Midland Valley basketball ready to prove themselves

Graniteville, SC. (WRDW/WAGT) - The girls’ and boys’ programs at Midland Valley believe they have something to show, and with new head coach Chasen Redd guiding the girls and second-year head coach Dave Corder pushing the boys, the Mustangs are building foundations they hope will last.

Girls Basketball: Building a Foundation Under New Head Coach Chasen Redd

The Midland Valley girls basketball program enters the season with new leadership as Chasen Redd takes over as head coach. His focus so far has been on establishing structure, improving fundamentals, and raising the team’s overall competitiveness.

Redd said he has been encouraged by the group’s effort early on.

“They want to win,” Redd said. “They practice hard, give great effort, and I think we’re going to prove some people wrong. We’re slept on—and that’s fine. We want to be the underdog.”

Redd spent last season as an assistant on staff of the Aiken Hornets boys program. It’s his first time taking the reigns since leading the Silver Bluff girls program two seasons ago.

He takes over a program with only five wins last season. The emphasis has shifted toward developing consistency and reshaping the team’s mentality.

“Honestly, everybody said that they’re not good. So, again, we’re going to prove and show that that’s not right,” said Redd.

Players say the biggest adjustment has been understanding that playing time must be earned through daily work.

“Everybody thinks they deserve a spot, but you have to prove it,” Zy’Rionna Lewis said.

“We just want to win. We don’t want a season like last year,” said Zekenya Eberhart.

The players note that team chemistry has grown as they spend more time together learning Redd’s system. Whether returning players or newcomers, the group says they’re building stronger communication and trust each day.

With a young roster and a new coaching approach, the Mustangs are focused on improvement and laying a solid foundation for the future.

Boys Basketball: Higher Standards, Higher Expectations Under Coach David Corder

On the boys’ side, the Mustangs enter the season with momentum and belief under second-year head coach Dave Corder. Last year, despite joining the program late and having zero summer practices or games, Corder led Midland Valley from five wins to 18, one of the most dramatic turnarounds in the region.

“We’re a practice program,” Corder said. “Practice effort and practice execution become game reality. Everything we do is centered around effort and player development.”

With a full offseason under their belts the expectations have been raised.

The region remains among the toughest in the state—featuring North Augusta, Gray Collegiate, Brookland-Cayce, Aiken, and South Aiken—but the Mustangs believe they can climb.

Leadership has become a focal point for the program, not just for the varsity team but for the younger players watching from behind.

“Our whole culture is based on attendance,” he said. “Before we talk offense or defense, you have to be there. We want guys with swag—confidence, toughness, and the ability to do everything the game requires.”

Corder believes this year’s team is setting the standard for sustained success, and building for the long term.

“It’s important how we play,” Corder said. “But it’s more important how we feel about each other. That culture matters.”

As both programs enter new chapters—one beginning, one growing—Midland Valley basketball is embracing the challenge together.