For Fitch boys, it’s ‘Believe’

First-year head coach Jason Baker inherited a 3-18 team from a season ago, but the former Heath High School head mentor fully believes that if his players start to believe they can win, then his Falcons should make some noise this season.

Three letterwinners — seniors DeAndre Richardson (guard) and Terry Terrigno (forward) and junior Shane Stevens (forward) form the nucleus Baker will depend on. Three others, all guards (senior Jawhuan Pete; junior Ty Underwood and sophomore Will Mahone) will battle for a starting assignment.

“Our schedule is as tough as any Austintown Fitch schedule over the years. We have the players who can compete, but they must realize that they will need to weather any storms over the course of the season, handle adversity and stay positive and focused.

“We must remain mentally tough while our junior varsity program will also be a key as they continue to be a feeder system to the varsity during this rebuilding process,” Baker said.

A homecoming for Fitch girls coach

First-year Falcons head coach Stacie Cepin is excited to be back in the area after teaching and coaching in Shelbyville, In.

The all-time leading scorer in Campbell Memorial girl’s basketball history knows all about dedication and effort — two key ingredients in making a player a little better and a program solid from top to bottom.

“I am elated to be back in the area because the Mahoning Valley is an area where some of the best boys and girls basketball in the state is played,” she said.

With a challenging Federal League schedule, she noted that in order to be playing your best at tournament time, then you had better be playing the best during the regular season.

“The Federal League is a tough league as all teams have excellent programs, are well-coached and are state-tournament tested. We want to be a part of that success as well,” Cepin stated.

Two starters from a season ago, junior forward Mariah Snowden and junior guard Marissa Mattozzi return to the fold. Cepin will be counting on the leadership of four seniors throughout the campaign as well.

Those seniors include guard Byanca Henderson, forward TeAnne Smith, forward Stephanie Berdis and guard Torrie Emanuel.