Sports
For sports schedules, please visit the Athletics Website: Upcoming Sporting Events
On September 29th, the boys’ soccer team traveled to Bronson for a hard-fought matchup. After a competitive game on both sides, the Lions battled to a 2–2 tie. It was a strong showing for the Blue & White as they continue to build momentum late in the season.
On October 1st, the boys’ soccer team hosted Perry for a home match. The Lions played with effort and determination but fell short, taking a 0–6 loss.
On October 4th, the boys' soccer team played at home against Leslie, falling just short in a close 1–2 loss. The Lions fought hard throughout the match, keeping the game competitive until the final whistle.
On September 30th, the JV and Varsity volleyball teams hosted Stockbridge for a home matchup. The JV team fought hard but fell in three sets (9–25, 12–25, 19–25). The Varsity squad kept each set close, showing determination throughout the night, but ultimately came up short (21–25, 20–25, 19–25).
On October 4th, the varsity volleyball team competed at the Bloomingdale Invitational. In their matchup against Bloomingdale, the Lions battled through three close sets — taking set 1, 25–21, dropping set 2, 14–25, and finishing strong with a 25–24 victory in the deciding set.
The Junior High Cross Country team competed in their second Big 8 Conference meet of the season last night in Reading, turning in another strong performance on a challenging course.
The girls’ team placed 3rd overall, led by Adelita Tobias, who won the girls’ race with an outstanding run. Other top finishers included Raegan Jones, who ran her second-fastest time of the season, along with Rece Nevins, Rieleigh Thompson, and Karlee Davis.
The boys’ team had an impressive showing as well, finishing 2nd overall. Porter Bryson took 1st place, while Jaxson Eye followed close behind in 2nd, setting a new personal best time. Rounding out the top runners for Maple Valley were Levi Whitford, Ashton Wood, and Jacob Blakely.
The Junior High Cross Country team competed last night at the Country Mill Middle School Invitational held at the Country Mill Orchard. It was a great day of racing, with many Lions running their best times of the season.
The girls’ team placed 8th out of 15 schools. Adelita Tobias led the way, earning a top 25 medal and setting a new personal best time. Other top runners included Raegan Jones, Jojo Tobias, Rece Nevins, Rieleigh Thompson, and Karlee Davis. Both Jojo and Rieleigh also achieved new personal bests.
The boys’ team did not have a full team score but still turned in outstanding performances. Porter Bryson led the Lions with a 2nd-place finish and a new Junior High school record time of 10:43! Jaxson Eye also earned a medal with a top 20 finish, followed by Jacob Blakely and Ashton Wood. Both Jaxson and Jacob ran their fastest times ever.
On October 2nd, the JV football team hosted Sand Creek and came away with an impressive 34–8 victory. The Lions played strong on both sides of the ball, continuing to build momentum as the season progresses.
The High School Cross Country team competed in their second Big 8 Conference race of the season last night in Reading, taking on a challenging and hilly course.
The girls’ team had a strong performance, finishing 5th overall and defeating Quincy, Springport, and Reading. Melanie Jones led the Lions with her second-fastest time of the season, followed closely by Izabelle Soper, Lydia Emerick, and Ada Blakely.
On the boys’ side, the team placed 7th, earning a solid win over Reading. Tyler Curtis led the way with his second-fastest time of the season, while Cameron Murray finished close behind, landing in the top 20. Grady Wilkes rounded out the top finishers for the Lions.
On October 3rd, the Varsity football team traveled to Sand Creek and brought home a dominant 42–12 win. The Lions showed great teamwork and determination, bouncing back strong and putting together an all-around solid performance on the road.
Activites/Clubs
Hastings Marching Band Invitational
On October 4th, the Maple Valley Marching Band traveled to the Hastings Invitational. While the band did not compete, they performed for judges and received excellent feedback on their show. The students were especially excited to return to Hastings for the first time since 2019, making the event a memorable experience for both new and returning members. The band is now looking ahead to their next performance at the DeWitt Invitational on October 11th, where they will officially compete and showcase the hard work they’ve put into this year’s show.
Senior Highlights
Mariah VanDorp
After high school, Mariah plans on attending a program to become an Ultrasound Technician. She then plans to continue her education to earn a bachelor's degree and advance in the field of medicine. The staff member who has had the greatest impact on Mariah is Mrs. Webb, due to her infectious energy, her caring nature, and the fact that Mariah can count on her for anything. After graduation, she looks forward to the beginning of her journey and seeing where it takes her. Some advice she would like to give the freshmen is, “It’s okay to not have it all figured out, take it one day at a time, believe that you can do anything you put your mind to, and your path will soon come together.” The highlight of her senior year will be making unforgettable memories.
