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Falcons Shoot For Strong 2008-09 Campaign

The Fitchburg State men's basketball team is ready to begin its 2008-09 campaign under three-year head coach Derek Shell.  After a solid 2007-08 season, which feature the Falcons with a 16-10 record and a trip to the ECAC Tournament, Fitchburg State looks to become one of the elite teams in the MASCAC.

With eight returning players, two-transfer students and four newcomers, Fitchburg State has a solid nucleus for a very competitive season.  "We have three senior captains leading the way this season," said head coach Derek Shell. "With their leadership and the addition some new key players, our team is ready to compete in the highly competitive MASCAC Conference."

THE TEAM 

Leading the Fitchburg State offensive attack will be senior captain Brian Torres (North Dighton, Mass./Dighton-Rehoboth). Torres returns as the Falcons leading scoring from 2007, reaching the 1,000 point mark with a strong 2007-08 season. Torres averaged 17.5 points per game, shooting 45% from the field with 126 rebounds and 28 steals. Torres, a 2007-08 MASCAC All-Conference first team member, was also solid from three point range, converting 37% of his shots from beyond the arc.

Joining Torres on the Falcons offense will be fellow captains Jeffrey Kozik (Auburn, Mass./Auburn) and Brian Skiffington (North Adams, Mass./Hoosac Valley). Skiffington will man the point for the Falcons this season, while Kozik will fill the two position. Last season, Kozik ranked third on the team in scoring with 9.8 ppg, while Skiffington tallied 8.3 ppg, to go with 49 assists and 24 steals.

Junior Tim Graham (Arlington, Mass./Arlington Catholic) will control the paint for Fitchburg State, coming off an impressive sophomore season where he totaled 11.4 ppg, 125 rebounds and seven blocks.  The 6'-6" center appeared in all 26 games for the Falcons, hitting 104-of-207 shots from the field (50.2%) . Aiding Graham inside the paint will be sophomore Joshua McDonald (Leominster, Mass./Leominster). McDonald saw limited action in 26 games for the Falcons, totaling 69 points and nine blocks.

SCHEDULE

The 2008-09 schedule looks to be very competitive for Fitchburg State, in the always fierce MASCAC Conference. The Falcons have a balanced schedule with 11 home contests and 11 away matches. The true test for the Falcons will be its last five contests of the season, as they battle Bridgewater State, Worcester State, Salem State, MCLA and Westfield State, all MASCAC opponents in the final stretch.