BOYS
Coach: Chris Zike
20-21:
Depth and proven talent are a major plus for the Tigers as four starters return for coach Chris Zike. Four seniors will captain the attack paced by Cole Simpson (5-10, Sr.) who totaled 13.5 points per game while connecting on 42-percent of his three point attempts. Jeff Mackey (6-7, Sr.) who averaged 5-plus points and rebounds is a strong inside presence along with Lex Simon (5-10, Sr.), Hayden Griffin (6-1, Sr.) and Bryson Tuck (6-2, Sr.) to provide leadership. Tagen Simon (5-9, So.) started every game as freshman averaging 7.5 points while distributing 4.5 assists returns to the point guard spot. Zike also expects valuable contributions from Landon Griffin (6-1, Jr.), Fisher Hurt (6-0, Jr.) Mason Hill (6-0, Jr.) and Ryan Vessels (6-0, Jr.). “Our depth will allow us to play at a faster pace and our experience gives us a chance to improve ourselves from the Area tournament run last year,” said Zike, who enters his third year at Tushka.
GIRLS
Coach: Lori Ford
20-21 Record: 14-12
All for one and one for all is the rally cry for the Lady Tigers who begin the season young but with a commitment to rebuilding by playoff time. Coach Lori Ford will use a rotation of eight to nine players, each on with the talent to lighting up the scoreboard. Preslea Hatcher (5-8, Sr.) has inside/out scoring talents while Lexi Scarbrough (5-7, Sr.) is always hustling to make a solid defensive stop. The basketball IQ and scoring abilities of Kali Madden (5-3, Jr.) will be a key factor while Jaden Huffman (5-8, So.) and Rebecca Ridgway (5-7, So.) will step into the spotlight for the Lady Tigers along with valuable contributions from Shyler Hurt (Fr.) and non-stop efforts of Haylee Griffin. “We’re moving players into new positions that will solidify our team chemistry in order to become a solid team,” said Ford, who returns to the court as head coach for an eighth year.
