Valliant girls’ basketball enters the season in an enviable position, with every player returning from last season’s 22-7 team that reached the area playoffs. Head coach Patrick Nix, who has spent 13 years at Valliant, describes this group as young, fast and aggressive, and he believes they are ready to build off what they accomplished a year ago. With no graduation losses to replace, Valliant can pick up right where they left off.
The headliner is senior power forward Landi Coulter (5-7, Sr.), the lone senior among Valliant’s top returners. Coulter gives Valliant toughness and experience in the frontcourt, and her role as a veteran leader will be important for a roster built largely around underclassmen. Playing the power forward spot at 5-7 requires effort and physicality, and that fits the aggressive identity Nix wants his team to play with.
The backcourt is loaded with returning talent. Junior point guard Andrea Bryant (5-4, Jr.) runs the offense and sets the tempo for a team that wants to play fast. Junior guard Chloe Mifflin (5-4, Jr.) gives Valliant another quick, experienced ball handler, and the pair should help Valliant push the pace and pressure opponents for 32 minutes.
Underclassman Addi Bryant is a long guard who plays downhill and attacks the rim. Nix says she is an aggressive and physical defender, and her length makes her a matchup problem on both ends. Sophomore forward Raylynn Parsons (So.) can shoot from the outside and uses her length to be a very tough defender. Off the court, Parsons is involved in many different organizations and is on track to be an honor graduate of her class.
Olivia England brings strength and character to the roster. Nix calls her a great kid and a terrific teammate, and she is also a state-qualifying powerlifter. Her toughness and the example she sets for her teammates make her a valuable part of the program.
Nix and assistant coach Colton Leffel have a great group of kids to work with, and the combination of experience and youth gives Valliant plenty of reasons for optimism. Every returning player already knows what it takes to win at the area level, and another year of growth should make Valliant even more dangerous.
With speed, defensive pressure and a full roster of returners, Valliant has the pieces to build on last season’s success. If the young core continues to develop, Valliant could take another step forward and make a deeper postseason run this winter.
