By Matt King
Canisius High School is one of the superpowers in boys basketball in Western New York. For years the Crusaders have dominated with many players that move on to the next level.
The team is led by Coach Kyle Husband who was the recipient of Class A Coach of the Year award last year for leading the Canisius team to their first State Championship as well as a Federation Cup Title. Last year, the Crusaders had three players make either first, second, or third team All-WNY. Senior LaTerrence Reed made first team and senior Josh Huffman made third team.
Along with the two seniors, junior forward Stafford Trueheart was awarded first team All-WNY.
With the departure of Reed and Huffman, it’s up to Stafford to lead the Crusaders to another successful season.
Stafford Trueheart is a matchup nightmare for opposing teams. Trueheart is a 6-foot-7 forward who is able to do it all.
While talking to Coach Husband, a question was asked about what Stafford brings to the team and Husband responded, “He’s bringing me everything. Defensively he’ll be the backline, you know blocking shots and making it tough for people to get to the rim. Really offensively, everything is going to go through him. He really has to be the centerpiece on both ends of the floor.”
Coach Husband went on to describe how Stafford is a defensive wall and how he makes it extremely hard for opposing teams to get to the basket.
On the offensive side, Husband says, “A lot of what we are going to do is going to go through him. He’s really good at making the extra pass out of the post.”
During his sophomore year, Stafford averaged 13 points a game as well as 10 rebounds a game and his scoring production went up to 16.5 points per game in his junior year. There is no doubt that the Canisius game will run through the third year varsity big man.
Not only is Stafford an elite player, but he’s the leader of this Crusaders team.
When Coach Husband was asked how Stafford has shown leadership, he responded, “We saw it last year in glimpses, and this year we need him to take it to another level. He certainly leads by example, and this year he’s become even more and more vocal.”
Stafford was asked what he thinks he brings to the table to help make the Crusaders have a successful season and he immediately responded, “Leadership for one thing. I think that’s one of the most important things because when we’re down we just need to stick together and not fall apart.”
Some players when asked what they bring to a team would say scoring or other individual stats, however Stafford responded with leadership. This shows an understanding of how much of a team sport basketball really is. Not only does Coach Husband see the leadership qualities Stafford possesses, but his teammates see it too.
Senior guard Will Atkinson said, “I think he brings a bunch of leadership being on the varsity team a few years and a bunch of skill obviously.”
Stafford Trueheart has proven that he can be the centerpiece of this Canisius team. He is excited to try and lead the team to another State Championship.
As for next year, Stafford isn’t 100% sure what he’s going to do but he does want to play at the collegiate level. Trueheart said, “Of course I want to play at the next level, it’s been my goal since I first picked up a basketball. As of right now I’m not sure, I have options but right now I’m focused on this season.”
Stafford and the Crusaders open their season with a game against Nazareth (Brooklyn) at home on Friday, Dec, 11 at 4:30 p.m
WNY high school hoops 15-16 