Southern Ohio Sports Authority is presented by OhioHealth.
CIRCLEVILLE — If you’re looking for the Circleville Tigers’ spark plug, your search should end with Briley Cramer.
Over the past four seasons, Cramer has helped revitalize the Tigers’ basketball program while providing a viable scoring option on a nightly basis.
That, in any shape or form, has not changed this winter.
Cramer’s leadership and will to win was on full display in the Tigers’ latest victory — an 81-79 overtime decision over county rival Westfall. The senior racked up a career high 40 points, 10 in the OT period alone, and pulled down six rebounds.
It was an impressive performance. But it wasn’t a surprise.
“I try to bring the energy every night and keep the team on the same page in the energy aspect of the game,” Cramer said. “My expectations for this team are really high and everyone’s on the team are, too. I think we possibly could end up in the district tournament or further.”
If Cramer continues to file 40-point outings, there’s a good chance he’ll be playing at the next level. He possesses the talent to do so and any program would be lucky to have him.
But if, for whatever reason, that doesn’t happen, he’s got a backup plan in place and he’s already grabbed a head start in the process.
CREDIT: Cory Hall/SOSA
When he’s not on the basketball court perfecting his craft, he’s in the classroom getting ready for the next chapter of his life. Cramer is studying Sports Medicine at Pickaway-Ross — a decision he made because of his love for sports.
All of the above, and more, is why Cramer is SOSA’s newest Pickaway-Ross Athlete of the Month.
“What drove my decision to go to Pickaway-Ross was that I wanted to explore a job that’s in the sports industry. I felt like sports medicine could help me with that,” Cramer said. “I love the aspect of watching sports and being around it. If I go into a career related to sports, I will fulfill that.”
As of now, the Tigers stand at 5-3 overall. Three of those five wins have been resume-building victories — Zane Trace, Southeastern and Westfall, who have a combined record of 15-9.
During that eight-game start, Cramer is the team’s leading scorer at 18.9 points per night.
The schedule only gets tougher from here. The next four games are against Miami Trace, Fairfield Union, Liberty Union and Bloom-Carroll. It’s safe to say it could be a make-or-break stretch.
But Cramer has never backed down from a challenge and he’s isn’t planning to do so now. He likes where his Tigers are headed.
“My favorite part of the team is that we all love the game and love playing for this team,” Cramer said. “I know we will be successful because of all the work we put in during the offseason.”
