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48 °F Forecast | Road Cams Thursday, January 27, 2005 Today's News | Classifieds | Autos | Homes | Jobs | Tempo | Health | Community | Home Delivery SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics Tempo AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map SPECIAL SECTIONS Since We Asked Outdoor Journal Menu Guide How To Guide Wellness Connection Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Real Estate Guide Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Wedding Guide Passport to the Rogue Valley EXTRA Newspaper in Education Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People Volunteer Opportunities Moving to Southern Oregon? MARKETPLACE Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Classifieds Place an ad eSouthernOregon Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar CUSTOMER SERVICE Frequent Questions Advertising Information Home Delivery Employment Contact Us Media Kit Network Affiliate Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend December 23, 2004 St. Mary�s post Garrett Fiddler has helped lead the Crusaders to a 10-1 record and the No. 1 ranking in the Class 2A ranks this season. Mail Tribune / Roy Musitelli Towering presence St. Mary’s sophomore post Garrett Fiddler has led the Crusaders to the top of the Class 2A pack By KEVIN GOFF Mail Tribune Garrett Fiddler doesn’t look up to too many people. At 6-foot-8, the sophomore has used his towering, physical presence on the basketball court, mixed with a blossoming repertoire of skills, to become one of the state’s premier post players. With Fiddler roaming the middle, the St. Mary’s boys basketball team is also looking down on the competition after recently leap-frogging into the Class 2A state’s top ranking. "If you pack it in on Garrett, then we have shooters who can knock down shots from the outside," says first-year coach Rick Jackson. "Then that opens it up for Garrett inside again. Advertisement "You have to really pick your poison when you play us." Fiddler packs the most venom, both offensively and defensively. Against then top-ranked Regis last Saturday, Fiddler poured in 11 points, snatched up 12 rebounds and blocked six shots during the 49-47 victory that catapulted St. Mary’s to the top spot. It wasn’t so much his offensive output that had the Crusaders leading by double digits during parts of the game against the defending state champions. It was his defensive effort that paid the most dividends, limiting returning 2A player of the year Blake Muscardin to 10 points — none in the fourth quarter. "We had some concerns going in to the game about Garrett guarding (Muscardin)," says Jackson. "Muscardin is a little quicker. But Garrett really impressed me with his competitiveness. "(Muscardin) made only three field goals, and I’d say four of Garrett’s six blocks were against him. That’s not even including all the hurried and forced shots Garrett was forcing." The Crusaders’ nonconference slate has been brutal. Not including the matchup with Regis, St. Mary’s has played and beaten sixth-ranked Oakland and Class 3A opponents Phoenix and Illinois Valley. The lone loss in 11 games came against a feisty Yoncalla squad, 43-39, on the road. "I think our tough games in the preseason felt like playoff games," says Fiddler. "We’ll probably be playing teams like that in the state tournament so it helps us get ready and remind us of what we did last year." Jackson knew coming into the season his team was stacked with young talent. The Crusaders returned all-Southern Cascade League first teamer Austin Grant (junior guard), Fiddler (second team) and Richie Kaimie (third team guard) from a contingent that took third at state. "We have a lot of talented guys," gushes Jackson. "It really starts with Garrett. He’s a very difficult matchup." Fiddler’s skill level has progressed rapidly from last season. Besides his imposing presence on the defensive end, Fiddler can stretch opposing defenders out to about 15 feet with an improving jump shot, and has developed a soft touch with the left hand around the basket. He can finesse or bang in the post, although Jackson and Fiddler both agree the Crusader center seems to step his game up when the physicality level rises. "I don’t know if I necessarily like it more when it gets more physical," says Fiddler, "but I think I can adjust my game to whatever is being called out there. "I’m a little more experienced and am used to the contact this year." Fiddler’s older brother, Michael, was a two-time SCL player of the year and first-team all-state competitor while playing for St. Mary’s two seasons ago. He now plays for Division III Wheaton College in Illinois. Garrett Fiddler, who stands about two inches taller than his brother and is more of a true post player, frequently looks to his sibling for basketball advice. "He really helps me because he’s played through high school and college," says Garrett Fiddler, whose 13-year-old sister Kendra also plays basketball. "He knows what it’s like. "Plus, I know if one of my moves works on him, then it’s probably going to work on anyone I play against." Michael Fiddler played for some highly-ranked Crusader squads during his four-year run with St. Mary’s. Garrett Fiddler and his Crusader team are still learning what it’s like to play with a bull’s eye on their back. "I think we’re excited," says Fiddler of his team’s lofty expectations. "I don’t know if (being ranked No. 1) will make that much of a difference. We still have to go out and play like we don’t think we’re better than the other team just because we’re ranked higher. "But I think we’re ready for that challenge." Reach reporter Kevin Goff at 776-4483 or e-mail [email protected] . Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2005 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback ADVERTISERS A D V E R T I S E R S SPECIAL SECTIONS Auto Finder Job Finder Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Since We Asked Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Opportunities Student Loan Consolidation Conference Calls - $50/Month Home Security Systems Trunks, Footlocker, Trunk, Footlockers