Tigers hope for confidence boost when action resumes

STERLING — Coach Trent Parrish is hoping the start of January’s basketball schedule will bring a much-needed dose of confidence to Sterling’s boys’ team.

After starting the season 6-2, the Tigers have lost four in a row, including a 66-65 nailbiter to Frederick in an early-season tournament. Since then, Sterling has lost to Snyder, Fort Cobb and Apache – none of which were close. Snyder and Apache each won by 20 while Fort Cobb ran away from Sterling, 96-42.

Now comes the January part of the schedule which should give Sterling some opportunities to win. First, Sterling will travel to Fletcher on Jan. 3 and then compete in the Black Diamond Tournament at Rush Springs Jan. 5-7.

“This (tourney) will be a tournament we can go out and compete,” Parrish said. “If we can go out and win, it could build some confidence.”

After playing Fletcher, Sterling opens the Black Diamond Tournament against Gracemont, which should be a winnable game for the Tigers. Still, Parrish isn’t taking anything for granted.

“They’ve got three kids who are good athletes, and they’ll hang with people for a while, but they can’t always finish,” he said.

If Sterling wins, the Tigers will play the winner of the Waurika-Washington JV game.

“This tournament could be huge. If we play well in the next week or so it could be a huge confidence booster,” Parrish said.

Sterling started the season with four consecutive wins but ran into a tough Central High team that gave the Tigers their first loss of the season. Another loss to Cyril put Sterling’s record at 4-2. The Tigers turned their season around with consecutive wins over Cement and Geronimo before the four-game losing skid started. Sterling’s last win came on Dec. 8 during the Geronimo tournament.

Sterling will play at Ninnekah on Jan. 10 and then return home Jan. 13 to host Alex.