George Loureiro is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Valley Christian by AZPreps365

Defending 3a state champion Valley Christian has a target on its back. Coach Greg Haagsma welcomes it. “I think it’s calming in a sense that we know that we can do it.” 

A team with lots of confidence and consistent play all season long is looking to repeat.  

The team has six returning players from the 2019 state championship team. This is also a team that finished the regular season 23-3 with two losses coming to Paradise Honors in league play. 

Last season the Trojans lost both regular season games to Paradise Honors but beat them by 15 in the final four to advance and win state. The Trojans hope history repeats itself. 

”I know we have the ability to beat anyone,” star forward Logan Phillips said, “but right now, it’s about putting the effort in to get there.” 

Phillips will have a lot on his shoulders as the leading scorer for the team for the last two seasons. Last year he averaged 16.1 points. 

 This year’s production has increased to 22.5 points per game. 

“Logan and Jackson (Risis) are our leaders, and as they go, we go,” Haagsma said. 

Risi was not a member of last year's state championship team but has been a leader, nonetheless. 

Risi is the second-leading scorer on the team and is averaging 15.6 a game and is second in minutes as well.  

It’s clear when Haagsma needs something done he turns to Phillips and Risi. 

The energy is very dynamic. When either makes a big play, the team rallies and the crowd erupts. 

Even in a dominant performance last Friday, both of Phillips’ dunks caused an uproar throughout the bench and bleachers. 

Even when Risi missed his own layups he got his own boards flying to wherever the ball is. 

The Trojans have a high ceiling this season with an 8-2 record in their last 10 games.  

Like last season the Trojans where they made a run to their sixth state championship, the Trojans finished second in the league.  

The Trojans secured themselves a first-round bye and will get some rest time before the tournament.  

“We’ll practice Monday and Tuesday rest Wednesday and go hard again Thursday and Friday,” Haagsma said. 

The Trojans find out this Wednesday who they will play Saturday.