Kianna Stocks is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Valley Christian High School for AZPreps365.com.

The Valley Christian boys’ varsity basketball team defeated the Florence Gophers 93-51 in their season finale on Wednesday night. This 18th overall win ended the Trojans’ season and helped keep their title heading into playoffs.       

“My teammates stepped up big time. We haven’t lost yet,” said senior Luke Shaw. 

The Trojans came out hot in the first quarter, having multiple strong assets on their team make big plays resulting in the first quarter ending in 34-6. 

Their high energy, momentum and passion continued to show during the second quarter, carrying out their determination to continue to lead the game with ending halftime at 65-25. 

“Hard work. It comes with victory and hard work. We play for each other and we always got a goal in mind,” said starting senior Austin Wallace. 

But being ahead of the game was not stopping their game. The Trojans continued to have their defense and offense on point, making use of smart plays which evidently led them to continue a lead of 82-39 in the third quarter.    

“We kept the energy throughout the game. It was a good way to end the season going into playoffs,” said junior Carson Grier. 

They recognized the many goals that they were after this game. Not only was the whole team going for passing their own record of 128 points in a single game that was set in 2023, but to also help a senior get to their 1,000 career points at their last game at home.

Two seniors were recognized at the Trojans final home game for their accomplishments of reaching 1,000 career points. Shaw crossed his goal on Nov. 28, 2023 after being shy by 29 points. Shaw reached the goal in three quarters having 3 assists, 4 rebounds and 5 steals. Shaw was 18-of-29 from the floor and surpassed the goal by 24 points. 

Austin Wallace accomplished his goal on his final game at Valley Christian during the fourth quarter. Wallace was left with 12 more points at the start of the fourth quarter and was able to celebrate on the court with his teammates, surpassing the goal with 2:45 left in the quarter. 

“I started the game with a goal in mind and didn’t know if it was reachable but came out hot and it was a fun game,” said Wallace. 

With playoffs being around the corner, the Trojans are not finished yet. Every practice they are chasing after that goal. They are ready to work hard, play for each other and have one thing in mind, the playoffs.

“We have to keep the great energy, keep playing as a team and practicing hard for all the upcoming games,” said Wallace. 

This final win at home was one for the books for the Trojans. Their drive for the win, confidence, trust in their teammates and keeping a fast paced game is going to be implemented into their next goal, the playoffs.

Will they be able to go after a third straight title in this year’s playoffs?