Milford Mill Academy Boys Basketball: A Grit-Fueled Run to the 3A Semifinals – 2025 Season Recap with Coach Ryan Smith
The 2025 winter basketball season at Milford Mill Academy was anything but ordinary, and that’s exactly what made it special. Despite facing a series of obstacles—including roster limitations, injuries, and academic setbacks—the Boys Varsity Basketball team, led by Head Coach Ryan Smith, fought their way to a second straight regional championship and an inspiring appearance in the 3A state semifinals. We caught up with Coach Smith for a look back at the campaign that tested their resilience, forged leadership, and laid a promising foundation for the future.
Team Over Individual
When asked about the key contributors this season, Coach Ryan Smith was quick to emphasize the collective nature of his team’s success. Still, two names did rise to the top: Akeem Belvin and Kendall Loggins Jr..
“Akeem Belvin and Kendall Loggins Jr. are the two that come to mind,” said Smith, “but this season was truly a team effort.” That team-first mentality proved crucial as the squad battled through adversity with a roster that, at one point, was down to just seven players. It would have been easy to fold. Instead, the team leaned in and leaned on each other.
A Season of Triumphs
Despite those setbacks, Coach Smith described the season as “very good.” And with good reason. Milford Mill not only defended its regional title for the second consecutive year, but also made a strong run to the 3A state semifinals—accomplishments made more impressive considering the team’s depleted lineup.
“We finished with only seven players,” Smith explained, “but we won back-to-back regional championships and made the semifinals of 3A.” It’s a testament to the grit and determination that has become a defining characteristic of this program under Smith’s leadership.
Turning Points and Leadership
Every memorable season has its pivotal moments, and for Milford Mill, the shift in defensive intensity was a clear catalyst.
“There was a turning point when we changed our defensive attitude,” said Smith. Another key change came when Kendall Loggins Jr. took over point guard duties. His transition into the floor general role proved essential in managing games and steering the team through the postseason grind.
Leadership wasn’t limited to the stat sheet, either. Kendall Loggins Jr. and Harold Little, the team’s two seniors, brought stability and voice to a young group, helping set the tone on and off the court. Yet, necessity created opportunity, and it wasn’t long before younger players began stepping up.
“Because we were so young, Elijah Johnson also took on a leadership role,” Smith added. His growth throughout the season underlined the team's next-man-up mentality.
Stepping Up Under Pressure
Injuries and academic eligibility issues forced new faces into larger roles, and several players seized the opportunity. James Gamble, Cameron Johnson, and Elijah West were three such athletes who significantly elevated their performance when their team needed it most.
“All stepped up their game after we were hit with injuries and academic issues,” Smith explained. Their development not only helped sustain the team during crunch time but also provided a glimpse into the promising future of Milford Mill basketball.
The team’s composure under pressure wasn’t accidental. It’s a trait honed by design. “Our guys are used to playing in big games and pressure situations,” Smith noted. “We do our best to schedule those types of games so they’re ready by playoff time.”
That forward-thinking strategy paid dividends, as the team handled the intensity of regional and state tournament play with poise far beyond their years.
Looking Ahead: 2025–26 and Beyond
While the 2025 season is something to celebrate, Coach Smith is already focused on what comes next—and he's energized by what he sees.
“I’m so excited about the 2025–26 season because we have seven guys returning,” he said. That core group will benefit from another year of experience, battle-tested by this season’s trials. Add in some new additions to the roster, and Milford Mill may very well be on the verge of something even bigger.
Players like Akeem Belvin and Romeo Hart are already being eyed for even greater contributions next year. “I look forward to seeing where Akeem Belvin and Romeo Hart can take their games next season,” said Smith. For Belvin, who already emerged as a key contributor this year, the challenge will be taking on even more responsibility. For Hart, it’s about breaking through and making his presence felt.
Offseason Priorities
Before the next season tips off, Coach Smith has a clear vision for how to elevate his team to the next level. “I’m looking forward to improving our overall team game,” he said. That means strengthening chemistry, refining fundamentals, and preparing mentally for another run deep into the postseason.
With a healthy offseason ahead, the focus will be on player development, situational basketball, and turning raw potential into consistent execution. Milford Mill’s identity—team-focused, defensively tough, and mentally sharp—will continue to be its cornerstone.
A Culture of Resilience
What truly made this Milford Mill team special was not just the wins, but the way they were earned. Playing with a limited bench, facing injuries, and still clawing their way to the 3A semifinals speaks volumes about the culture Coach Ryan Smith has built at the academy. It’s a culture rooted in accountability, opportunity, and belief.
“Our guys never backed down,” Smith said. “They stepped up, adapted, and played for each other.”
That team-first attitude, combined with a growing roster of capable young talent and a coaching staff that knows how to get the most out of its players, means the future is bright for Milford Mill basketball.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 season will be remembered not only for its accomplishments but for its heart. Under the leadership of Coach Ryan Smith, the Milford Mill Academy Boys Varsity Basketball team showed what’s possible when preparation meets perseverance. With seven returning players, rising stars ready to emerge, and a coaching staff that knows how to build winners, the Millers are set to be a force once again in 2026.
And if this year taught us anything, it’s that you can never count out a team with this much grit, fight, and unity.
Stats for Milford Mill basketball are available directly through Coach Smith upon request.
Share With