The Republic Tigers’ defensive stopper will take his game to the next level. Ty Abney, who helped key Republic’s state championship defense off the bench, has signed to play with Baptist Bible College in Springfield.
BBC coach Mark Hedger says Abney’s history with a winning program is a big part of what attracted him to the Republic guard.
“We’re trying to change the culture of our program a little bit, and obviously coming from a winning program such as Republic’s, and winning a state title, he obviously knows what it takes to win, and that’s what we need is guys like that,” says Hedger.
It was Abney’s defense, too, that made a difference for Hedger.
“He’s kind of a defensive stopper, and that’s one of the things we’re looking at,” Hedger says.
For Abney, defense is more than a way to kill time until he can get the ball back, as it is with many high school players. He was regularly assigned to shut down the opponent’s top scorer, and his success in the playoffs fueled a couple of late-game runs that carried Republic to the title.
“I think (defense) has definitely carried me. As crazy as it sounds, defense is my favorite part of the game. I really look forward to it,” Abney says. “I’ll just have to keep working hard, because my defense will definitely have to improve in college.”
Republic coach Trevyor Fisher, who relied on Abney’s contributions more as the season wore on, says he’s proud of Abney’s accomplishments.
“I’m proud of the way he played this year, and what he contributed to the team, both from an offensive standpoint, but most importantly from a defensive standpoint,” says Fisher. “He’s the one who kind of gave us a spark off the bench, and was a very big key in that state championship run.”
Get every story delivered.
Tiger Wire — Republic sports news, free every morning.