over the season, we’ve been improving a lot.

“At the beginning of the season, our goal was district. We wouldn’t settle for anything else.”