IAC BOYS BASKETBALL: NEWARK VALLEY HAS HIGH EXPECTATIONS (December 8, 2025)
By TIM TAYLOR
Tioga County Sports Report
NEWARK VALLEY — The Newark Valley boys basketball team has high hopes for success this season — and has the potential to fulfill them. There’s still plenty of work to be done, however, if the first week of action is any indication.
The Cardinals showed promise in a 67-23 win over Greene in the season opener, but struggled in a 70-39 loss to highly-touted Candor at the Charlie Sibley Memorial Tournament.
“This group of boys is full of expectations for the season, and they have a right to be excited about the upcoming campaign,” coach Scott Stratton said. “But, they need to play selflessly together and maintain the kind of chemistry that successful, thriving teams possess.
“With the guys we have returning from last season, younger guys stepping up from JV, and seniors returning from year-long injuries, I expect that our chemistry will continue to improve and we’ll make strong strides together as the season goes on.”
NV finished third in the IAC South Large School division and posted a 7-12 overall, and there’s no reason to believe the Cardinals can’t improve on that mark and qualify for the postseason this season. A senior quartet will have to play a key role if that is going to happen.
Forward/guard Tim Wojtysiak, last season’s leading scorer, averaged 18 points per game, to go with seven rebounds and two assists. He was named to the IAC South Large School first team.
“He’s a physical presence with speed, ferocity and ball-handling ability, who also defends the basketball well,” said Stratton. “He’s a dual threat in that he can get to the hoop and knock down shots from deep.”
Austin Green, a guard, came on strong in the final stretch last season, averaging 13.4 points per game during the final nine games.
“Austin is a crafty scorer who, on defense, gets his hands in passing lanes and makes life difficult for would-be passers,” Stratton said.
Another guard, Cooper Davis missed all of last season with an injury.
“During his sophomore season, three times he knocked down five 3-pointers in tight contests to help lead us to victory,” Stratton said. “He’s a reliable, level-headed guard.”
Forward Nate Hinckley also missed last season due to injury.
“He’s got a season of varsity basketball under his belt already (his sophomore year), and, given his size, speed, and strength, is a strong utility player who can play inside, out on the wing, handle the ball in pressure situations, and battle for boards,” Stratton said.
Josh Benjamin, a junior forward, returns for his second varsity season and his expected to contribute alongside the senior contingent.
“The defensive intensity he brings game in and game out can provide us with needed boosts of energy that can spark offensive bursts,” Stratton said. “He’s a tremendous leaper who will hunt you down in transition and make finishing at the basket very difficult for you.”
The coach is also looking to a pair of newcomers to make an impact.
Sophomore guard Tristan Veruto was called up from JV late in the 2024-25 season and averaged nine points per game over six games.
“He’s lightning fast, finishes strong at the hoop, and can knock it down from behind the arc,” Stratton said. “He's a selfless teammate and a sneaky defender who deflects passes constantly.”
Wyatt Welch, a junior guard, could also play a key role.
“Wyatt’s hard work over the last few seasons is paying off,” said Stratton. “He’s quick, smart, and a smart playmaker. He can knock down shots or use his quickness to get to the paint or bucket. He’s a tireless, scrappy defender.”
NV graduated one player, IAC South Large School second team selection Anthony Dougher, who averaged 12 points and nine rebounds per game.
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IN PHOTO 1: Tristan Veruto is the early season scoring leader at 11.5 points per game. IN TOP PHOTO: Coach Scott Stratton believes NV can be competitive this season. ... TCSR STOCK PHOTOS.
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