From 0-45 to playoff hopefuls: Family helps turn around Diamond Hill-Jarvis

Anthony Elizondo’s varsity basketball career began with great success at Alice High School.

As a freshman, he helped the team reach the playoffs for the first time in 12 years and advance to the second round.

Then, his dad, also his head coach and also named Anthony, announced he was taking a new job in Fort Worth. Like any teenager, Anthony wondered what was ahead and felt uncertainty.

Coach Elizondo didn’t take just any job, however. He was going to Fort Worth Diamond Hill-Jarvis to try and turn around a program that had posted back-to-back winless seasons, an almost impossible feat in basketball.

“The 0-45 record was a large number to digest,” the younger Anthony said. “Going in, you really didn’t know what to expect. We walked into a group that was composed of seven sophomores at the time, including me.

“This core had worked hard and showed dedication and commitment to the ultimate goal [playoffs]. The progression has been surreal to watch and be a part of. The hard work of our coach can’t be neglected, either, though. The constant work and believing he pours in make us fight for something greater than ourselves.”

Earning respect

Coach and son, a 5-foot-10 guard, have led the Eagles back to respectability. In the 2023-24 season, they improved to 7-22, last season they were 11-21, and this season they are 9-12.

“Truthfully, turning around programs, getting them to be successful, and leaving them better than how I found them has been like a calling for me, I guess,” coach Elizondo said. “It is tough, draining, but also very rewarding.”

Along with his success in Alice, the coach also revamped a program in La Vernia, taking them to the regional finals.

“Moving to the DFW area was something I had been wanting to do because of the basketball scene and surrounding competition,” coach Elizondo said. “The move was a bit challenging in the fact that we really knew nothing about Fort Worth.”

Coach Elizondo said others said he should reconsider taking the DHJ job. But being someone who loves a challenge — and knowing he had his “secret weapon” son coming along — made him say yes, though he admits he did do a little second-guessing at first.

“For me, it is a bit of a rush,” he said. “After lots of sleep loss and heart-to-heart talks with my wife, she kind of convinced me and said, ‘Well, you have been wanting to be in that area, and if you feel like you can make a difference, then just do it.’”

Senior Enrique Carmona has been on the DHJ varsity for four seasons.

“That freshman year was a very hard one for the program as we went 0-24, and we had little expectations going into our next year — until Anthony Elizondo and his dad arrived at our school,” he said. “Anthony [the player] changed so much with so little effort and time. He instantly made us a more structured, disciplined and a well-led team.”

Records, awards and accomplishments

Anthony’s records at DHJ include:

• Over 2,200 points and counting.
• Over 375 steals and counting.
• Over 315 assists and counting.

Last season, he was the District 8-4A Offensive Player of the Year. As a sophomore, he was a unanimous first-team all-district selection, and as a freshman at Alice, he was the district Newcomer of the Year.

He was also named to the National High School Athletics Coaches Association All-American team following his freshman and sophomore seasons.

“The records are rewarding, it’s like a paycheck for working hard,” Anthony said. “My coach has always said be the best version of yourself where you are. Whether that’s trying to be the best Diamond Hill-Jarvis basketball player or the best player at the nearest recreational center.”

At Alice, he was also a district and area high jump champion.

He has consistently been an academic all-district selection and is a member of the National Honor Society and the Academic Honor Society.

“I have a strong love for school as well,” Anthony said. “Knowing that education takes you further than anything drives me to be my best in the classroom,” he said.

Playoff dreams

It’s been a long, long time since the Eagles reached the playoffs, a drought that is believed to be approaching three decades. However, led by the Elizondos, there is now hope.

“To break that barrier would be hard to fathom,” Anthony said. “On top of that, it would be surreal to show how teams like ours can hang banners and make history. To say it would be special is an understatement.”

Anthony holds an offer to play for Dallas Christian College, and he’s had interest from several other schools.

“To play at the next level anywhere would be a blessing,” he said. “I have yet to commit as I am still waiting for the right opportunity. Currently, my academic scholarships have been very strong, so it is exciting to know that either through academics or athletics, I have a way that pays to college and university.”

Anthony wants to study kinesiology. He has aspirations of becoming a coach himself.

“I want to give back to the younger generation and teach the game of basketball because I feel like I owe something to the game for giving me all that it has,” he said.

Cherishing the time

Coach Elizondo will soon have another chance to coach another son. Anthony’s younger brother Sean is in the eighth grade and getting better every day, Anthony said.

“He seems to be enjoying the game and wants to play more and more,” Anthony said.

For now, though, the coach is enjoying this final season with Anthony, capping a special career for his oldest son.

“I can’t express in words how special it is to coach my son and watch him grow into this young man that has completely shocked me and shocked his opponents each time he steps on the court,” coach Elizondo said. “I couldn’t be prouder. As a coach, it’s so fulfilling. As a father, it is just a dream come true.”