The Warriors opened their season on Dec. 14 with a tough 52-50 loss versus conference powerhouse Coginchaug on Valley’s home court. The Warriors had a difficult time mustering up offense in the first three quarters but showed heart and resilience in the fourth quarter as Valley played from behind the entire game but managed to make the game close when down 15 points with just four minutes to go. The Warriors made a 15-2 fourth quarter run, getting the score to within two and had the chance to tie the game with a drive to the basket by Luster but the ball rattled in and out of the rim, forcing Valley to foul.

“We pretty much ran out of time,” said Coach Kevin Woods. “Offensively we played tight. We weren’t aggressive and didn’t attack the basket like we did in the fourth quarter but we played well enough. We just didn’t put the ball in the basket.”  

Junior Jon Luster had 14 points in the game, followed by Chris Connor with 11, Kyle Smith and Chris Polo with six apiece, and Jake Luster and Ryan Pomroy with five points each. Valley also had 10 turnovers in the first half which ended up being the difference in the game. Pomroy, Jake Luster, and Sean Cunningham hit some big three-pointers down the stretch to give the Warriors a chance but Coginchaug’s Erickson Wasyl iced the game at the line, hitting the front end of a two-shot foul that forced the game to a four-point, two possession game with just over five seconds to go on the game clock.

“A lot of people picked [Coginchaug] to win the league this year, but I think we sent a message tonight that we’re going to be a tough out for anybody and if you’re going to beat us, you’re going to have to play a full game against us.”