The 17–3 Cleveland Lady Raiders earned a rivalry win Friday night, pulling away from a young but resilient Walker Valley squad to secure their second victory over the Lady Mustangs this season.
The game opened with energy on both sides, as the teams traded baskets throughout the first quarter. Walker Valley matched Cleveland’s pace early, and the opening period ended tied 12–12, reflecting the competitiveness of the rivalry matchup.
Cleveland began to take control in the second quarter, and one of the biggest differences was the Lady Raiders’ ball movement and chemistry. Crisp passes, unselfish decision-making, and players consistently finding the extra pass led to quality looks on the offensive end. As the defense tightened, Cleveland capitalized on those opportunities to create separation, building a 24–14 halftime advantage and never relinquishing control the rest of the way.
Arriyah Huffman set the tone offensively, pouring in 18 points in the first half and finishing the night with 22 points. Her scoring punch helped Cleveland create breathing room early and forced Walker Valley to play from behind. Laney Copeland also had a strong night shooting the ball, contributing 11 points as part of a balanced offensive effort.
Walker Valley continued to compete despite the deficit. Makenna Goode led the Lady Mustangs early, scoring nine points in the first half, but Cleveland’s defensive consistency and team cohesion made it difficult for Walker Valley to mount a sustained comeback.
Cleveland’s chemistry was evident throughout the night, with much of the roster having played together since middle school. That familiarity showed on both ends of the floor, particularly in spacing, communication, and trust in one another during key stretches of the game.
Under the leadership of head coach Bianca Hensley, Cleveland once again displayed its defensive identity and composure. Ranked 45th in the state by MaxPreps, the Lady Raiders’ only losses have come against elite competition, and performances like this continue to build momentum as postseason play approaches.
The victory improves Cleveland’s record to 18–3, keeping the Lady Raiders firmly on track in their push toward a return trip to the Glass House.
— Jacob Mason, ESPN Cleveland 101.3
The game opened with energy on both sides, as the teams traded baskets throughout the first quarter. Walker Valley matched Cleveland’s pace early, and the opening period ended tied 12–12, reflecting the competitiveness of the rivalry matchup.
Cleveland began to take control in the second quarter, and one of the biggest differences was the Lady Raiders’ ball movement and chemistry. Crisp passes, unselfish decision-making, and players consistently finding the extra pass led to quality looks on the offensive end. As the defense tightened, Cleveland capitalized on those opportunities to create separation, building a 24–14 halftime advantage and never relinquishing control the rest of the way.
Arriyah Huffman set the tone offensively, pouring in 18 points in the first half and finishing the night with 22 points. Her scoring punch helped Cleveland create breathing room early and forced Walker Valley to play from behind. Laney Copeland also had a strong night shooting the ball, contributing 11 points as part of a balanced offensive effort.
Walker Valley continued to compete despite the deficit. Makenna Goode led the Lady Mustangs early, scoring nine points in the first half, but Cleveland’s defensive consistency and team cohesion made it difficult for Walker Valley to mount a sustained comeback.
Cleveland’s chemistry was evident throughout the night, with much of the roster having played together since middle school. That familiarity showed on both ends of the floor, particularly in spacing, communication, and trust in one another during key stretches of the game.
Under the leadership of head coach Bianca Hensley, Cleveland once again displayed its defensive identity and composure. Ranked 45th in the state by MaxPreps, the Lady Raiders’ only losses have come against elite competition, and performances like this continue to build momentum as postseason play approaches.
The victory improves Cleveland’s record to 18–3, keeping the Lady Raiders firmly on track in their push toward a return trip to the Glass House.
— Jacob Mason, ESPN Cleveland 101.3
Posted in Walker Valley