Ridge View HS wins it’s sixth state championship in eight years

In South Carolina high school basketball, few programs have carved out a legacy like Ridge View High School. This past March, the Blazers once again found themselves atop the mountain, claiming their sixth state championship in just eight years with a dominant 71-47 win over Blythewood in the 2025 Class AAAAA Division I title game. 

For those who’ve followed Ridge View’s rise, the victory was no fluke. It was the result of a program that’s embraced hard work, consistency, and a culture that demands excellence from the top down.

The Rise of Ridge View Basketball

It’s easy to look at Ridge View now—state trophies stacked high, banners hanging in the gym—and assume success has always been part of the program’s DNA. But the story of their dynasty is one of evolution, built patiently over years of intentional effort.

A key moment came back in 2013. The program made a conscious decision to elevate the way they trained. That year, they invested in their first Gun basketball shooting machine, seeing it as a way to give their players more opportunities to get better outside of structured practices.

It wasn’t a magic bullet. Championships didn’t pour in overnight. But it marked the beginning of a shift in the program’s approach—prioritizing extra reps, individual accountability, and maximizing every chance to improve.

“That was the year we really started to emphasize what it meant to outwork people, not just outplay them,” recalls longtime program supporters. “We couldn’t always have the tallest or fastest team, but we could control how much work we put in.”

A New Era with Josh Staley at the Helm

In 2022, the program welcomed a new leader in Coach Josh Staley—a respected figure in South Carolina basketball circles with a state title already under his belt from his days at A.C. Flora High School.

Staley brought his trademark energy, discipline, and a vision for what Ridge View could become.

“He brought this relentless approach to detail,” said one assistant coach. “Practice wasn’t about showing up and rolling the ball out. It was about mastering the little things, day after day.”

Staley’s leadership proved to be the spark that kept the fire burning. Under his guidance, Ridge View continued to reload—not rebuild—and claimed back to back state championships in 2024 and 2025.

Repetition, Repetition, Repetition

If you visit Ridge View’s gym early in the morning or late at night, you’ll likely hear the familiar thump of basketballs echoing off the hardwood.

For the players, getting extra shots up isn’t optional—it’s expected.

Over the years, the program upgraded their shooting machines to the latest models, including the The Gun 12K, which became a staple of their training routine. Players can often be found getting up hundreds, even thousands, of shots outside of practice, working on mechanics, confidence, and muscle memory.

But while the technology is helpful, those inside the program are quick to point out that no machine replaces the work ethic needed to reach the top.

“The machine doesn’t make the shots for you,” one coach said. “It’s a tool. But it’s the kids who choose to be in the gym before school, after practice—that’s what makes the difference.”

A Culture of Accountability and Growth

More than the trophies, what the Ridge View community is most proud of is the culture the program has built.

Players are taught from day one that success comes from doing the right things when no one is watching—whether that’s in the classroom, in the weight room, or during individual workouts.

Senior leaders pass down these expectations, and each new class of players takes up the mantle.

“We talk all the time about leaving the jersey better than you found it,” said one Ridge View player. “That’s what drives us. It’s bigger than just this year’s team.”

The Road Ahead

As Ridge View celebrates yet another championship, the work is already beginning for next season.

There are shots to get up, weights to lift, film to watch.

And if the past decade is any indication, the Blazers will be right back in the mix—driven by a culture of relentless improvement, an unshakable belief in the process, and a team-first mentality that’s become the foundation of their dynasty.

We applaud Coach Staley and the Blazers for their hard work and commitment to excellence on the basketball court. Our goal is to provide the resources necessary to enable all players to become as good as they want to be! Our goals, your goals reached!