Pirates return full deck

POLSON - The Polson Pirates snuck up on some people last year.

This season, they're going to run them up and down the court.

POLSON - The Polson Pirates snuck up on some people last year. This season, they're going to run them up and down the court.

"We're up and down the floor, we take early shorts," head coach Brad Pluff said. "We'll be fun to watch."

The Pirates finished 14-10 last season after a few key players missed the first part of the year, but caught fire in the latter part to clinch a trip to the state tournament for the first time since 2006. They took second place, and played in the title game for the first time since 1998. That means there are high expectations going into this season with so much returning talent.

"The expectations are high not from the just the kids but from everybody," Pluff said. "Our first goal is to win a conference championship and then the divisional championship."

Polson hasn't won a divisional championship in over 20 years, but they have made it to the ultimate goal of the state tournament and won a few.

"Once you get to the state tournament, anything can happen," Pluff said.

Returning will be senior guard/forward Kyle Bagnell, who received all-state honors last season and recently signed a letter of intent to play baseball at Oklahoma State University. Bagnell led the conference last year in three-point shooting, combined field goals, overall scoring and steals.

Senior Louis Mohr will be back after winning the state tournament MVP award last season. His 6'4" frame and athleticism will be hard to stop, and should open up other options for his teammates. All-conference junior guard Vince DiGiallonardo was fantastic to watch on the football field this season and should be just as spectacular indoors. He'll play quarterback on the hardwood as his passing skills allowed him to be second in the conference in assists last season. Opponents will also have to be wary of his three-point shooting. The Pirates will get plenty of rebounding from junior post Tyler Krell, who's no stranger to getting double doubles and earned all-conference honors last season.

Senior Sheldon Fisher should round out the five-man starting rotation with his great defense and sharp-shooting ability.

With four of the five players recently wrapping up a successful football season where the team advanced to the second round of the playoffs, there's no worries about how competitive these guys are.

"That's a trait they all have," Pluff said. "You can't coach that."

The team motto last year was "find a way to win" and with their talent, they should be able to find several ways.

The bench for the Pirates got lots of experience early in the season last year, so they won't be strangers to varsity action.

"They're young and we'll see how they do," Pluff said. "I'm looking forward to it."

The big opponent for the Pirates will be Columbia Falls, who beat them in the championship game of the divisional tournament last season.

"Columbia Falls is going to be the team to beat," Pluff said. "They always are."

Polson finished second in the conference last season, and will also have to contend with a talented Ronan squad that has state tournament aspirations this year, their last in Class A. So make sure you're ready for this season because it's going to be fast and furious.