A New Season, A New Mission: Water Valley Basketball Looks Ahead
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By Anterian “Ant” Johnson
Herald Contributor
WATER VALLEY – With basketball season getting underway, the Blue Devils and Lady Devils are ready for another year on the court. Head coaches Leon Harris Jr. and Bernadette Sayles, along with players from both teams, shared their expectations, goals and thoughts about the upcoming season.
The teams opened their regular seasons Tuesday night, hosting Winona in games that were underway at press time. Both teams participated in a jamboree Saturday and will return to their home court Thursday at 6 p.m.
Girls coach Bernadette Sayles shared her expectations for the season, explaining that her goals go beyond just winning games. She expects her players to compete every time they step on the floor, play with discipline, hold each other accountable and represent the program with Lady Blue Devils pride. She wants to see the team grow, stay consistent and play together.
Water Valley Lady Blue Devils head coach Bernadette Sayles reported her goal goes beyond winning games, as she works to develop confident, responsible young women who demonstrate leadership, accountability and a strong work ethic both on and off the court.
Sayles believes the team’s biggest strengths are its athleticism, determination and willingness to work. She wants the Lady Devils to play aggressive defense, create opportunities through hustle and never back down from a challenge.
The Lady Devils have been preparing through conditioning, strength training, individual skill development and building team chemistry. Sayles explained that the team has been working on fundamentals, defensive intensity and communication. She has also challenged her players mentally because basketball takes mental toughness just as much as physical ability.
When asked what she wants her players to learn from her as a coach, Sayles explained that basketball is bigger than the game itself. She wants to teach her players discipline, accountability, respect, perseverance and a strong work ethic. Her main goal is not just to develop great basketball players but also to help develop strong, confident and responsible young women.
Junior captain Janiayah Gooch shared her goals for the team, stating, “My goals for the team are to stick together, play as one, and give the fans a reason to be there and support us.”
Gooch also explained that being a captain means a lot to her because her teammates trust her to lead them into the season. She described the team’s biggest strength as the bond they share, saying they are “more like sisters rather than just teammates.”
Sophomore captain Akera White shared her goals for the upcoming season, which include beating East Union and Myrtle and becoming district champions.
White explained that being a captain means being a leader and keeping the team together. She also emphasized the importance of never giving up and staying strong throughout the season.
Sophomore captain Aaliyah Scott expressed her desire for the team to compete with a winning mentality, no matter who they are playing.
Scott believes being a captain means leading through both easy and difficult games while encouraging her teammates when things are not going their way. She described the team’s ability to work together and their relationships with one another as major strengths.
Scott added that fans should expect a hardworking team ready to show everyone not to underestimate them.
On the boys’ side, coach Leon Harris Jr. discussed his expectations for the upcoming season.
“I want to improve from last year and get the guys better every day, not just as basketball players, but in life, in the classroom, and for parents,” Harris said.
He identified experience and senior leadership as the team’s biggest strengths. The team has been preparing through gym workouts, weightlifting, conditioning and focusing on fundamentals.
Harris also emphasized that he wants his players to learn how to be great teammates and always have one another’s backs.
Senior captain Kylan Armstrong shared that his final season means a lot to him. Armstrong is currently finishing football season before transitioning to basketball for his final year at Water Valley.
His goals include leading the team to a state championship, becoming a stronger leader and creating lasting memories with his teammates. Armstrong hopes to be remembered as someone who gave everything for Water Valley, represented his hometown with pride and inspired younger generations to dream bigger.
Senior Christian “Caso” Paten also discussed his excitement about his final season.
Paten’s goals include winning a state championship, improving his game and becoming a leader for his teammates. He hopes the team can come together, stay focused and compete at the highest level. Paten wants to be remembered for his hard work, commitment and dedication to the team.
Senior Jamarion “JJ” Armstrong explained that starting his senior season means a lot because it is his last year at Water Valley High School.
Armstrong hopes the team can win a district championship, make a deep playoff run and ultimately win it all. He wants to leave behind a legacy as a hard worker, great teammate and someone who never gave up.
Senior Parker Chapman described his senior season as having no more second chances and making the most of his final year with his teammates.
His goals include knocking down shots, encouraging younger players and winning a state championship. Chapman wants the team to play with chemistry and compete hard. He hopes to be remembered as a nice guy and a friend who genuinely cares about others.
Senior Adrian “AJ” Agnew shared that his senior season is his last opportunity to enjoy high school basketball and make lasting memories.
Water Valley High School basketball coach Leon Harris Jr. guided the Blue Devils to the third round of the state playoffs last season before their run ended with a loss to Northside. Harris and his team are hoping to build on that success and make a run at a state championship this season.
His goals include improving as a player, developing his leadership skills and finishing strong academically and athletically. Agnew hopes the team can build a brotherhood, hold one another accountable and win a championship. He also wants his legacy to reflect hard work, dedication, respect and determination.
Senior Haydon Quarles expressed that his final season is an opportunity to end things the right way.
His main goal is to help his team bring home a gold ball at the end of the season. Quarles also wants the team to accomplish things others believed they could not. He hopes his legacy reminds future players that there is always room to improve.
Senior Shaddai “Dai” Freeman, who is also currently finishing football season, shared that starting his senior basketball season means everything to him.
His biggest goal is to win a state championship for Water Valley. Freeman also emphasized the importance of reliability within the team, explaining that without it, the team has nothing. He hopes his legacy will mean something to the people who come after him.
Senior Jakylin Scott is also finishing up football season before beginning his final basketball season.
Scott reflected on the importance of enjoying every moment of his senior year. He explained that players should never take anything for granted because eventually, everything becomes a memory.
Scott’s personal goal is to earn his diploma and walk across the stage. On the basketball court, he hopes to win district, win state, finish with a winning record and possibly become part of the best class in Water Valley basketball history.
He wants to be remembered as a carefree, cool and genuine person who enjoyed every moment, supported his teammates and represented Water Valley with pride.
(Anterian “Ant” Johnson is a sophomore at Water Valley High School, where he serves as head photographer for the school’s annual staff and vice president of the Interact Club. He is also a member of the Beta Club and Student Council and serves as manager and media coordinator for the Blue Devils basketball team.)