MISSION BOYS BBALL PREVIEW: FIGHT IN THE DOG

If there seems to be one idea new head coach Patrick Irvin is

hoping to instill in his Mission Bulldogs team, it's that if you

show up and compete at practice, you'll see the results come game

time. With the season finally here, Irvin has seen a lot to like

thus far.

If there seems to be one idea new head coach Patrick Irvin is hoping to instill in his Mission Bulldogs team, it's that if you show up and compete at practice, you'll see the results come game time. With the season finally here, Irvin has seen a lot to like thus far.

"One thing we're hoping to accomplish this season is that we need to get better every day, every practice and practice will be reflected in our games," Irvin said. "We'll grow as a team and become a solid nucleus and that team concept will show in our games."

Irvin, in his first season with Mission, has a lot to like about the team he's inherited, as the Bulldogs have a lot of skill, yet just as much room to grow.

"We've got good returning players with solid experience and new players with potential," Irvin said. "There are guys from last year that played significant minutes who will need to step up and be leaders," Irvin added. "We'll also need the new guys to play roles."

But it takes more than simply experience to do well. Teams need to fight for wins, especially against the tough teams in this area. Fortunately, Irvin has seen that quality from Mission as well.

"The kids have a hard work ethic and they want to learn," Irvin said.

On the court, the Bulldogs' biggest asset is their balance. They won't have to look toward one star player to take over games, rather they'll have five guys on the floor with the potential to do damage to an opponent.

"We have guys with size, athletic ability and good skill sets," Irvin said. "Seven or eight guys can be significant contributors. We'll have a different leading scorer every night and we'll need that."

The make-or-break aspect for the Bulldogs might just be their killer instinct. If they can take the fight to an opponent, they have a better chance of securing victories.

"If we get to a competitively aggressive level, we'll win games," Irvin said.

Mission split a pair of games in Three Forks to start the season and look to build on that in upcoming games against Deer Lodge and Florence this week.