Xavier Allen (24) dribbles down the court in a game earlier this season against Holton.
File photoREED CITY – Xavier Allen continues to establish himself as one of the area’s most talented three-sport athletes in his senior season at Reed City.
The Coyotes will be hosting Manistee on Tuesday in nonleague action as first-year coach Brennan Walsh and his boys basketball team bid to improve on a 7-6 overall record. In the CSAA, Reed City is 4-2.
In a recent game against Newaygo, Allen had 18 points, 10 rebounds and five assists.
“He has the ability to put the team on his shoulders and take a game over, but is also unselfish and is a play maker for his teammates,” Allen said. “He is versatile, plays from the post, can run the point, and shoots it well from the outside. Defensively he can match up with just about anyone, he's strong and athletic.
“Between football, baseball and basketball he's a heck of an athlete and has had a lot of success. Xavier knows what it takes to win and has shown me good work ethic. He is respectful and willingly accepts my criticisms and instructions. “
By the holiday break, Allen was optimistic of the team’s potential.
“We want to get out on a run and we want to have a fun year,” he said.
Various injuries have left the Coyotes shorthanded. They recently were able to return Max Hammond to the lineup.
“That’s probably the biggest issue,” he said. “We haven’t really been together. I think it will work out.”
This marks Allen’s fourth year on the varsity.
“My freshman year, I was a ball handler, kind of like now,” he said. “My sophomore and junior season, I was one of the bigs. Now I kind of go big and play guard too.”
His ability to drive to the basket remains his No. 1 strength, Allen indicated.
“I want to improve on probably shooting the ball more,” he said. “My best shot is probably any kind of right-handed layups.”
