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IAC GIRLS BASKETBALL: TIOGA'S ROBINSON LEANING ON TRIO OF SENIORS IN 2021 (2021-02-10)

By TIM BIRNEY
Valley Sports Report
TIOGA CENTER - Longtime coach Joe Robinson knows what he's up against in an abbreviated 2021 season, but the Tigers have a trio of talented seniors to lead the way.

"We're way behind in terms of preparing for the season," he said. "We have six new girls, and two of them missed some practice time due to Covid protocols.

"It's going to be tough, they're not going to be able to learn all the stuff we need to have in to play, especially against the talent we're playing against," noted Robinson. "It might not be pretty in the beginning. Hopefully, it will get better.

"It's going to be rough," aded Robinson. "We play Owego twice in a row, and Newark Valley twice in three days ... who wants to go through that?"

And the shortened preseason didn't help the cause either said Robinson.

"Our conditioning is not where it needs to be, but you don't have time to do that because you have to do everything else.

"We only had six days to get ready for our season against the likes of Owegos, Newark Valleys, and Waverlys of the world - that's a tough road to go," said Robinson.

While the Tioga boys don't have a senior on the team this year, the Lady Tigers have three in four-year varsity starter Eve Wood, and three-year players Olivia Ayres and Ari Manwaring.

"It's a tough way for our seniors to go out. I feel bad for them, but it's today's world I guess," said Robinson.

"Eve (Wood) is one of our leading scorers for the last three years," noted Robinson. "She brings a lot of experience, and hopefully, she can take care of the ball for us, and get it to where it needs to be on offense. And, she's a good defensive player.

"Olivia (Ayres) has turned into a great shooter and good scorer for us," continued Robinson. "And, Ari (Manwaring) has come a long way since she was a sophomore. At the end of last year, I thought she played the basketball she's played since she's been on varsity.

"I'm looking forward to seeing what we can do with them," added Robinson.

The Lady Tigers also return junior Julia Bellis, and have some re-enforcements up from the JV team, led by sophomore Reese Howey.

"Reese Howey was the JV team's leading scorer and rebounder, probably the leader in everything," said Robinson. "When I brought her up for Sectionals last year, and I put her in the game against Union Springs, I was impressed.

"I expect big things out of her," he added.

Also up from the JV team are Abby Foley, Gabby Foley, Austyn Vance, and Mariah Nichols.

"They are all good athletes, and bring something different to the floor for us," said Robinson.

Like most coaches, Robinson says 2021 is a building year.

"I think that's what everyone is doing.

"You'll probably see some of the younger girls get a little more playing time, where they might not have before," he said. "It's not like I have to get 10 wins to get to Sectionals because  that's not an option.

"I just want the girls to play hard, compete, and have fun," added Robinson.

Tioga opens tonight at home against Owego.

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IN PHOTO: Tioga's Eve Wood (left) and Olivia Ayres. ... VSR STOCK PHOTOS.

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