SPRINGDALE SENIOR ONE OF AREA’S BEST
For most of the first three years of his high school career, Springdale’s Demitri Fritch was one of the WPIAL’s best-kept secrets.
A 6-foot-4 point guard with the ability to shoot, rebound and defend at an extremely high level, Fritch earned all-section honors as a sophomore before taking his game to the next level as a junior. Fritch helped the Dynamos to a 20-win season in 2019-20 while averaging 23 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists per game.
Now going into his senior year as one of the most heralded prospects in the WPIAL, it’s safe to say the secret is out.
“I don’t think he’s slept on anymore. People definitely know about him now,” said Springdale coach Aaron Epps. “He isn’t going to creep up on them this year.”
Being aware of Fritch’s many talents is one thing, but devising a plan to stop him will likely be one of the most challenging tasks opposing coaches are faced with this season.
“The one thing that makes him very good is he can play all five positions and guard all five positions, because he’s our tallest guy,” Epps said. “That’s
what makes him special, to be honest with you. He does a little bit of everything.”
As a freshman, Fritch was only 5-foot-11, and he typically didn’t do much other than look to pass after bringing the ball up the court. He then grew to about 6-foot-1 as a sophomore and took on a much larger role in the offense, averaging 16 points per game in Epps’ first year as coach.
The Dynamos made back-to-back postseason appearances in 2018 and 2019 and even won a first-round playoff game in 2018, but they still weren’t viewed as a program that was on the cusp of being a title contender. That all changed last season, though.
Springdale finished 13-1 in section play and earned its first section title in 27 years, sharing the Class 2A Section 1 title with Sto-Rox. And with everybody returning from last year’s roster and Fritch leading the way, expectations will be higher than they’ve ever been for the Dynamos.
“I feel like I still have a lot to prove,” Fritch said. “I had a decent season last year, but there’s still a lot of room for improvement. I definitely think I’m still kind of a sleeper, but I’m hoping this year I can change that.”
Fritch’s breakout performance was a big reason for the Springdale’s success, although the season didn’t end the way the Dynamos had hoped.
“We’re upset about last year. We’re not satisfied, that’s for sure,” Epps said.
Fritch began receiving interest from several Division II schools last season, but like many top high school athletes, his recruitment fizzled out a bit during the COVID-19 pandemic. Securing a scholarship offer is more difficult than ever, but Epps remains confident that Fritch will find a home by performing the way he’s capable of this season.
“When you’re good enough, they find you,” Epps said. “Somebody will give him a scholarship. I have no question about that.”
Epps is determined to help Fritch get to the next level, but first, they’re both determined to finish what they started last season. In order to repeat as section champions, Springdale will need to knock off two-time defending WPIAL champion Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, which moved into Section 1 for the upcoming two-year cycle.
“We haven’t planned for them yet, but it comes down to our game plan,” Fritch said. “That should be a show to watch.”