Nazareth adds another chapter to a legendary legacy with 27th state title

Fifty years can change a lot in high school sports. Programs rise and fall, dynasties come and go, and communities celebrate the rare moments when their teams reach the big stage. But in the small Castro County town of Nazareth, the story has been something entirely different.

In 1976, Nazareth made its first appearance at the girls state basketball tournament. That team battled all the way to overtime before falling to eventual champion Neches, 50–46. It was a heartbreaking ending, but it also marked the beginning of something historic.

Half a century later, the Swiftettes returned to the state tournament once again and did what they’ve done better than anyone else in Texas girls basketball history—win it all.

Nazareth captured the UIL 1A Division II state championship Thursday afternoon with a convincing 43–28 win over Saltillo at the Alamodome in San Antonio. The victory added yet another banner to one of the most remarkable dynasties in the state, giving the Swiftettes an astonishing 27 state titles in 33 championship game appearances.

For head coach Eric Schilling, the latest championship marks his ninth title in just 12 seasons leading the program. The Nazareth alum has helped continue the culture that has defined Swiftettes basketball for generations.

After the game, Schilling deflected praise away from himself and toward his players. The veteran coach emphasized the work ethic, unselfishness, and trust that define the program and credited his team’s commitment to playing for one another as the foundation of the victory.

That team-first approach was evident throughout Thursday’s title game.

Saltillo briefly grabbed a 4–3 lead midway through the first quarter after Alana Britain converted an offensive rebound into a three-point play. It would prove to be the Lady Lions’ only lead of the game.

Just 16 seconds later, Jolee Pigg buried a three-pointer to put Nazareth back on top. Moments later, the Swiftettes started to seize control. Kambri Cleavinger attacked the paint for a layup, and Madison Brockman followed with a sharp interior pass to McKinley Moore for an easy bucket. The sequence sparked an 11–0 run that quickly created separation and shifted the momentum firmly toward the blue and gold.

From there, Nazareth’s experience and poise took over.

Saltillo tried to chip away at the deficit during the second quarter, but the Swiftettes responded with a decisive closing stretch before halftime. Britain split a pair of free throws to make it 21–10, but Nazareth answered immediately. Brockman drained a corner three, and Cleavinger followed with a deep shot from beyond the arc in the final seconds of the half to stretch the lead to 27–10.

Cleavinger, who was later named the game’s MVP, led all scorers with 14 points. The junior shot 6-of-11 from the field while adding four rebounds and three steals. Seven of her points came during that crucial second quarter that helped Nazareth firmly take command.

The second half played out much the same way.

Nazareth outscored Saltillo 15–9 in the third quarter as Cleavinger and Addie Schulte each added five points. By the time the fourth quarter arrived, the Swiftettes were comfortably ahead 42–20 and firmly on their way to another championship celebration.

Balanced scoring once again highlighted Nazareth’s team-first identity, with seven players contributing points. Brockman played a major all-around role, finishing with eight points, six assists, and seven rebounds while helping orchestrate the offense.

For the players, the moment was about more than just another title in the trophy case. Senior Lexi Ramaekers pointed to the team’s focus on playing their style and staying united for one final game together as the key to winning gold.

Cleavinger also reflected on the meaning of representing a program with such a deep tradition. Growing up in Nazareth means dreaming about wearing the Swiftettes jersey on the state stage, and winning a championship with teammates and the hometown crowd cheering makes the experience unforgettable.

Nazareth finished the season 32–6 and shot 41 percent from the field in the title game, including an impressive 50 percent clip through the first three quarters. The bright lights and cavernous backdrop of the Alamodome never seemed to bother the Swiftettes.

For a program that has turned excellence into a tradition, Thursday’s win was simply the latest chapter in a story that began 50 years ago—and shows no signs of slowing down.