Walker Valley, Whitehaven Advance, Which “W” Gets One More?

PICTURED: Walker Valley

Whitehaven (29-8) crushed Blackman, 71-41 in a virtual home game for Blackman High. The Tigers get one step closer to a possible rematch with Bartlett. Standing in the way of the Tigers' championship dreams is Walker Valley (30-3).

Walker Valley did not bury Farragut until the fourth quarter, ultimately pulling away 76-58. Brothers Ashton Davis Ashton Davis 5'8" | PG Walker Valley | 2026 State TN and Zach Davis Zach Davis 6'1" | PG Walker Valley | 2027 State TN executed efficiently combining for 33 points on 13-19 shooting! When a program reaches the State Tournament typically the shooting percentages dip as the defense is better and the shooting sightlines are worse. Guys do not like shooting in arenas because there is no wall near the hoop to give a better depth perception.

Alas, 2x District MVP Zach Davis Zach Davis 6'1" | PG Walker Valley | 2027 State TN did not suffer at all. The junior star made eight baskets and both three-point attempt, good for a game-high 21 points.

Whitehaven is a completely different animal. Walker Valley's size, or lack thereof will be alarming. The Tigers of Whitehaven feature four players taller than 6-foot-6 and start two of them.

Walker Valley's Zach Davis Zach Davis 6'1" | PG Walker Valley | 2027 State TN must be great again. Ashton Davis Ashton Davis 5'8" | PG Walker Valley | 2026 State TN cannot turn the ball over. The Tigers are favored here, and it would take a nearly perfect performance for the Mustangs to overcome this challenge.

In the quarterfinal WVHS won the rebounding battle 34-25. This will not happen against Whitehaven. Securing defensive rebounds and thereby ending possessions abruptly is a key to defeating Whitehaven.

Often seniors carry the water in postseason runs. Walker Valley features eight seniors while Whitehaven dressed nine.

Interestingly, Whitehaven and Blackman made four three-pointers in a row in the game's first quarter Thursday morning. Eric Winston and Kiyan Mitchell delivered a full-throated retort to Blackman senior Dorien Lyles' pair of threes. This dynamic is atypical for the Tigers and unlikely to be replicated Friday evening. Walker Valley is much more likely to "go off" from behind the arc.

Last season Walker Valley finished 30-5. Thursday, they won their 30th game of 2025-2026. The 31st will be their biggest challenge yet.

The task will be tall and yet Walker Valley keeps winning big basketball games regardless of external doubt.