It’s been a season to remember at St. Vincent.
From the football field in the fall to the basketball court in the winter, the Indians and Lady Indians have enjoyed one of the most successful stretches in school athletic history — highlighted by championship runs and a community that rallied behind its teams.
At the center of the excitement has been basketball, where both the St. Vincent boys and girls teams turned in remarkable seasons.
For the first time in school history, both programs captured Jefferson County Athletic Association conference championships and district titles in the same year — an accomplishment that underscores the strength of the school’s basketball tradition.
“It’s a great situation to have,” St. Vincent boys coach Bruce Valleroy said. “To be able to say both teams won conference and both teams won districts — that’s pretty special.”
The Lady Indians’ postseason run took them all the way to the Class 3 state championship game. St. Vincent finished as the state runner-up after falling to Principia, bringing the season full circle after opening the year with a loss to the same team in November.
Along the way, the Lady Indians displayed the same defensive intensity and balanced scoring that helped them reach the Class 2 state championship game the previous season.
Meanwhile, the St. Vincent boys team delivered one of the strongest seasons in program history.
The Indians finished 22-7 overall, captured the conference title and claimed the Class 2, District 4 championship before their postseason run ended in the sectional round of the state playoffs.
The season marked the second-most wins in school history and included a tournament championship at the Valle Catholic Christmas Tournament.
But perhaps the most impressive part of St. Vincent’s basketball success was the connection between the two teams.
The players regularly supported each other throughout the season, filling the stands at one another’s games and celebrating each victory together.
“They follow each other,” Valleroy said. “They go to each other’s games and talk throughout the day. Both groups are rooting for each other.”
The result was a sense of shared accomplishment that made this winter even more memorable.
And basketball was just part of the story.
St. Vincent’s football team also captured a conference championship in the fall, while the volleyball program added another conference title as well.
Over the past year, the school has also seen strong performances from its soccer, golf, and cross-country teams, including several athletes advancing to state-level competition.
“It’s been a great sports year,” Valleroy said. “Anytime you can look back and see football win conference, volleyball win conference, and both basketball teams win conference, that’s awesome.”
While championships and trophies stand out on the scoreboard, coaches say the foundation of St. Vincent’s success lies in the dedication of its student-athletes.
The athletes train year-round, competing in multiple sports while building a culture centered on teamwork and effort.
“I’ve always felt our kids are good athletes,” Valleroy said. “They work hard in the offseason and during the season. It’s great to see that hard work pay off.”
Looking back, the past year will likely stand as one of the most memorable in St. Vincent’s athletic history.
With conference championships, district titles and a state runner-up finish on the basketball court, the Indians and Lady Indians have proven that a small school can still achieve big things.
And if this season was any indication, the future of St. Vincent athletics remains bright.
