VALLEY SPORTS REPORT: ATHENS' BABCOCK HEADLINES ALL-VALLEY SUPER 7 AS 'PLAYER OF YEAR;' WAVERLY'S TOMASSO, ATHENS' LISTER, TIOGA'S FISHER, GODFREY ALSO EARN TOP HONORS (March 24, 2022)

Valley Sports Report
THE VALLEY — A tremendous all-around player, senior J.J. Babcock led Athens to one of its best seasons in decades, and headlines the All-Valley Super 7 Boys Basketball team as the Valley Sports Report 2021-22 "Player of the Year."

Waverly sophomore Joey Tomasso is the "Offensive Player of the Year," while Tioga sophomore Gavin Fisher is the "Newcomer of the Year," Tioga senior Gavin Godfrey is the "Defensive Player of the Year," and Athens’ Jim Lister is the "Coach of the Year."

One of the best passing big men to come out of the Valley, the 6-6 Babcock averaged 15.7 points, 5.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 2.4 steals, and 1.7 blocks per game. He shot 51.6 percent from the field and knocked down 13 3-pointers.

Tomasso, a smooth scorer with an all-around game, averaged 19.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 2.3 steals per game. He shot 48.8 percent from the field, and knocked down 40 3-pointers.

The 6-3 Fisher, who can score in the paint and from behind the 3-point arc, got better and better as the season progressed. He averaged 8.3 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.6 steals per game.

Godfrey had the thankless job of playing defense as his top priority, normally being tasked with guarding the opposition’s top scorer. He consistently held those players below their normal scoring average with a physical brand of play.

Lister directed Athens to a 21-8 record, and a berth in the PIAA Class 4A "Sweet 16." Athens split the regular-season series with NTL Large School champ Troy, then beat the Trojans in the rubber match to win the NTL Showdown.

The Wildcats made their first appearance in a District 4 Championship game since 2000. They also won their first state playoff game in 66 years.

The 2021-22 "All-Valley Super 7:"
J.J. Babcock, senior, Athens: See above.

Joey Tomasso, sophomore, Waverly: See above.

Evan Sickler, sophomore, Tioga: A smooth operator with a high basketball IQ. Sickler averaged 15 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 2.3 steals per game. He also knocked down 19 3-pointers.

Dom Fabbri, senior, Sayre: An offensive dynamo, Fabbri was the focus of every team’s defensive efforts this season. Despite that, he averaged 15.8 points, 4 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.1 steals per game. He also knocked down a Valley-best 53 3-pointers.

Jackson Hubbard, junior, Sayre: Athletic and with a nose for the bucket, Hubbard averaged 14.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, 1.5 steals per game. He also connected on 19 3-pointers.

Brennan Traub, senior, Waverly: Long and athletic, Traub averaged 12 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. He also canned 37 3-pointers.


All-Valley Super 7 Defensive team
Gavin Godfrey, senior, Tioga.
Zack Garrity, junior, Sayre.
Tucker Brown, senior, Athens.
Casey Stoughton, senior, Tioga.
J.J. Babcock, senior, Athens.
Joey Tomasso, sophomore, Waverly.
Jay Pipher, sophomore, Waverly.

All-Valley Super 7 Newcomers team
Gavin Fisher, sophomore, Tioga.
Nic Pellicano, freshman, Sayre.
Xavier Watson, freshman, Athens.
Kolsen Keathley, freshman, Athens.
Cayden Firestine, senior, Sayre.
Jay Pipher, sophomore, Waverly.
Tyler Talada, senior, Waverly.

All-Overlooked Team
Liam Traub, senior, Waverly.
Kannon VanDuzer, senior, Sayre.
Troy Pritchard, senior, Athens.
Brady Blauvelt, senior, Waverly.
Davis Croft, senior, Waverly.

Players to Watch in 2022-23:
This year’s top Newcomers aren’t the only ones to keep an eye on next year. Most of the boys on this list didn't see much varsity time — if any, but could also contribute next year as well.

Valentino Rossi, sophomore, Tioga: Long and athletic, Rossi could quickly become a double-double machine for the Tigers.

Karsen Sindoni, sophomore, Tioga: Sindoni showed he can score in the JV ranks, but more than likely he’ll looked on to defend, rebound, and knock down the open shot.

Shea Bailey, freshman, Tioga: Bailey scored in bunches late in the JV season, but the Tigers will likely be looking for him to handle the ball. Any points he scores will simply be gravy.

Ethan Landmesser, sophomore, Tioga: Long and athletic, defense and rebound will likely be Landmesser’s calling card.

Jake VanHouten, sophomore, Waverly: With graduations taking a heavy toll, the Wolverines will be looking for someone to provide some scoring and VanHouten could fill that bill.

Carter George, sophomore, Waverly: Very athletic, George looks like he could be a good fit in Waverly’s up-tempo offense and pressure defense.

Jon Searles, sophomore, Waverly: A newcomer to the game, Searles is athletic and physical. He could give the Wolverines the presence they need in the paint.

Nehemiah Anthony, sophomore, Waverly: Athletic and a solid all-around player, Anthony should be a contributor for the Wolverines the next couple seasons.

Korey Miller, sophomore, Athens: A heady player with the ability to knock down the open shot, Miller should man the point for the Wildcats the next two seasons.

Troy Rosenbloom, freshman, Athens: Rosenbloom finished the JV season strong, and could contribute next season for the Wildcats.