UPDATE: The Valwood Valiants faced a crushing defeat against the Brookwood Warriors in their region opener on January 6, 2026, falling 83-56 in a game that exposed glaring defensive issues. This loss marks Valwood’s third consecutive setback as they struggle to find their footing in the season.
The Warriors (12-3, 1-0) demonstrated their dominance with an impressive performance, extending their winning streak to six games and claiming their 26th consecutive region game victory. Their combination of athleticism and strategic play overwhelmed the Valiants (11-4, 0-1), particularly stifling Valwood star Chase Helfer, who played through injuries and scored 19 points.
Valwood’s head coach Tim Finlayson expressed frustration after the game, stating, “We were really undisciplined defensively… we got backdoor cut so many times.” His concerns highlight the urgent need for improvement on defense as the Valiants move deeper into the competitive region play.
Brookwood took control of the game with a decisive 17-7 run in the second quarter, leading to a halftime score of 42-29. The Valiants struggled to recover, as the Warriors outscored them 28-17 in the third quarter, culminating in a commanding 70-46 lead going into the final period.
Levi Williams led the Warriors with 21 points, while teammates Jordyn Jean and Roscoe Jones contributed 19 and 18 points respectively, showcasing Brookwood’s offensive prowess with a total of eight three-pointers during the match.
Despite the loss, Finlayson remains optimistic, emphasizing that the team must adapt to the increased defensive pressure Helfer will face as the season progresses. “He’s going to have to make good reads off of that and find the open guy,” Finlayson noted. This insight underscores the evolving dynamics as Valwood prepares for their next challenge.
Next up, the Valiants will travel to face Deerfield-Windsor on Friday, January 9 at 7:45 p.m., seeking to rebound from this tough defeat. The game will be crucial for the Valiants to regain momentum and address their defensive shortcomings.
The Valwood girls also faced a challenging night, losing 41-21 to Brookwood, marking their seventh consecutive defeat. The Lady Valiants (2-9, 0-1) struggled offensively, unable to find their rhythm against Brookwood’s strong defense, which included a pivotal 8-2 run that widened the gap.
Ava Bodell led the scoring for the Lady Valiants with 11 points, but Brookwood’s effective ball movement and three-point shooting proved too much. The Lady Warriors (6-7, 1-0) demonstrated their capability with eight three-pointers, further complicating Valwood’s season.
As both teams look forward to their upcoming matches, the urgency for improvement is palpable. The Valiants’ next game will be vital in recalibrating their strategies and enhancing their competitiveness in the region.
