REEDLEY – At this stage of their dominant season, the Immanuel varsity girls have turned big game performances and blow out victories into an art form. And like fresh strokes off the brush of Picasso, another work of art came to life against Chico in the next round of the state championships.
Despite some early rust, the No. 1 seed Eagles’ latest masterpiece came in the form of a tenacious 78-37 beat down against the No. 6 seed Panthers in Round II of the 2025 CIF State Girls Championships on March 6 at the Immanuel Gym. Immanuel increases its overall record to 29-5 and they also run their home winning streak to 19 consecutive games, dating back to last season.
In the first few minutes of the game, Immanuel seemed a little out of sorts. In trying to counter the Panthers’ aggressive style, the Eagles dished out uncharacteristic turnovers and missed points in transition. When Chico squeaked out an early 17-13 lead, it felt like the Eagle’s colors didn’t match.
“I think when teams are fresh, they’re playing their best ball; we’re still really young, we’re not perfect,” said Immanuel head coach Loren LeBeau. “We were on our tippy toes instead of creating space. It’s a reminder for us that we can’t take things for granted.”
But once again, the Eagles displayed the same ferocious play at both ends of the court that has propelled them into the stratosphere of basketball superiority, with a suffocating defense that never quits. On offense, the Eagles attack their opponents on the wing, inside the paint or in transition. And when all of these elements coalesce, the result is a sight to behold.
In the middle of the second quarter, Immanuel finally kicked the intensity meter into high gear and hit Chico with a barrage of play that couldn’t be put down. Guards Ainsley Jackson and Kiera Thomas led six Eagles’ in double figures in points with 13 and 11 respectively.
“Eventually, we just hoped we could tire them out. It’s just a testimony, really, to our selfishness,” said LeBeau. “Something special is happening.”
And something special is happening indeed to the Eagles. During this immaculate streak, Immanuel have won their games by an average of a staggering 33.8 points. And when the Eagles emerge victorious after every win, their confidence only grows bigger.
With their sights set on a state championship in Sacramento, the Eagles know the road gets rougher from here. And before Immanuel can think about hoisting a trophy high and mighty, they still have a few more works of basketball art to finish.
“Sacramento is the goal, but we’ve still got a lot of basketball to play,” said LeBeau. “So, we have to be careful about looking in the wrong spot. As a coach, I’m trying to get them to dial in right and prioritize what’s in front of us.”
Immanuel’s toughest test this postseason comes up this Saturday when No. 4 seed Justin-Siena (Napa) makes the trip down to Reedley for the regional semifinals.
