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Globe Tigers gear up for season

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Globe High School coach Freddy Rios is relying on his seniors to fulfill high expectations.

“We have a core group of players that have played at the varsity level since their freshman year,” said Rios. “Obviously, we play in a tough league but they have matured and have a senior mentality and senior strength.”

The Tigers finished last season 11-12 despite a 10-2 start to the season.

This season they will compete in the 3A South Central Region.

The new 3A South Central includes perennial power Coolidge, ALA-Anthem South, ALA-Ironwood, Benjamin Franklin, Florence, Gilbert Christian, San Tan Foothills and Valley Christian.

Despite the new region, Coach Rios doesn’t believe that Globe will see anything different.

“I don’t think we will see anything that we haven’t seen before,” said Rios. “Again, I think our mental toughness and senior leadership will get us through tough games.”

A season ago, Rios mentioned that the Tigers were affected by COVID-19 just before conference play.

He stated that it affected his team and it took a while for his players to make a full recovery.

“It was an emotional roller coaster,” said Rios. “We started out so well but didn’t do so well at the end.”

Globe is going to rely on their returning players, who include Wendsler Nosie III, Brandon Shorty, Vaughn  Lomayaktewa and Jerrin Gibson, for a big offensive lift.

“I see a core of four or five,” said Rios. “It’s wide open for our players this season.”

Coolidge, who competed in the 3A State Championship game last season, has a home-and-away series with Globe in region play.

Globe will be tested early at the Joe Partain Memorial Classic at Coolidge over Thanksgiving break.

A Christmas Holiday Tournament has not been finalized as of press time.

“Obviously, we want our senior group to have a good season,” said Rios. “We want to go as far as we can but we want to grow our program. When you’re competitive, you have chances to win.”

The Tigers played an intra-team scrimmage game in front of family and fans at Tiger Gymnasium before the start of the season.

Globe is on the road to open the season but will host San Carlos on Dec. 14 and Miami on Dec. 17.

“We are going to be competitive and grow the program,” said Rios.