Maize
8A
The Valley Center Hornets dropped their matchup against the Maize Eagles on Monday, falling 36–9 in a game where Maize’s full-court pressure and height advantage proved difficult to overcome. The Eagles jumped out to a 10–3 lead by the end of the first quarter and continued to build momentum throughout the game. Averie Dewey and Gia Hall led the Hornets with each pulling down four rebounds. Offensively, Dewey led the Hornets with five points, while Kylie Skladzien added two. Zoey Nelson and Hall each contributed one point.

8B
Another tough loss for the 8 th grade B team vs. a talented Maize team with the final score being 14-20. Our shot selection was great at times but we were rushing our shot and not getting squared up. Other times, we were trying to force quick shots rather than slowing down and getting into offense. On the defensive end, Tessa Black had 5 steals and Audrey Shifrin had 4 which was great to see from both girls. On the offensive end, Ryleigh Ray led with 5 points, Tessa and Jayleen Cabral-Gomez each had 3, and Josslyn Lewis and Audrey each with 2.

7A
In their final regular-season home game, the Valley Center Hornets overcame a slow start to defeat Maize 33-15. The Hornets began the game cold, failing to hit a shot in the first quarter. Emary Tyler sparked the offense in the second, scoring all five of her points to help Valley Center head into halftime trailing just 7-8.
The second half told a different story, as the Hornets erupted for 13 points in both the third and fourth quarters to secure the win. Evie Taylor was a dominant presence in the post, grabbing 13 rebounds, drawing fouls, and converting put-backs, finishing with 7 points. Kendall Merrifield led the team in scoring with 15 points, while Sophia Fellows added 6. Defensively, Merrifield, Tyler, and Fellows each recorded 3 steals, helping fuel the Hornets’ second-half surge.
The Hornets’ strong finish showcased teamwork, resilience, and determination, giving their fans an exciting victory to close out the home season.


7B
The Valley Center Hornets 7th Grade B Team secured a hard-fought 27–23 victory over the Maize Eagles on Monday night, overcoming intense defensive pressure and a turbulent third quarter to earn the win. Valley Center showcased a balanced offensive attack, led by Elly Westmoreland and Kate Stratton with 7 points each, while Laura Garten added 6. The Hornets’ ability to convert at the free-throw line proved to be a key factor, as they sank a combined five points providing the final edge in the tightly contested game. Maize challenged the Hornets with a tough full-court press that disrupted the Valley Center offense in the third quarter. The pressure led to multiple turnovers, giving the Eagles momentum and shrinking the Hornets’ lead. But Valley Center responded with poise in the fourth quarter. Regaining control of the tempo, the Hornets tightened their ball handling, stepped up defensively, and knocked down crucial shots to pull ahead for good. Their late-game rally sealed a determined, team-centered win. The victory marks another step forward for the Hornets, who continue to show growth in composure, execution, and teamwork as the season progresses.