SAN ANTONIO, Texas (KFDA) - The Valley Patriots defeated No. 7 ranked Fayetteville Lions 66-48 in the 1A Division I State Championship Game on Thursday, claiming the program’s first-ever state title. The victory marked a redemption moment for the Patriots, who fell to Perrin-Whitt by 19 points in last year’s state championship game.
This time around, Valley left no doubt, controlling the game from start to finish in their second consecutive state championship game appearance.
Dominant performance from start to finish
The Patriots were dominant throughout, taking a 13-11 lead after the first quarter and extending it to 30-15 at halftime. Valley continued to build on their advantage in the third quarter, leading 47-30, and never looked back until the final buzzer.
The 18-point victory over No. 7 Fayetteville stood in stark contrast to last year’s 19-point defeat, as the Patriots flipped the script on the state’s biggest stage.
MVP leads the way
Sophomore Corbin Taylor was named the 1A D1 State Championship Game MVP, leading all scorers with 26 points and 10 rebounds.
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His brother Kanyon Taylor added 16 points and eight rebounds, while Carson Tucker contributed 13 points and eight rebounds.
Valley finished the season with a record of 30-4, capping off a historic run that took the program from heartbreak to state champions in the span of one year.
Valley boys basketball: Road to the State Championship Journey
| Round | Team | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Bi-District | O’Donnell | 63-38 |
| Area | Borden County | 53-24 |
| Regional Semifinals | Happy | 61-47 |
| Regional Finals | Boys Ranch | 56-52 |
| State Semifinals | #6 Munday | 44-33 |
| State Finals | #7 Fayetteville | 66-48 |
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