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GAME PREVIEW: Lakeland Lady Chiefs at Valley View Cougars

By: Jeric Yurkanin

When: Friday, Dec. 27 • 6:30 PM

Where: Valley View High School

Valley View and Lakeland meet up tonight with two very different identities — and that contrast is what makes this one intriguing.

Valley View has been built around a steady, disciplined defense, giving up just 32 points per game, and turning stops into runouts the other way. Offensively, the Cougars have been consistent too, scoring 44 points per night, which gives them a strong +12 average margin coming in.

Lakeland enters looking to flip the script with toughness, patience, and execution. The Lady Chiefs are scoring 36 points per game, and allowing 40, meaning they’ll be hunting for a cleaner night on the defensive end — and a little more efficiency finishing possessions.

Players to Watch:

Valley View:

Cora Castellani – A tone-setter who can impact the game on both ends, especially when Valley View’s defense turns into transition chances.

Madison Minelli – Key piece in Valley View’s rhythm offensively and defensive pressure; watch for her to make timely plays in the half-court.

Lakeland:

Kamri Naniewicz – A difference-maker for the Chiefs who can spark scoring runs and keep Lakeland within striking distance.

Naomi Rude – Brings energy and toughness; her playmaking and hustle will be critical if Lakeland wants to control tempo and limit second chances.

Keys to the Game:

1) Tempo:

Valley View wants pace off stops. Lakeland likely wants to slow it down, value possessions, and make it a half-court battle.

2) Defensive glass & second-chance points:

If Lakeland can finish stops with rebounds and take advantage in scoring off them, it keeps Valley View from piling up quick points.

3) Early confidence:

If the Chiefs hit a couple shots early, it changes the pressure and keeps Valley View from running away with momentum.

What to Expect:

If Valley View’s defense looks like it has all season, the Cougars can build separation in a hurry. For Lakeland, the path is clear: limit turnovers, rebound, and get big nights from Naniewicz and Rude to keep this one tight deep into the second half.

Valley View’s defense is the difference — and I think it keeps Lakeland in the 30s tonight.

Expect the Lady Cougars to control the game with turnovers, steals, and rebounds, turning defense into quick points the other way. This feels like one of those nights where Valley View’s pressure shows up early and keeps showing up late — and I’m expecting Cora Castellani to have a big game leading the way.

But don’t sleep on Lakeland.

This is a different Lady Chiefs team than years past. They can play good ball, they can score in a hurry, and on the right night they can defend. If Lakeland is going to pull it off, the blueprint is clear: limit turnovers, slow down Valley View’s tempo, and stay locked in — especially when Valley View tries to switch gears, slow it down, and control the pace.

Lakeland needs a big defensive game of their own — score off turnovers, rebound misses, and push it down the floor before Valley View’s defense gets set. They have to make it their kind of game.

For the Chiefs, it comes down to two things: they have to score — and they have to score off turnovers. If they can take care of the ball, create a few extra possessions, and control the tempo, they give themselves a real chance to hang around and make it a fourth-quarter game.

Still… I’m rolling with Valley View at home.

PREDICTION: VALLEY VIEW 54, LAKELAND 36.

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