Brody Davenport and Micah Newkirk are students at Valley Christian and are members of the AIA Student SID Program.

The Trojan Basketball team is back in action after defeating Gilbert Christian in the state final matchup last year to win their third state title in a row. The Trojans hope to run it back this year and keep the win streak alive. This is the first time in Trojan basketball history that a team has won three titles in a row, and they hope to keep the legacy alive by winning a fourth.  

One thing that is unique this season is that it is the first time the Trojans have the opportunity to compete in an Open division. In the past, the Open Division was only open to 4A-6A schools, but this year there is a Copper Division, in which the best teams from 1A-3A can compete for a title. This means the VC Trojans can prove they are not only the best in 3A, but the best small school team in the state.  

The Trojans lost a lot of key seniors from last years' state championship season, but they still have a core of very talented players who played on the state championship team last season. The Trojans are led by their returning seniors Carson Grier, Kyle Grier, Tyler Clough, and Caleb Danzeisen. This year there are also two transfers on the Varsity team who will make an impact on the court once eligible, they are Justin Garcia (12) who transferred from Basha and Paxtyn Tamlyn (11) from Hamilton. The team is really excited about the talent that they have on the roster and are looking forward to seeing all the growth in each and every player this season. 

Returning Senior Carson Grier says, "I am most looking forward to playing with a new group of guys and learning how to step into a role of leadership. And of course, going for a fourth state championship in a row." 

The coaches for the Varsity team are all the same, and many have coached at Valley for 20+ years. They are led by Greg Haagsma, Roger DeBoer, Trent Hanzal and Ken Susich. One of the main reasons Trojan basketball has continuously stayed so strong is because of the development at the lower levels. Coaching the Frosh team is decorated VCS coach, Scott Timmer, along with his son, Mitchell Timmer. This year Clay Susich will be moving from the Varsity sidelines to join the JV coaching staff alongside Andrew Kaemingk. They hope to make this year a good year with lots of growth. More important than their hope for another state title, the entire coaching staff from top to bottom hopes that this year players and coaches can all grow closer to God and glorify Him through their actions on the court. 

Make sure to come out and support Trojan basketball this season!