Vista Murrieta's Roldan a Positive Force on Court

The Roldan family made a big sacrifice several years ago, selling their home and moving so that son Garrett could attend Vista Murrieta High School.

This season, Frank Roldan and wife Allison may need to split up at times to watch daughter Taylor-Rose play as freshman starting point guard for the Murrieta Mesa Lady Rams, and senior Garrett as the starting point guard for the Broncos.

Garrett has played organized basketball since he was 5. He has always tended to play "up" with the older kids. At 5 foot 9 inches tall, there are times when the majority of teammates and his competition are taller than he is—but that doesn’t stop this young man from having great court “vision” and using intelligent ball-handling skills.

Garrett played Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) basketball beginning at age 9. He traveled the U.S. monthly with his travel team QUICKSHOT LA. At age 12, Garrett’s team finished in sixth place in a national tournament.

Upon arriving at Vista Murrieta, Garrett played junior varsity both as a freshman and sophomore, landing on varsity as a junior.

With his senior year now underway, the Broncos are 2-3 early in the season as of Dec. 14.

Broncos head coach Andy Rucker, is happy to have several quality players, including Garrett. Of the strengths Garrett brings to the team, Rucker said he has the “ability to see the floor and shoot the ball.”

“He has spent countless hours in the gym playing games and simply just working on his skills and it has paid off for him,” Rucker said.

Last season, the Broncos were 16-11 and tied for third place at 6-4 in Southwestern League.

Teammate and junior forward Jeremy Zorotovich said Garrett "is very good finding the open man and seeing people when they are open."

"[He is] kind of like a spark when he makes a good pass, it gets the team fired up and we just kind of build on that,” Jeremy said.

Teammate and senior forward/guard Davin Guinn praised Garrett’s unselfish play.

“It's good to have a guy on the court that likes to set his teammates up first rather than take the shot first,” Davin said. “Every team needs guys like that in order to be successful."

Jamie Nunley, the Broncos only freshman on varsity, appreciates the help he receives from Garrett in getting used to the program.

“He is always in an enthusiastic mood at practices,” Jamie said. “He is positive no matter what the circumstances are."

Davin agreed.

"[He] looks at what our team does well rather than constantly focusing on what we do wrong,” Davin said.

Coach Rucker gave due credit to Allison and Frank, as they instilled this attitude in their son early on by being both "very big supporters of our school and program even before Garrett got to Vista Murrieta."

Garrett and his teammates are excited about this season and hope to really surprise some people.

Next up for the Broncos is the Palm Springs Tournament, Dec. 20-23, when they first face the Blackhawks of La Quinta High School on Dec. 20.

Player Q & A:

Which teammates do you look up to?

"Davin Guinn and Jordan Perry because they always come with their competitive spirit and always work hard."

What part of your game do feel has improved the most during your time at VM? 

“My court vision and basketball IQ”

What gets you motivated before a game? 

“Just listening to music and imagining the crowd I'll be playing in front of.”

Who is your inspiration? 

“My grandmas (who) both passed away from breast cancer (Beverly Burns and Rosa Roldan).”

If you could play one on one against one player, alive or dead, who would it be? 

“Chris Paul, because I try to model my game after his.”

Who is/are your sports hero(es)? 

“John Wall, Chris Paul, Lebron James”

What's your favorite pro team? 

“The Miami Heat”

What would you still like to achieve? 

“Making school history by winning a playoff game and go deep into CIF playoffs”

High school GPA?  “3.3”

Favorite pastime? (What do you like to do during the season when you're not playing basketball or studying?) 

“Hang out with friends, relax and just be a teenager”

How do you unwind in the off season? 

“I reflect how I did that season and watch game film and then work on what I need to for the next season”

What do you like to eat to fuel up?  “Drink water...and eat chicken before games”

Favorite movie:  “Freedom Writers”

Favorite TV show:  “Tosh.0”

What is your pre-game playlist?  “Drake “

Last season’s stats (per maxpreps.com):

5.9 points per game

3.3 assists per game

1.1 rebounds per game

1.3 steals per game

159 total points scored

Season game high: 17 points versus Chaparral, Jan. 12, 2011

Basketball Season Underway

Upcoming activity from other Murrieta high school boys basketball teams include Calvary Murrieta at home versus Arrowhead Christian in an Ambassador League contest 7:30 p.m., Dec. 16,; Murrieta Mesa at Fallbrook, Dec. 16-17 (opponent and times to be announced); and Murrieta Valley at Elsinore at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 20.