“All books and stories must come to an end, and we’ll write a new book and a new chapter next year.” – Coach Jeff Harter.
Rocklin’s incredible season came to a close Tonight in the CIF State Semifinals, falling to Clayton Valley Charter 66-54. The Thunder battled through adversity, showed heart, and left everything on the court. The game started as a defensive showdown, with Rocklin trailing by just one point at the end of the first quarter. However, without key player Connor DeLaby, who was sidelined due to an injury, the Thunder struggled to find their offensive rhythm. By halftime, they trailed 28-16, relying on their depth to stay in the fight. Despite a strong push in the third quarter, Rocklin entered the final period down 43-32. They fought until the last whistle, but Clayton’s lead held firm.
After the game, Coach Harter reflected on the journey. “This is a really, really amazing senior class. We’re going to miss them as soon as they step out of the gym,” he said. “Yeah, we lost in the second round of NorCal, but we came away as champions this year—something we haven’t done since 2009. I’m super proud of our guys.” Though the season didn’t end with a state title, the Thunder’s accomplishments speak for themselves. They secured the Sac-Joaquin Section Championship win, a feat the program hadn’t achieved in over a decade. The team’s grit, resilience, and chemistry carried them through a dominant season, marking this as one to remember.
