VALLEY SPORTS REPORT: ATHENS' MILLER IS 'COACH OF THE WINTER' (2021-08-07)

Valley Sports Report
THE VALLEY "” Athens girls basketball coach Brian Miller has led the Lady Wildcats deep into the postseason in both his seasons at his alma mater, and is the 2020-21 Valley Sports Report "Coach of the Winter."

Miller directed the Lady Wildcats to a 17-7 record in 2020-21, including a 54-42 win over Milton in the District 4, Class AAAA quarterfinals. The season ended in the semis with a 32-25 loss at Shamokin.

Athens is 39-12 under Miller the last two seasons.

2020-21 All-Valley Coaches of the Winter:
Brian Miller, girls basketball, Athens: See above.

Bob Kelly, girls basketball, Waverly: Kelly directed the Lady Wolverines to an 11-2 record against a very tough schedule. The Lady Wolverines split their season series against Elmira and IAC powerhouse Newark Valley, swept Horseheads, and also added a win over Corning.

Kelly earned his 300th career win, and now has 304. He is 136-27 in eight seasons at Waverly.

Jim Lister, boys basketball, Athens: In his first year on the Athens sidelines, Jim Lister directed the Wildcats to a 13-9 regular-season mark.

Athens tacked on a win over Lewisburg in the Class 4A quarterfinals, before bowing out of the postseason with a loss at Danville to finish at 14-10.

Lou Judson, boys basketball, Waverly: Judson guided the Wolverines to an 8-4 record, with all four of their losses coming to Class AA schools - two to Horseheads, one to Elmira, and one to Corning.

Waverly was 8-0 against its IAC competition.

Shawn Bradley, wrestling, Athens: Bradley advanced six wrestlers to Districts this season, and two - Gavin Bradley and junior Kaden Setzer - to the Northeast Regionals. Gavin Bradley went on to finished second in the state at 113 pounds.

The Wildcats finished 15-9 in dual meets this season, against some very tough non-league competition. In the NTL, Athens finished 7-1, and beat Wyalusing for the first time in 12 years.

Kris Harrington, wrestling, Tioga: The Tigers finished 6-0, and finished first in its season-ending round-robin tournament. Tioga had seven wrestlers with at least seven matches go unbeaten.