News Summary

The Valley High School basketball team in West Des Moines has made history by winning their third consecutive state championship, defeating Waukee Northwest 61-47. This victory puts the Tigers alongside Iowa City’s 2014 team as the only teams in Class 4A to secure a three-peat. Standout performances from players like Jayden McGregory and the resilience shown throughout a challenging season have solidified the Tigers’ dominance in Iowa high school basketball. Coach B.J. Windhorst praised the team’s dedication and teamwork, foreshadowing an exciting future for the Valley athletes.

Valley High School Basketball Team Makes History with Third Consecutive State Championship

In a thrilling showdown that had the whole community buzzing, the Valley High School basketball team in West Des Moines has achieved an incredible feat by winning their third consecutive state championship! This victory has placed the Tigers in an elite group as just the second-ever team in Class 4A to accomplish a three-peat. Talk about making history!

On a picturesque championship day, the Tigers faced off against Waukee Northwest and secured a solid victory with a final score of 61-47. There were plenty of nail-biting moments, but the determination on the court was palpable. Valley had previously claimed state titles in 2023 and 2024, showcasing their dominance in Iowa high school basketball.

A Walk Down Memory Lane

Valley’s journey to this latest championship started back in 2023 when they triumphed over Northwest with a score of 75-67, followed by a narrow win against Cedar Rapids Kennedy in 2024, finishing at 63-59. The Tigers have carved out an impressive legacy, with the last team to achieve a three-peat in Class 4A being Iowa City West from 2012 to 2014. Valley’s win now places them among the basketball elite!

Standout Performances

In the championship game, junior guard Jayden McGregory delivered a jaw-dropping performance, scoring 26 points and grabbing eight rebounds, along with four assists. His leadership on the court was undeniable as he netted the first points of the game, setting the tone right from the get-go. Following close behind in the scoring department was Zay Robinson, who chalked up 15 points, while also assisting with four assists and six rebounds. Rounding out the star performances, seasoned senior Trevin Jirak contributed 13 points, ten rebounds, and three blocks, proving his resilience despite struggling with an ankle injury.

Game Highlights

The game kicked off on a high note for Valley as they started strong, quickly establishing an early lead. However, the tension thickened when Northwest briefly took control of the game. Nevertheless, the Tigers rallied back, outscoring Northwest 11-3 in the last few minutes of the first quarter, heading into halftime with a solid 29-18 lead.

As the competition intensified, Northwest clawed their way back in the third quarter, narrowing the gap to single digits. Valley faced some challenges in ball control, and Jirak’s temporary injury added to the suspense. However, the Tigers managed to maintain their lead by the end of the third, with a score of 41-37.

The final quarter was edge-of-the-seat exciting. Robinson opened up the scoring with ease, and both teams continued to exchange baskets. But the Tigers showed great resolve, pulling ahead in the final minutes to seal the deal with a 12-point victory.

Overcoming Challenges

This championship season wasn’t without its hurdles. With the transfer of their leading scorer Curtis Stinson Jr. and multiple team injuries, including Trevin Jirak’s ongoing ankle issue, the Tigers had their work cut out for them. Despite these challenges, the team demonstrated remarkable resilience and teamwork. Even entering the tournament as underdogs, they never held a #1 ranking, proving that hard work and dedication can lead to stunning successes.

Coach’s Praise

Coach B.J. Windhorst expressed pride in his players, noting their unwavering commitment, passion, and competitive spirit throughout the season. This win is not just a trophy; it symbolizes teamwork, perseverance, and the heart of Valley High School’s athletic community.

With this championship win, the Tigers have cemented their place in Iowa basketball history, and fans can’t wait to see what these talented athletes will achieve next season. Onward and upward, Valley High!

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