Tabb boys lead the VHSL’s return to the court
Often during its 48-year existence, the Tabb High gymnasium has rocked with large crowds as the school’s boys basketball team won. That made the emptiness there Wednesday unmistakable as the Tigers opened the season against New Kent in front of the 25 fans allowed due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Just as unmistakable was the joy of high school athletes competing, the first from Hampton Roads to do so in a Virginia High School League event since March 12. Season openers are a source of anticipation as it is, but months of doing classwork from home made this moment special for the Tabb players.
To a man, they felt it would’ve
been more special had their classmates been there to watch them, but the Tigers will take what they can get.
“It’s very strange because we usually have a large crowd,” Tigers’ senior Emmit Marks said of the mostly empty gym. “I don’t think I’ve played with nobody there in six years. I have a lot friends and not getting to see them senior year is pretty frustrating. But, being a senior and having the opportunity to play is pretty nice.”
Junior guard Jayden Crawford said, “You feel a lot more energy when the students are here, but my heart is beating fast anyway.”
Junior guard Joshuah Miller added, “We have a great student section. They give us momentum and make us feel better than we are. It’s different, but not too big a deal because I like playing basketball. This brings back memories of last year.”
This year is also different than last because Doug Baggett, the Tigers’ coach since 1984, isn’t on the sidelines. He opted out for one season because his parents are 89 and he did not want to risk getting COVID and passing it on to them.
So, Tommy Sweeney, the Tigers’ junior varsity coach and Baggett’s assistant, will coach the varsity for a season. He was excited for the players and himself.
“I think they’re all glad just to get out of the house, so they look forward to this every day,” Sweeney said. “I’ve been with Doug Baggett for 21 years, so this is special, but we’re a young team and this is a different level. So I’m nervous.”
Sweeney’s concerns were valid. Although most of his players were part of the JV team he coached to a 17-1 Bay Rivers District record two years ago, the Tigers struggled in the first half.
Miller hit a jumper, then scored off of a steal to give the Tigers a 21-20 lead early in the second quarter. But he and his teammates could not compete with the taller opponent inside and they turned the ball over often against the Trojans’ trap.
With Kevin Harris dominating inside (10 points in the first half ) and Colton Frederick on fire outside (12 first-half points), the Trojans used a 17-0 run to take a 37-21 lead in the second quarter. Marks’ layup at the halftime buzzer completed a 6-2 run as the Tigers closed to 39-27 at intermission.
That burst delighted the five Tabb cheerleaders, who accounted for the only student spectators allowed in.
“I’m just grateful we’re even able to cheer and do sports, even though the COVID has ruined it a little bit for us,” Tabb junior Anastasia Silva said. “Usually, we’re standing on the sidelines, so it’s kind of weird sitting on the bleachers because we’re not used to that and it’s harder to do certain cheers. But it’s just something we’ll have to get used to.
“It means a lot (to cheer at the games) because I’m a junior and wanted to have fun all four years of high school, but this is the best that I get.”