Coach Reggie Morris Jr. Aims to Unite Redondo Union with His Bow Ties
Bow Ties Signal Playoff Season for Redondo Union’s Coach Reggie Morris Jr.
As playoff season approaches, Redondo Union basketball coach Reggie Morris Jr. is set to don his signature bow ties, a tradition that marks the commencement of this pivotal time in the sport. With an impressive record of 25 wins and three losses, the Sea Hawks are poised for a significant playoff run.
“It means time to dress the part, time to win,” Morris remarked, reflecting his team’s readiness and competitive spirit.
Morris Jr., son of City Section Hall of Fame coach Reggie Morris Sr., has a distinguished coaching career. He has garnered Southern Section titles at Redondo, Leuzinger, and St. Bernard, as well as a City Section title at Fairfax. Notably, he also led Redondo to a state title.
The Sea Hawks are currently seeded No. 3 in the Southern Section Open Division playoffs, trailing only top-seeded Sierra Canyon, which boasts a record of 22-1. Both teams share a commitment to pressure defense, athleticism, and raw talent, setting the stage for a potentially thrilling match if they cross paths.
“They have great personnel, a great coach,” said Morris, expressing his respect for Sierra Canyon’s program and their coach, Andre Chevalier, with whom he shares a City Section background.
Last season, Redondo faced Sierra Canyon in two closely contested games, narrowly losing both: one in overtime with a score of 69-66 during the Southern Section playoffs and another by 74-68 in the regional semifinals. Reflecting on those experiences, Morris noted, “Last year’s experience has helped us tremendously. The level of intensity, the talent, the attention to detail — they’ve applied that all season long. We have a lot of lessons to pull from.”
Redondo’s senior trio, consisting of SJ Madison, Devin Wright, and Chace Holley, is crucial to the team’s success. Competing in the Open Division demands a singular focus; each game is an opportunity where victory or defeat can hinge upon the slightest margin. The Sea Hawks will begin pool play on Wednesday at home against Etiwanda.
“This year I feel anybody can be beaten,” Morris asserted. “We can beat anyone and they can beat us.”
While the Sea Hawks dominated the Bay League championship with relative ease, they faced tough opponents during the nonleague segment of their schedule. Notable victories include two wins against Crestview League champion Crean Lutheran, the top seed in Division 1, as well as triumphs over Arizona heavyweights Phoenix Sunnyslope, Sherman Oaks Notre Dame, Crespi, and Damien.
“We’ve played the most teams in the top 15 in Southern California,” Morris stated. “We’re confident we can play with anybody. We’re battle-tested. We feel we can make noise.”
Even as Sierra Canyon and Redondo have been regarded as Southern California’s premier teams for months, current computer rankings place Santa Margarita as the No. 2 seed. The prevailing expectation is that either Redondo or Sierra Canyon will reach the Open Division championship game, scheduled for the last weekend in February at the Toyota Arena in Ontario.
For insight on how the Sea Hawks are faring this playoff season, all eyes will be on Morris and his array of bow ties. When asked about his color choice for game day, he humorously replied, “Game time decision.”
