Marlee Smith is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Phoenix Country Day for AZPreps365

Senior Daniel Gomez sat quietly with his teammates before Phoenix Country Day School's game against Cicero Prep Tuesday. A small bounce in his knee showed his adrenalin.

Daniel Gomez sits on the bench before Senior Night. (Marlee Smith/AZPreps365)

While the team laughed at the thought of Senior Night, only one thing weighed on Gomez’s mind: 1,000 points. He had no idea he was only five points away.

Seniors Griffin Freret (left) and Daniel Gomez (right) laugh with teammates before Senior Night game. (Marlee Smith/AZPreps365)

“I didn’t tell him how far away he was because I knew he would overthink it,” said coach Shane Lewis. “When he overthinks he can't make shots. I did let him in on that he was two shots away. I was banking on him getting a three.” 

Head Coach Shane Lewis smiles at players before Senior Night presentation. (Marlee Smith/AZPreps365)

Gomez scored the first points of the game, draining a three. His team waited anxiously on the bench and played hard for their senior captain on the court. 

PCDS players and coaches watch and wait anxiously for Gomez's 1,000th point. (Marlee Smith/AZPreps365)

With 31.2 seconds left in the first quarter, Gomez drained another three-pointer to put him at 1,001 points. As his teammates celebrated on the court with him, his family cheered with “1,000 points” signs in the bleachers. 

Daniel Gomez's 1,001st point shot. (Marlee Smith/AZPreps365)

“I put up the shot and saw it going in,” said Gomez. “It just moved in slow motion. I was like, ‘Oh it’s there. It’s there. It’s there.’”

PCDS players celebrate on the court after Gomez scores 1,001st point. (Marlee Smith/AZPreps365)

Gomez led the team to a 63-55 win with 23 points. He currently sits at 1,018 points, making him Phoenix Country Day’s sixth all-time scorer. 

Coach Shane Lewis hugs Daniel Gomez after reaching the 1,000 point milestone. (Marlee Smith/AZPreps365)

 “We’re just so proud of him,” said Olivia Gomez, Daniel’s mother. “He’s been playing basketball since he was like 3. We would take him to the YMCA and we could never get him off the floor. He used to wear the little headbands and the little wristbands.”

Gomez celebrates with teammates after his 1,001st point. (Marlee Smith/AZPreps365)

“It’s an emotional night, ya know,” said Gomez. “ Maybe we’ll have one more game in here if we host, but I don’t want to host. I want the first-round bye. Hopefully, this is my last game here and it ends on a good note.” 

Gomez smiles while looking at the scoreboard. (Marlee Smith/AZPreps365)

The four-year starter has the third-most games and the third-most wins in the school’s 59-year history.

Seniors Gomez (left) and Freret (right) smile during senior presentation after a 63-55 win on Senior Night. (Marlee Smith/AZPreps365)

“He’ll be coaching here one day,” said Lewis. “We were sitting in Culvers in Casa Grande talking about him working for me someday. About me showing him the ropes.''
“You’ll be my Bob,” said Gomez. 

Lewis (left) and Gomez (right) pose together. (Marlee Smith/AZPreps365)

“Daniel loves the school,” his mother said. “He’ll be the athletic director one day.” 

The 12-4 Eagles play their last regular-season game at Scottdale Christian on Friday.