ROBINSON — Harvest Christian’s Jamie Gonzalez sat in the stands during the Eagles’ run to the state tournament last year.
The then-eighth grader watched as Harvest Christian’s magical run ended in the TAPPS 2A state semifinals, taking it all in and committing it to memory.
The freshman point guard was on the other sides of the stands during Harvest Christian’s return to the state tournament Wednesday, suiting up and starting for the Eagles.
Gonzalez made the most of her first state appearance, dropping a game-high 30 points to lead the Eagles past the San Marcos Hill Country Christian Rams 76-22 during their TAPPS 1A state semifinal game at Robinson High School.
“It was hard watching from the stands last year,” Gonzalez said. “I practice with those girls and would see them every day, so it was hard watching that loss. I was crying after the game. It was fun today being out there. I always dreamt of this. I’m just proud of all the girls.”
The Eagles enter uncharted waters following the win, set to appear in their first state championship game in program history. Last year, their season ended in the TAPPS 2A state semifinals, with the previous year coming to an end in the Elite Eight.
They’ll face off against the winner between Wichita Falls Christ Academy and Prosper Prestonwood Christian Academy North at 10 a.m. Thursday at Robinson High School.
“The girls have had this game and tournament marked in their hearts for 12 months,” Harvest Christian head coach Jaime Gonzalez said. “When you think about it so much you of expect it They’ve stayed hungry and humble. It is great getting there and we’re happy but we know the bigger game is tomorrow. We’ve never been to this game. I just keep telling them we can’t win tomorrow based of what we did today. We still must show up and play Harvest Christian basketball.”
The Eagles set the tone for the contest from the opening tip, with junior guard Ashley Gonzalez splashing home a 3-pointer from the top of the key just seconds into the game.
A quick answer by the Rams seemed to signal a back-and-forth contest brewing, but the Eagles had other plans, reeling off 19 straight points to take a commanding 20-point lead.
The Eagles run was sparked by a pestering defense and an offensive showcase by the youngest Gonzalez, who accounted for 11 points during the run and several steals during the run.
“The gameplan was to stick what we do best and that is be pests on defense and get steals,” Jamie said. “From there we just look for the open girl for the scores. We came into the game focused and ready to play. We ran a lot this game and pushed the ball and that led to open shots.”
The Eagles kept their foot on the gas during the second, with Jamie scoring the first seven points of the quarter, followed by a personal 7-0 run by sophomore Riley McClaugherty to extend Harvest Christian’s lead to 34.
Jamie added another seven points later in the quarter to cap a 25-point first half by the freshman point guard and send the Eagles into the break with a commanding 50-15 lead.
“It was good seeing her (Jamie) play,” Harvest Christian head coach Jaime Gonzalez said. “The whole team isn’t surprised by her performance. She has a high motor on offense and defense. She just goes non-stop. You can’t play eighth graders, but after that game last year I knew I had a girl in the stands who could have helped us that night. We had to wait until this year though.”
With the lead well in hand during the second half, the Eagles turned to their bench and slowed down the pace, scoring just 26 points over the final two periods after netting over 20 during each of the first two quarters.
The victory marks the third straight playoff contest the Eagles have won by double-digits, outscoring their opponents 210-70.
Despite three dominating victories leading up to the state championship game, the Eagles are focused on finishing the dance.
“We have to stay hungry and humble,” Eagles’ head coach Jaime Gonzalez said. “We can’t win tomorrow off anything we did today or the rest of the season. Tomorrow it’ll be about whoever outplays the other for four quarters. We’re going to lock in and focus and get it done.”
