Walker Valley Grinds Out Win in Defensive Battle, Defeats Cleveland 55–37
The No. 5-ranked Walker Valley Mustangs leaned on defense and patience on offense Friday night, pulling away from Cleveland for a 55–37 victory in a rivalry matchup at Walker Valley High School.
The opening half was a slow, physical battle as both teams worked to find rhythm offensively. Walker Valley held a 10–4 lead at the end of the first quarter, setting the tone with defensive pressure and controlled possessions. Cleveland responded with improved movement in the second quarter, but the Mustangs maintained their edge and took a 21–16 lead into halftime.
Walker Valley gained separation after the break behind a strong individual performance from Zach Davis, who finished with 23 points. Davis provided consistent scoring throughout the night and helped steady the Mustangs during key stretches as they gradually pulled away.
Isaac Sausville also delivered a big night, knocking down timely shots and giving Walker Valley an offensive boost when momentum was needed. His contributions complemented a balanced approach from a Mustangs team that remained composed despite being without point guard Ashton Davis, who did not play due to injury.
For Cleveland, Braylon Beavers and Dee Lovelace each turned in solid performances. Beavers led the Raiders with 13 points, while Lovelace added 10, helping Cleveland stay competitive during stretches of the game.
Coming into the matchup, Walker Valley was led by Turner Clayton, Isaac Sausville, and Zach Davis, a trio that continues to define the Mustangs’ identity. Clayton was recently invited to the BCAT All-Star Game in Nashville, recognizing him as one of the top seniors in the state of Tennessee. Earlier this week, Davis was also honored for reaching the 1,000-point milestone in his career.
Clayton’s season numbers coming into this game — averaging 18 points, five rebounds, two assists, and two steals per game while shooting 57 percent from two, 34 percent from three, and 74 percent from the free-throw line — reflect a level of efficiency that places him firmly in the conversation among the state’s top guards. Davis has been just as reliable, averaging 19 points, six rebounds, two assists, and two steals per game while shooting 59 percent from two, 35 percent from three, and 77 percent at the line. Together, their production makes a strong case for both to be considered among Tennessee’s Mr. Basketball candidates.
The win improves Walker Valley to 19–2, and the Mustangs’ defensive discipline and patience on offense proved to be the difference over four quarters. Walker Valley closed the game with authority, scoring 24 points in the fourth quarter to gradually extend the lead and seal the victory. As the season continues, this Walker Valley team continues to grow and solidify its identity while making a strong push toward the Glass House.
— Jacob Mason, ESPN Cleveland 101.3
The No. 5-ranked Walker Valley Mustangs leaned on defense and patience on offense Friday night, pulling away from Cleveland for a 55–37 victory in a rivalry matchup at Walker Valley High School.
The opening half was a slow, physical battle as both teams worked to find rhythm offensively. Walker Valley held a 10–4 lead at the end of the first quarter, setting the tone with defensive pressure and controlled possessions. Cleveland responded with improved movement in the second quarter, but the Mustangs maintained their edge and took a 21–16 lead into halftime.
Walker Valley gained separation after the break behind a strong individual performance from Zach Davis, who finished with 23 points. Davis provided consistent scoring throughout the night and helped steady the Mustangs during key stretches as they gradually pulled away.
Isaac Sausville also delivered a big night, knocking down timely shots and giving Walker Valley an offensive boost when momentum was needed. His contributions complemented a balanced approach from a Mustangs team that remained composed despite being without point guard Ashton Davis, who did not play due to injury.
For Cleveland, Braylon Beavers and Dee Lovelace each turned in solid performances. Beavers led the Raiders with 13 points, while Lovelace added 10, helping Cleveland stay competitive during stretches of the game.
Coming into the matchup, Walker Valley was led by Turner Clayton, Isaac Sausville, and Zach Davis, a trio that continues to define the Mustangs’ identity. Clayton was recently invited to the BCAT All-Star Game in Nashville, recognizing him as one of the top seniors in the state of Tennessee. Earlier this week, Davis was also honored for reaching the 1,000-point milestone in his career.
Clayton’s season numbers coming into this game — averaging 18 points, five rebounds, two assists, and two steals per game while shooting 57 percent from two, 34 percent from three, and 74 percent from the free-throw line — reflect a level of efficiency that places him firmly in the conversation among the state’s top guards. Davis has been just as reliable, averaging 19 points, six rebounds, two assists, and two steals per game while shooting 59 percent from two, 35 percent from three, and 77 percent at the line. Together, their production makes a strong case for both to be considered among Tennessee’s Mr. Basketball candidates.
The win improves Walker Valley to 19–2, and the Mustangs’ defensive discipline and patience on offense proved to be the difference over four quarters. Walker Valley closed the game with authority, scoring 24 points in the fourth quarter to gradually extend the lead and seal the victory. As the season continues, this Walker Valley team continues to grow and solidify its identity while making a strong push toward the Glass House.
— Jacob Mason, ESPN Cleveland 101.3