The Valley View Blazers finished last season with a 24-7 record earning them a trip to the 5A State Tournament for the third year in a row. This season, Coach Lane Campbell will rely on several new faces to try get back to the postseason in his fourth season. Max Manchester is the lone returning starter for the Blazers. The senior guard has great length and is a slasher type scorer with a great mid-range game. Junior guard Eli Craig returns the next most game experience. Craig earned time last season with his high motor and hustle and proved he spread the floor with his shooting ability. He has become very vocal and a floor general for Coach Campbell’ s squad. Senior forward Max Moody provides a strong inside presence with his 6’ 5 frame. Moody has improved his scoring ability from both inside and outside. Junior Kingston Rotinghaus returns after playing elsewhere last year. The 6’ 4 guard can handle the ball and shoot it from the outside while providing more length on defense. Senior Saddler McCormick and junior Kody Lamkin are looking to provide a spark after moving in. McCormick returns to Valley View after playing the last few years at Westside. The guard has a high motor and can knock down the outside shot. Lamkin moved in from Ridgefield Christian and can play inside while also stretching the floor from the outside with his shooting ability. Juniors Cade Ingram and Drake Bowman look to provide some depth on the perimeter. The 5A East is always tough, and it is no different this season, but Coach Campbell knows what it will take for his guys to get back to the State Tournament.“ For us to be successful this year we really need to lean on one another and play together as a team,” he said.“ We have got to be the toughest team on the floor every night and compete every possession. I’ m excited about what is in store for this group and for them to go write their own story as a team this season.” Look for the Valley View Blazers to battle in the middle of the 5A East for a chance to get back to the postseason.
Fresh off a 24 – 7 campaign, the Valley View Lady Blazers are reloading with experience, toughness, and a seniorheavy roster determined to keep the program among the 5A East elite. Head coach Angie Ellis returns a squad packed with veterans ready to step into larger roles and keep the Blazers’ momentum rolling. Senior Bonnie Fagan will be one of the team’ s most important pieces, using her versatility to play both guard and forward after averaging 8 points and 6 rebounds a season ago. Fellow senior Bella Seeman brings nonstop energy as a high-level defender who can change the tone of a game with her effort. Senior shooter Ruby Reynolds will stretch defenses with her perimeter touch, while senior post Bri Huff gives Valley View an athletic interior presence capable of running the floor and finishing inside. The Blazers will also rely on junior Jaela Lett and sophomore Avery Ellis, both multi-positional players who add size, athleticism, and lineup flexibility. Senior guard Audrey Butler, finally healthy after battling injuries, is expected to steady the backcourt with her ball-handling and leadership. Senior forward Julie Rutherford adds valuable depth and physicality in the paint. Valley View will need its large senior class to set the tone. If the Lady Blazers can stay fundamentally sound, grow together, and embrace their new roles, they have every reason to believe another strong season is on the horizon.
Fresh off a 21 – 5 season and a 1A state championship, the Earle Bulldogs enter the new year with the same swagger, same toughness, and the same championship expectations. Head coach Carl Miller runs every new season through his trademark“ Bulldog Bootcamp,” ensuring his team is in elite shape from day one. For Earle, effort and energy aren’ t optional— they’ re the foundation of winning titles. The Bulldogs return a powerhouse core led by Taron Hurst III, widely considered one of the best point guards in the state regardless of classification. His leadership, poise, and playmaking set the tone on both ends of the floor. Joining him are three more proven impact players— Derrick Lately, Clifton Wren Jr. and Aiden Davis— all of whom bring scoring, athleticism, and championship experience back to the lineup. Earle also returns Antionous Dorsey, who grabbed an incredible 14 rebounds in the state title game and remains a force around the rim. The supporting cast is deep and hungry: Dontay Bell, Jordan Williams— a defensive spark plug— Nassir Doyle, Tye Sanders, Henry Williams, and Derian Maples, the backup point guard who brings a championship mindset and will learn under Hurst’ s guidance. Coach Miller knows the journey to another title won’ t be easy, but this group embraces the grind. With intense practices, mental toughness, and the experience of playing on the biggest stage, the Bulldogs are built for another deep run. If they stay healthy and locked in, Earle has everything it needs to be right back in the fight when late February rolls around. NEA Sports predicts a state title!
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