Fruitland boys basketball team reloads for title run
Inexperience biggest hurdle for defending champs

By Scott Ford
Argus Observer
Monday, December 1, 2008 10:04 AM PST

Argus Observer file photo Fruitland’s Devin Decroo (1) takes the ball to the hoop during the 2007-2008 Idaho 3A state championship game against Kimberly. Decroo along with two other returning varsity players will have to lead the Grizzlies this year on its quest for another title.

Fruitland—The Fruitland Grizzlies boys basketball team are ready to hit the court running despite losing 10 members from its championship team. Even with that inexperience, the Griz will begin the 2008-2009 campaign ranked atop the 3A Idaho polls.

With the top ranking in the state, the pressure is on for the Grizzlies to repeat last year’s performance.

“Our expectations from year-to-year vary, but as the season unfolds you get a clearer idea of what you can do as a team,” Fruitland head coach Mike Fitch said. “I think all teams begin the season with the same goals of winning conference championship, district championships and state championships.”

The coach added the team’s goals are based more on success, and the success of the team will change from year-to-year depending on what the team has for personal.

“Our version of success is not measured by championships, but rather by the output of the team,” Fitch said.

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This year the Grizzlies return three varsity players in Ty Pena, Devin Decroo and Matt Stanger, and Fitch will fill the remaining roster spots with what he said is a very talented group of athletes coming up from the junior varsity ranks.

“We are inexperienced, but we are not lacking in talent, effort or attitude,” Fitch said. “Our success will hinge on the transition these kids will make from JV to varsity ball.”

Even with the lack of experience, on this year’s team, Fitch said the offensive and defensive plans will not change at Fruitland. He said the offense is a very open offense which is player driven.

“We will give them the fundamentals, but we want them to make the decisions on the court,” Fitch said. “We will tweak the offense to our strengths, and on  defense we will play a tough defense, mixing in man-to-man and zone looks. I do not think there is any defense out there that is out of our realm.”

Fitch likes the schedule his team will play in the 2008-2009 season with match ups against Baker, and La Grande as well as games against Columbia, Burley and Melba for the non conference portion of the schedule.

“We are extremely fortunate to play games against Baker and La Grande,” Fitch said. “It is good for us to play up.”

The matchup against La Grande are key games for the Grizzlies, who have not fared very well against.

“In the past eight season against La Grande, I think we have only beaten them once,” Fitch said. “They have our number. But these games are important to us because it is a real measuring stick to our program for where we are at.”

 Fruitland will open its season Tuesday against La Grande. The game has been moved up from its original Friday date.

Tip off for the defending state champions is slated for 7:30 p.m. in Fruitland.