By Jim Clark
FITCHBURG -- The starters for the Fitchburg High boy's basketball team actually may have had the least amout of playing time Friday night at the Academy Street Brickyard. The night started with a triple-overtime junior varsity thriller and ended with some raucous moments form " Welch's Team.." But in between the Red Raider regulars found enought time to set the tone for a 98-49 rout of Wachusett Regional.
"The first half was the best half we've played all year," said Fitchburg coach Doug Grutchfield.
Wachusett (2-13) hung around for a while, staying to within nine points until the Raiders went on a rediculous spurt. They scored 21 straight points to open up a 47-19 halftime lead, and then tacked on another 11-0 run to start the second half. Seniors Dan Schneider, Tito Morales, and Ray Gonzales all finished with 14 points before retiring for the night with 13 minutes to play. Everyone else got into the action during a tremendous display of teamwork.
It was 26-17 after a Chris Ethier trey with 6:17 left in the half, when the Raiders (13-0) took off. Morales had a tremendous all-around performance with 8 rebunds, 3 assists, and 3 steals, while Schneider also pulled down 8 boards. Even when the play got a little ragged, Fitchburg turned sloppy into spectacular with hustle. Jon Gauvin saved a loose ball and fed Schneider in the low post, and Josue Negron prevented a turnover to set up a Gonzales jumper. Gonzales then finished a brilliant fast break, taking the long pass from Kevin Keenana and bouncing it to Morales for the layup and three-point play.
"We had intensity, good offense and good defense, we passed the ball well," Grudtchbield said. "It was one of those nights."
The reserves saw plenty of action and continued the entertainment with more solid team play. Junior Andy Vautour and freshman Keith Leavitt showed glimpses of promise for the future, while Kirk Larkin (11 points), Pat Lamey (8 rebounds), Andy Catalfamo (7 points), Ryan Welch, and Aidan Davin all had their moments to shine.
"This gave all those kids a chance to play," Grutchbield said.