This past weekend marked a historic moment for the town of Twins Pine Pass as our very own Twins Pine Pass High School Eagles soared to victory, clinching the State Championship in basketball. For weeks, the anticipation had been building as the team powered through a tough season, but no one could have predicted just how special this win would be—not just for the players, but for the entire community.
A Team on a Mission
The Eagles, led by Coach Aaron Whitman, have been laser-focused all season. Their journey to the championship wasn’t easy. They faced several tough opponents, battling injuries and setbacks, but their resilience never wavered. “These kids worked their hearts out,” said Coach Whitman. “From day one, they showed up to practice ready to give it everything they had. They knew what this meant—not just for themselves, but for the whole town.”
Point guard and team captain, Jake Reynolds, echoed his coach’s sentiment: “We didn’t just play for us—we played for every single person in Twins Pine Pass. Everyone has been behind us the whole season, and we wanted to bring this win home for them.”
Jake, who’s been playing since he could barely dribble a ball, delivered one of the best performances of his high school career, scoring 28 points and making some crucial plays down the stretch. But as he humbly reminded the crowd afterward, “It’s not just me. This win is about the whole team—everyone gave their best.”
The Road to Victory
The state championship game was a nail-biter from start to finish. Held in front of a packed crowd, the Eagles faced off against the defending champions from Meadowridge High, a powerhouse team known for their sharp defense and quick transition game. But the Eagles had something stronger—a community backing them and an unwavering belief that they could bring the trophy home.
The game was close, with both teams trading leads throughout. But as the final quarter approached, Twins Pine Pass shifted into high gear. Ethan Foster, known for his incredible defense, made a key steal in the last few minutes, which led to a fast-break layup that put the Eagles ahead. Sophia Allen, the team’s sharpshooting guard, hit a clutch three-pointer that gave the Eagles the cushion they needed to secure the victory.
The final score? 72-68, in favor of the Eagles. And when the buzzer sounded, the crowd erupted into cheers that could probably be heard all the way back in Twins Pine Pass.
A Win for the Entire Community
The championship victory wasn’t just a win for the players and coaches—it was a victory for the entire town. Residents of Twins Pine Pass have followed the Eagles all season long, traveling to away games and packing the stands at home. Local businesses even displayed banners in their windows, cheering the team on.
Principal Rebecca McGregor, who attended the game with hundreds of other cheering fans, summed it up perfectly: “This is more than just a win in basketball. This is about community, spirit, and what we can accomplish when we come together. I couldn’t be prouder of these kids and how they represented Twins Pine Pass.”
For the students, the win has sparked a wave of excitement across the school. “It feels amazing,” said Lily Johnson, a senior who’s been attending every game this season. “We’re such a small town, but we proved that we can compete with anyone. It feels like we’re all part of something special.”
Even local businesses have been celebrating. The Pine Perk, the town’s beloved coffee shop, offered free coffee to anyone wearing Eagles gear the day after the game. “This win is huge for us,” said Nina, the owner. “You could feel the energy in here. Everyone’s been talking about it, and it just makes you feel proud to be from here.”
Looking Forward
The victory has also been a personal triumph for Coach Whitman, who took over the basketball program five years ago. “When I started, I told these kids that we were going to build something great together. This win shows how far we’ve come, but it also shows the incredible character and determination of these young men and women. They never gave up.”
For the seniors on the team, this win is bittersweet. For players like Jake Reynolds and Sophia Allen, it’s their last game in a Twins Pine Pass Eagles jersey, and they’re determined to leave a legacy that inspires future players. “It’s hard to think it’s over,” said Jake. “But we’ve set the bar high, and I know the younger players are going to keep this momentum going.”
The team will be honored with a parade and celebration at the high school gym next week, where the trophy will be placed on display for the entire community to see. The students, faculty, and townspeople are all expected to turn out in full force.
A Season to Remember
The 2024 basketball season will undoubtedly go down in history as one of the greatest for Twins Pine Pass High School. But more than the championship title, this season will be remembered for how it brought the community together. In a small town like Twins Pine Pass, it’s moments like these that create lasting memories and remind us all what it means to be part of something bigger.
As the Eagles bask in the glory of their hard-earned victory, one thing is certain: this championship isn’t just theirs. It belongs to all of us.
Congratulations to the Twins Pine Pass Eagles—2024 State Champions!