Opening game is a tribute to Matt Fitton

Brockport High School's 2003-2004 basketball season tips off Friday, November 28. This year's opener will feature a special tribute to Matt Fitton. Matt participated in Brockport's basketball programs from third grade until his graduation in 2001.

"Watching him grow up was a joy," said Coach Charles Hage. "He had such a love for the game, and a love for people. His high energy and enthusiasm was infectious. We all have memories of the great games he played; he won a couple of key games for us with last-second baskets. Matt was an exceptional player, tall and strong at 6-6, and a good passer for a big man. He would have been a junior at SUNY Brockport this year, and he had planned to go out for the team. But Matt's abilities went far beyond the basketball court. He was an excellent student as well, and a talented musician. Matt worked at Wegmans, and he was a friend to all, always cheerful, always smiling, always helpful and caring."

"He had that special personality," continued Coach Hage, "that made people feel good. He was loved by a lot of people." Matt died last August in a tragic auto accident.

The opening game is dedicated to Matt's memory. A memorial plaque will be placed in the gym foyer. "It will be a lasting tribute to Matt," said Brockport Athletic Director Chris Bourne. "He was a really great kid."

Game time (JV) is 6 p.m. The dedication will start at 7:15 p.m. The opening opponent, Lancaster, is a strong team from the Buffalo area. "We will dedicate this game to a young man who was much loved, and who made us all very proud," said Coach Hage.

Brockport returns two starters from last year. Matt Ward is a strong 6-3 senior who will be counted on to clear the boards. 6-3 junior Tyler Mutton is a third year starter, a pure shooter who will need to go hard to the basket. Anthony Rogers is a 5-11 junior who came on strong in the last half of the season. Rogers is a very quick guard who can slash to the basket and also sear the nets from outside. The trio are tri-captains on this year's team. Seniors Mo Powell, Jermaine Martin, Josh Russell and Ryan Shannon provide depth. 6-4 junior Norm Manuel and 6-6 junior Matt Nauerth give the Blue Devils some size up front. Juniors Geoff Smith, Scott Pelin and Tito Blocker are also versatile players.