Sun Valley Poly Wins Basketball Title Despite Player Changes

The Sun Valley Poly boys' basketball team has won the East Valley League championship again. They had a great season and won all their league games. This happened even though some players left the team.
By Newsroom | Sports, Basketball |

The Sun Valley Poly boys' basketball team has secured another East Valley League championship, continuing a remarkable league winning streak. This success comes in the wake of significant player transitions, most notably the departure of a key player at the end of the previous season. The team's ability to maintain its dominance raises questions about player development, coaching strategy, and team resilience.

Prep talk: Joe Wyatt guides Sun Valley Poly to another East Valley League championship - 1

Season of Dominance and Change

The Sun Valley Poly basketball program has achieved a notable season, going undefeated in the East Valley League and extending its league winning streak to 28 consecutive wins. This accomplishment is particularly striking given the team's circumstances at the start of the current season.

Prep talk: Joe Wyatt guides Sun Valley Poly to another East Valley League championship - 2

  • At the conclusion of the previous season, coach Joe Wyatt saw his son, JD Wyatt, depart for prep school. JD Wyatt was a significant offensive contributor, averaging 28.5 points per game in the City Section last season.

  • Despite this loss, the team, led by seniors Kevin Lara and Angel Guerrero, has maintained its high level of performance.

  • The team is currently seeded No. 6 in the City Section Division I playoffs and is set to host Westchester in its opening playoff game.

Key Performances and Team Dynamics

The team's success this season appears to be built on a foundation of strong senior leadership and the consistent performance of key players.

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Prep talk: Joe Wyatt guides Sun Valley Poly to another East Valley League championship - 3

  • In a game against Grant, JD Wyatt and Quian Khawaja combined for 63 points, demonstrating a potent offensive partnership.

  • JD Wyatt has been a standout performer throughout the season, with reports indicating he averaged 28.4 points per game.

  • In a crucial City Section Division I semifinal victory against Granada Hills, JD Wyatt scored 35 points, propelling Poly to the championship game.

  • Quian Khawaja has also provided significant support, scoring 17 points in the semifinal game and 34 points in a victory over the Grant Lancers.

Championship Context and Historical Performance

The recent championship season adds to the program's notable history.

Prep talk: Joe Wyatt guides Sun Valley Poly to another East Valley League championship - 4

  • In the 2025 season, JD Wyatt and Kevin Lara were instrumental in Sun Valley Poly's victory over Grant to secure the City Division I title. This marked the school's first boys' basketball title since 1999 and its first under head coach Joe Wyatt.

  • Joe Wyatt himself has a background as a successful high school player, known for high-scoring games during his time at Granada Hills Kennedy High in the early 1990s.

  • The 2025 City Division I final saw JD Wyatt competing alongside his father, Joe Wyatt, who was coaching him at Sun Valley Poly.

Facing Strong Opposition

The team's path to success has not been without significant challenges from competitive opponents.

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  • In the 2025 City Section Division I semifinals, Sun Valley Poly defeated top-seeded Granada Hills with a score of 66-53. JD Wyatt's performance was critical in this victory.

  • Granada Hills later avenged this loss, defeating Poly 65-56 in a regional final game, highlighting the competitive nature of high school basketball in the area.

  • Despite facing intense defensive pressure, including double and triple teams, JD Wyatt consistently found ways to contribute offensively, scoring 17 second-half points in one notable contest.

Player Departures and Team Adaptability

The ability of Sun Valley Poly to maintain its success following the departure of key players is a central theme.

  • The exit of JD Wyatt to prep school at the end of the previous season presented a clear void. His average of nearly 20 points per game at his new school indicates his continued impact.

  • The team's current senior leaders, Kevin Lara and Angel Guerrero, appear to have effectively stepped into more prominent roles.

  • The 2025 City Division I championship game against Grant featured moments where JD Wyatt and Khawaja combined for crucial points in the fourth quarter, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure even when facing defensive challenges, such as a travel call against JD Wyatt.

Expert Perspectives

Interviews and observations highlight the team's commitment and the coaching staff's effectiveness.

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  • One coach noted of a player, "He’s a great teammate, he’s just out there having fun." This suggests a positive team environment.

  • Regarding player effort, a statement was made, "He hasn’t disappointed me — he works his butt off. He faced double teams, triple teams." This points to the dedication and resilience of the players.

  • Another observation about a player's play indicated, "That kid plays with a lot of heart." This speaks to the individual drive and competitive spirit within the team.

Summary of Findings and Future Considerations

Sun Valley Poly's recent championship season demonstrates a sustained level of competitive success within the East Valley League and City Section. The team's ability to achieve an undefeated league record and a significant winning streak, despite the departure of key players like JD Wyatt, underscores the depth of talent and the effectiveness of the coaching staff.

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  • The senior leadership of players like Kevin Lara and Angel Guerrero has been crucial in filling the void left by departed scorers.

  • The consistent high-level performance of players such as JD Wyatt and Quian Khawaja has provided the offensive firepower necessary for sustained success.

  • The team has demonstrated an ability to adapt to defensive strategies designed to neutralize its top scorers, as seen in their comeback victories.

  • The program's historical success, including its 2025 City Division I championship, indicates a stable and effective basketball culture.

Further investigation could explore the specific coaching strategies employed by Joe Wyatt that facilitate player development and team cohesion following player departures. Additionally, examining the pathways for emerging talent within the program may offer insights into its long-term sustainability.

Sources Used:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Did Sun Valley Poly win their league?
Yes, they won the East Valley League again and had no losses.
Q: Did any important players leave?
Yes, a key player left for another school after last season.
Q: How did they win without him?
Other players, especially the seniors, played very well.
Q: How long has their winning streak been?
They have won 28 league games in a row.
Q: Who is the coach?
The coach is Joe Wyatt.