Aaliyah Scott locks in at the free-throw line, putting points on the board against Winona.
– Photos by Anterian Johnson
By Anterian “Ant” Johnson
Herald Contributer
WATER VALLEY – Water Valley basketball had a busy week, with both the Lady Devils and Blue Devils facing Winona, Clarksdale Collegiate and Rosa Fort.
The Lady Devils had a strong week, winning all three games to improve to 3-0. The Blue Devils finished the week 1-2, with players on both teams making important contributions.
The Lady Devils opened the action with a 58-41 win over Winona at home on Nov. 3. Akera White led the team with 25 points, while Kamia Bounds added 10. Faith Walton and Aaliyah Scott each scored six points.
On Nov. 5, the Lady Devils defeated Clarksdale Collegiate 60-21, also at home. White led the way again with 23 points, followed by Scott with 11 and Jamaria Morgan with seven.
Water Valley closed out the week with a 44-36 win over Rosa Fort on Nov. 7. The Lady Devils outscored Rosa Fort 12-4 in the final quarter to secure the victory. White finished with 19 points, while Bounds added 10.
Head coach Bernadette Sayles credited the team’s success to playing together, staying disciplined and giving effort on both ends of the court.
She recognized White, Scott and Bounds for their offensive performances while also praising players who contributed through defense, rebounding and communication.
Sayles said she has seen the team grow in chemistry, leadership and trust since the beginning of the season.
“I don’t want our program to be built around just one or two players. I want every young lady to understand that she brings something valuable to this team,” Sayles said.
Even after a perfect week, Sayles knows the team still has work to do, particularly with defense, rebounding and handling pressure.
“We have to stay hungry, remain coachable, and continue getting better every day,” she said.
The Blue Devils opened their week with a 35-29 loss to Winona on Nov. 3. Christian “Caso” Paten led Water Valley with 14 points, while Parker Chapman added seven.
The boys bounced back on Nov. 5 with a 56-18 victory over Clarksdale Collegiate. Chapman led the Blue Devils with 18 points, followed by Paten with 10 and Adrian “AJ” Agnew with eight.
Christian “Caso” Paten takes control of the court, attacking the Winona defense off the dribble.
Water Valley closed out the week with a 61-33 loss to Rosa Fort on Nov. 7. Agnew led the team with 12 points, Brayden Osbourne scored seven, and Paten and Chapman each finished with six.
Head coach Leon Harris Jr. said he was pleased with the freshmen’s growth and effort but wants to see more leadership from his upperclassmen.
Harris explained that having several players involved in football affected the team’s preparation. With those players now returning to basketball, he expects the Blue Devils to look different moving forward.
Harris said the team must improve its shooting, defense, rebounding and overall effort. Following the Rosa Fort game, he pointed out that Water Valley had missed 18 open 3-point shots.
“One thing I can’t teach is heart. I can’t teach you how to play hard,” Harris said.
As the season continues, Harris wants his players to improve and prove that last season’s success was not a one-time accomplishment. His goal is another deep playoff run.
“I expect for us to be one of the final two teams standing, going to Jackson,” he said.
Both teams on the road against Independence at presstime, with the junior varsity boys playing at 5 p.m., followed by the varsity girls at 6 p.m. and varsity boys at 7 p.m.
The Blue Devils and Lady Devils will return home Thursday, Nov. 19, to face North Pontotoc and Friday, Nov. 20, to play Houlka. Both home games are scheduled to begin with the junior varsity boys at 5 p.m., followed by the varsity girls at 6 p.m. and varsity boys at 7 p.m.
