ROBINSON — Harvest Christian had one goal on its mind heading into the 2023 season – bring home a state title.
The Eagles had been knocking on the door the previous two years, falling in the TAPPS 2A elite eight in 2021 and final four in 2022.
This year, the Eagles kicked down the door, running through the competition en route to the state title game.
Harvest Christian completed its magical season in the same dominant fashion it has all postseason, crushing the Prestonwood Christian North Lions 81-25 on Thursday to capture the program’s first state title at Robinson High School in Robinson.
“It was a great ride, that is for sure,” Harvest Christian head coach Jaime Gonzalez said. “I’m just glad the game plan panned out. Not the game plan for today, but for the whole season. We tried to load up and play as many games as we can against big schools, and, man, did it pay off because we got here. We’re a 1A team in size, but not in caliber. It was evident. I think we turned a lot of heads.”
Harvest Christian put together a dominant run through the postseason, outscoring its four opponents 291-95, never allowing more than 28 points.
Thursday’s game was no different, jumping to a quick double-digit lead during the first behind a dominant opening period from sisters Ashley and Jamie Gonzalez. The duo combined for 20 of the team’s 34 first-quarter points.
Jamie opened the scoring for the Eagles, picking up right where she left off from Wednesday’s semifinal contest. She splashed home a 3-pointer to end the quarter and cap a 13-point opening period. Jamie finished with 15 points.
Ashley was equally dominant, showcasing her crafty handles and elite finishing ability to score seven of her 12 points during the first.
“Other than me, only God knows how much work they’ve put into this,” head coach and the duo’s father, Jaime Gonzalez, said. “To see them reap the rewards, it is truly special. Jamie sets the tone on defense and just all over the place. Ashley can score whenever we need her to. She can put the team on her shoulders. … Watching them do it together, 10 and 24 up and down the court, as a dad, I’m going to sleep well tonight. I’ve got nine girls that are like daughters to me, two that are blood. When I close my eyes tonight, I’m sure I’ll see glimpses of this game.”
The second and third quarters belonged to junior guard Lexi Garcia. After scoring just four points during Wednesday’s semifinal, Garcia roared to life Thursday, scoring a game-high 17 points, including 13 during those two periods.
Garcia also demonstrated her elite court vision, dishing out several assists to her teammates for easy buckets.
“In the beginning of games, Ashley usually sets the scoring pace,” Garcia said. “I try to get the ball to her or Jamie early. Last game, I only had four points, but as a point guard I just focus on setting the tone. That is the main thing I focus on. That’s the same with all the girls. We don’t focus on who scores the most. We just focus on doing it together.”
Five players finished in double-figures for the Eagles, including four starters. Sophomore forward Riley McClaugherty netted eight of her 13 points during the second to help the Eagles all but lock up the state championship by the half.
Junior Genesis Moreno added 13 points off the bench, splashing home three 3-pointers. Junior Samantha Munoz chipped in six points and also made her presence felt on the glass.
The Eagles finish the season with a 35-7 overall mark, heading into next year with a 13-game winning streak in tow.
ALL-TOURNAMENT
Freshman Ashley Gonzalez, sophomore Riley McClaugherty and junior Ashley Gonzalez earned TAPPS 1A all-tournament team honors following dominant performances during the two-day state tournament.
The youngest Gonzalez opened the tournament with a dynamic 30-point performance to help send the Eagles to the state title game, adding another 15 points during the championship game.
The eldest Gonzalez took on a different role during the state tournament, deferring to her teammates rather than her normal leading scorer role. She still made her presence felt on the scoreboard, however, netting 15 and 12 points during the semifinals and finals, respectively.
McClaugherty was a dominating inside presence for the Eagles, crashing the boards and turning shots away on a consistent basis. She also added 14 and 13 points during Day 1 and 2 of the tournament, respectively.
REPEAT LOADING
The Eagles undoubtedly will open the 2023-24 campaign as the undisputed No. 1 team in TAPPS 1A girls basketball next season, with all but one member of this year’s championship team set to return.
Among those returning are the team’s leading scorers, junior Ashley Gonzalez and freshman Jamie Gonzalez.
The sister duo averaged a combined 37.8 points per game this season, with Ashley leading the team with 21.9 and Jamie adding 12.8.
They’ll be joined by junior point guard Lexi Garcia, who ranked third on the team with 11.9 points per game and led the team in assists per contest (4.1).
Dominant inside presences Riley McClaugherty and Samantha Munoz are both set to return as well, giving the Eagles all their starting five back next season.
“Right when we won today, I turned to one of our coaches and told him this isn’t our last one,” Garcia said. “This is just the first and next year we’re coming for it again. That is our goal. I told the coaches we’re taking one week off then we’ll be right back in the gym.”
