IAC BASEBALL: TIOGA'S EVANEK BELIEVES TIGERS WILL BE 'VERY COMPETITIVE' IN 'BRUTAL' DIVISION, POSTSEASON (2019-03-29)
By TIM BIRNEYValley Sports ReportTIOGA CENTER - Second-year Tioga coach has a couple of concerns entering the 2019 season, but believes the Tigers have more than enough talent to make another run in the postseason.
"We have a good mix of returners with a lot of experience, and new additions that will fit in nicely," said Evanek.
Senior Pierce Hendershot, who will play at Division I St. Bonaventure next year, and will start at third base, while junior Brady Worthing returns at shortstop, senior Derrick Barto returns at second base, junior Mason Booser is back at catcher, and sophomore Derrick Gage returns and will play first base.
Junior Thomas Cook returns to play left field, while senior John Worthing, who did not play last year, will patrol center field. Sophomores Seth Franks, Ethan Agan, and Cobe Whitmore, and Christian Weaver will vie for time in right field.
The Tigers also return a host of experienced arms on the mound in Hendershot, Brady Worthing, Barto, Gage, and Cook. Franks will also see time on the mound.
"We have a lot of pitching," said Evanek. "Last year, we played 13 games in 16 days because of the rain - it's always good to have plenty of pitching.
"Our pitching and our infield are the strengths of the team - they are all veterans, and fun kids to coach," noted Evanek. "I think we'll hit the ball well, and our pitching should be a strength.
"And, the seniors we have back are great leaders," he added. "I think we'll be very competitive this year."
With just 11 players on the roster, the Tigers need to stay healthy. The lack of experienced outfielder is also a concern, said Evanek.
"Depth is definitely a concern, and hopefully our outfield situation will work itself out."
The IAC has instituted a new divisional format based on the participating schools' enrollment size. Tioga is grouped in Division 2, along with Edison, Lansing and Trumansburg, which represents the four IAC playoff teams in 2018. Moravia is also in Division 2, and S-VE would have been had it not dropped in program last week for 2019.
"It is a brutal division, but I like it," said Evanek. "I want to play a good schedule, so we can be competitive at Sectional time.
"Our non-league games are tough this season as well," noted Evanek. "We have Sayre, Athens, Sidney, and Owego on the schedule.
"I really like the new format," he added. "We'll probably beat each other up a little bit, but that's a good thing. It will be fun."
Tioga opens the 2019 season at defending Section IV, Class C champion Lansing Friday afternoon.
"”"”"”"”"”"”
IN PHOTO: Tioga senior Pierce Hendershot.
