The Valley Rams finished off a perfect 33-0 season by claiming the first state basketball championship in school history, defeating Charles Henderson 54-50 in the Class 5A finals on Saturday.
Valley is the first AHSAA bos team to go undefeated since Autaugaville in 2021, and just the 11th overall.
The Rams trailed 20-18 at halftime, but junior Cam’Ron Dooley sparked an 18-2 run in the second half that put Valley ahead for good. Dooley scored 19 of his game-high 19 points after halftime and was named tournament MVP.
“It was very frustrating in the first half,” said Dooley of early foul trouble. “Coach told me I was going to score 20 points in the second half.”
Charles Henderson twice cut the lead to 3 points late, including 50-47 with 14 seconds left, but Valley held on by hitting clutch free throws.
“There was a target on our back all year,” said Valley coach Marshon Harper. “To go 33-0 is special.”
Ian Crim-Davis added 13 points for the Rams. Brandon Thomas had 6 points, 12 rebounds and 4 steals.
Charles Henderson (25-5) was seeking its first ever state title as well. Jywon Boyd led the Trojans with 14 points before fouling out. Austin Cross added 13 points.
Charles Henderson coach Timothy Fayson said his team struggled to slow Dooley. “He’s a tremendous talent and he imposed his will,” Fayson said.
Harper said the perfect season earned his team respect. Several Valley players will return next season.
“We completed the mission,” Harper said. “Not a lot of teams can say 33-0.”