‘We will run toward Goliath.’ Gig Harbor grad Brynna Maxwell and Utes face Texas Sunday

Editor’s note: Gig Harbor High School graduate Brynna Maxwell, who was The News Tribune’s All-Area girls basketball player of the year in 2019, is now in her third season at Utah, and playing in in the NCAA Tournament for the first time with the No. 7 seed Utes. Follow along as she chronicles Utah’s run in this tournament journal exclusive to the TNT.

Everybody wants to have a great underdog story, and we were no exception Friday night. Even though we (Utah) were the higher seed (No. 7), our game against Arkansas (No. 10) was the most popular upset picked. I did not see one bracket on social media that had us making it past the first round. According to social media and the bracketologists on ESPN, Utah was not supposed to make it to the round of 32.

Unfortunately for Arkansas, we had to disagree. The first quarter was a blur as we came out in a 10-0 to start the game. We never looked back.

It was an unbelievable night that shattered records and made memories for the program. Our point guard, Dru Gylten, had eleven assists, which bumped her up to No. 4 in all time assists for the program. Kelsey Rees had a double double made up of 11 points and 10 rebounds. Kennady McQueen had a personal record of six made threes and a total of 20 points.

One of our standout freshman guards added 16 points to the mix. We broke two program records of total points (92) and total threes (15) in a tournament game. It was a night to remember, and I would not want to do it with any other team.

On Sunday, we play the hometown team, Texas. They are projected to make it to the Final Four. According to the experts we definitely are not supposed to win this game. However, I know my team. We have prepared all season for this matchup. Even though we’re young, this team is fearless and, like David, we will run towards Goliath without even batting an eye. The show starts at 2 p.m. (PST) on ESPN tomorrow. We are ready, and I can’t wait!