IAC BOYS BASKETBALL: TIOGA'S CARD SAYS FOCUS OF 2021 IS BUILDING FOR 2021-22 SEASON (2021-02-10)
By TIM BIRNEYValley Sports ReportTIOGA CENTER - The abbreviate 2021 season is finally here, but it all about building for 2021-22 season, says Tioga boys basketball coach Brian Card.
"It's not really about wins-and-losses this season," said Card. "We have Owego on the schedule twice, Waverly on the schedule twice, and another Class B team in Newark Valley on the schedule twice. And, we also have Candor, which is a very good team, on the schedule twice.
"We could go 0-8 this year, but we're focused on getting better for next year when, hopefully, we will have Sectionals and something to play for."
"The kids are playing hard, and they're motivated to get better," noted Card. "They are looking forward to competing against a tough schedule.
"At this point, I think just being able to compete and play games is awesome for the kids," he added.
The Tigers have four underclassmen returning, along with graduates from the JV program, and a freshman transfer from Athens.
Returning are juniors Gavin Godfrey, Isaac Peterson, Casey Stoughton, and freshman Ethan Perry. Newly up from the JV are juniors Cobe Whitmore, Matt Watson and Josh Reis.
"We have some young experience coming back, and we have several freshmen and juniors," said Card.
Card said freshman Evan Sickler, a transfer from Athens, should make an immediate impact for the Tigers.
"He'll be a huge help," said Card. "He's a great ball-handler, great shooter, great decision-maker, and he has some size to him."
The Tioga junior varsity team is also very young.
"We only have one sophomore, and a lot of freshmen on the JV team," noted Card.
Notably absent this year, a senior, and Card admits he understands.
"We had two seniors that did not come out this year.
"There are no Sectional playoffs, and we only have eight scheduled games. What do the seniors really have to play for this year?" said Card.
"It's definitely a building season for next season," noted Card. "The good thing I've noticed ... the kids are hungry to play because they haven't done anything since March. They are so happy to be back."
Tioga opens tonight at Owego.
"”"”"”"”"”"”
IN PHOTO: Tioga's Ethan Perry (left) and Casey Stoughton. ... VSR STOCK PHOTOS.
