Spadaford Looks to Lead Cyclones to Post-Season Glory

junior Ryan Spadaford won't stop.

Even as the undefeated Cyclones leading scorer and rebounder — he averages 17 points and nine rebounds a game — the junior wants more, and his drive to succeed is fueled by the hopes of hoisting a county championship trophy at the end of the season. 

"I want to be conference play of the year," he said. "And of course, I want to win a county championship for coach."

The South Side junior is dedicated to his craft, which is evident by his play on the court. His interior post moves, eye for rebounding and quick release jump shot are a product of not just practice, but his commitment to being the best. Spadaford said he trains in the weight room three times a week, and also works with two personal basketball trainers throughout the season to help with his skill sets, ball-handling ability and jumper. 

"I just want to get to the next level," he said.

That next level, ideally, would be the University of Syracuse for Spadaford. Though he may not be tall enough to play in the front court of a Division I basketball program, Spadaford has the drive and ability to play competitive college hoops. "I like to play guard," the forward said.  "It's probably the only spot I could play in college."

Spadaford began playing basketball at a young age, and he credits his father with teaching him a lot of the fundamentals. "My dad had a lot to do with it," he said of how he came to learn the game. "We started pretty young. We practiced in the backyard all the time. We both had a love for the game."

Asked what he considers his best trait, it was no surprise that he pointed to his leadership qualities. Spadaford sets the tone for South Side every game with his intense but focused demeanor — playing as if each game were his last. "When the team is down, I'm always trying to pick us up," he said.

His coach, Gerry D'Angelo, said Spadaford's competitiveness makes him a perfect leader. "He's just a fighter," he said. "He doesn't like to lose. He makes it hard for teammates not to give 100 percent. He hits the boards, can guard anyone. He's our horse."

Even as the team's leader and go-to scorer, Spadaford knows he has room for improvement, and he's ready to make those changes. "I need a quicker shot release and to get to the hoop more fluently," he said. "I got to keep working hard. It will pay off in the end."