BREAKING: The Valwood Valiants suffered a crushing defeat to the Brookwood Warriors in their region opener on January 6, 2026, losing 83-56 at home in Hahira. This lopsided loss marks Valwood’s third consecutive defeat, raising urgent questions about their defensive strategy.
The Warriors, now 12-3 and 1-0 in the region, showcased their dominance with an impressive performance, highlighted by a decisive 17-7 run in the second quarter. Coach Tim Finlayson’s Valiants, sporting an 11-4 record, struggled to keep pace with Brookwood’s athleticism and sharpshooting.
In a post-game interview, Finlayson expressed frustration over his team’s undisciplined defense, stating, “It was just ugly. We got backdoor cut so many times… I’m not as worried offensively as I am defensively. We’ve got to be better defensively.” The coach’s words underline the immediate need for improvement as the Valiants prepare for their upcoming match against Deerfield-Windsor this Friday.
The Valiants initially held their ground, but the Warriors’ offensive firepower proved too much. Brookwood’s Levi Williams led all scorers with 21 points, supported by Jordyn Jean with 19 points and Roscoe Jones contributing 18 points—including multiple three-pointers. The Warriors’ ability to hit eight three-pointers throughout the game allowed them to extend their lead to as much as 27 points.
Valwood’s star player, Chase Helfer, who played through injuries, managed to score 19 points but was visibly hampered by discomfort. Finlayson noted, “He’s going to have to make good reads off of that and find the open guy,” acknowledging the defensive challenges Helfer faced as the Warriors deployed double teams to neutralize his impact.
As the Valiants regroup, they will face Deerfield-Windsor on January 9 at 7:45 p.m.. This upcoming game is critical for Valwood to regain momentum in the region and potentially shift their season’s trajectory.
In related news, the Valwood girls also experienced a setback, falling to Brookwood 41-21. With this loss, the Lady Valiants have now dropped seven straight games, reflecting a broader struggle within the program. The Lady Warriors’ strong performance, featuring a game-high 11 points from Ava Bodell, further emphasizes the need for improvement across Valwood’s basketball teams.
Fans and players alike are eager for a turnaround as Valwood looks to bounce back in their next match. The stakes are high, and the urgency for improvement has never been more critical. Will the Valiants rise to the challenge this Friday? Stay tuned for updates.
