A Dream Deferred, but Not Denied
By: Kristyn Hunt Cathey
Goose Creek Memorial High School’s varsity boys’ basketball team performed exceptionally well this season. They earned an unprecedented record of 25-9 during the regular season and a district record of 14-2. The round three game against Beaumont United was a nail biter, with the opponent winning 79-78 in triple overtime. Sam Bradford, Small Forward, was one of several team members that dominated the court during the game. He scored 31 points, 12 rebounds and six assists and Dariyus Woodson, Forward, also scored 28 points and grabbed 11 rebounds.
“We understand how disappointed the boys are as it relates to the game,” Lee Martinez, GCCISD Athletic Director stated. “But we told them to hold their heads high. They had an opportunity to play against one of the best in the state; which isn’t true for everyone. We are very proud of them and they should be proud of themselves.” Jamaal Haymon, GCM Head Basketball Coach is beyond proud of his athletes. “I am so proud of the way our kids responded in the third round game,” he said. “Beaumont United is the number one team in the state and number 22 team in the country. Our kids went toe-to-toe with them and out played them majority of the game. We just didn't make the plays at the end to close out the game, but we fought every minute. This will always be a game for the ages and a classical game that people will talk about for years to come.”
This season was a full of highs and lows. This is a by-product of success and also trying to repeat a historical season. As a program this year, the coaching staff had had very high expectations. “We made sure we played a more aggressive and challenging schedule to prepare us for the playoffs,” Haymon said. “As we prepared the schedule there was an understanding that there would be some bumps in the road and it was all about how we would handle adversity. I think our players showed in the playoffs that this season built young men of character and integrity. Our players learned how to fight for what they believed in for themselves, teammates and their community.” This was a season of a reckoning of sorts; where the team exceeded their own expectations and put the city of Baytown on the map. According to Coach Haymon, “I think we showed everyone how prideful our community is and that we are a force to be reckoned with in the sports arena.”
Kathy Holland, GCM Principal, thanked the community for their support of the team. “We appreciate the outpouring of support they have given GCM and our boys basketball team,” she said. “We are incredibly proud of the hard work and commitment of our coaches and student athletes.”
Though the season has ended for the Class of 2022 players, the team is ready to begin the process of setting records for the upcoming school year. One game at a time.