Paris Rasheed-Moore was the last player to exit the gymnasium for No. 2 Xavier after a crucial playoff victory over No. 10 Chandler. Her arms were suffocated in ice — but her face was covered with a smile.

The senior standout takes time each game to wrap her arms because of lingering injuries. Nothing fazes Rasheed-Moore in getting what she wants, however.

“I am ready to get this championship more than anything I have ever wanted in my life,” Rasheed-Moore said. Xavier’s road to a state title continues Thursday in the semifinals against Valley Vista at 3 p.m. at Wells Fargo Arena.

Sports have driven her life. Rasheed-Moore’s mother was a track star in college, her dad was a former football player at Boise State University and her two sisters also ran track. Being an athlete in the family is like breathing.

“You can’t not do a sport in my family,” said Rasheed-Moore.

There were no girl teams while growing up, so she began her basketball career on a court with boys.

“My dad had his own club team, so it was all boys,” said Rasheed-Moore. “I played with all boys from fourth grade to maybe sixth grade. He made me play with the boys to make me tougher.”

With a hyperextended elbow, sprained knee and injured bicep, toughness describes the heart Rasheed-Moore has for the game. 

“She is always very driven, very focused. When it comes to basketball…she’s been consistent,” said her mother, Kamese Rasheed-Moore. “She’s consistent because she loves the game.”

Though scholarships are not piling in her mailbox to play Division I basketball, she has built a legacy for the person she is rather than the player.

“Paris likes friendship and camaraderie. She’s loyal and she’s steady,” said Kamese. “She doesn’t like a lot of change and she’s a bit of a perfectionist. Overall, she’s just a really good person. If I wasn’t her mom, I’d still like to get to know her.”

Rasheed-Moore has taken those traits and impacted Xavier on the hardwood for four years.

“Her leadership has improved, her overall game has improved,” said  coach Jennifer Gillom. “You just see her develop in leaps and bounds. I hope somebody sees the potential this kid has on both ends of the court.”

Becoming a Gator was not in Rasheed-Moore’s plans following middle school. After attending private schools, she wanted a change of scenery. After one visit to Xavier Prep, she knew she would spend her high school career as a Gator.

“She did not want to go to a private school and all girls school. She came here one day for [a visit] and she came home wanting to go to Xavier,” said Kamese. “I ignored her thinking it was a phase. She started studying on her own for the entrance exam.”

Rasheed-Moore has displayed major growth in four years.

“I have seen her grow as a young lady. She is very mature and [Xavier] was a really good match for her,” said Kamese.

Friday night signified the last home game for Rasheed-Moore. The 57-52 victory in the state quarterfinals was capped off with an emotional hug between Gillom and her three captains — Rasheed-Moore, Leilani McIntosh and Addison Putnam.

“You don’t know how much these three kids have impacted my coaching,” said Gillom. “I started out as their P.E. teacher their freshman year and when I took over and was able to coach them I knew their potential. I just want to see them get a championship…we took a moment to just tell each other that we’re going to miss each other terribly but I’m grateful we got the win.”

After a heartbreaking loss in the state finals last season, winning a championship is the goal for the Gators.

“[Rasheed-Moore] is playing with a sense of urgency, especially in her senior year,” said Gillom.

Said Rasheed-Moore: “We’re making history again.”

Whether she ends the season raising a championship trophy or walking away empty-handed, Rasheed-Moore has her future set.

“She is very logical. I want her to go to a bigger school, but Paris wants to spend more time on her studies,” said Kamese. “She is purposely focusing on Division II schools while everyone thinks she should be going to [Division I]. She doesn’t want to spend more time on the road — she wants to spend more time on her studies. That’s just who she is.”

The hopeful biochemist has her eyes set on two schools —  both complete opposites of one another. Florida Southern is a top choice but the favorite for Rasheed-Moore is a small school in Minnesota. 

“[Rasheed-Moore]’s middle name is Summer and [her sister’s] middle name is Winter,” said Kamese. “Paris loves hot weather and her sister loves cold weather. So for her to go somewhere where it’s cold is weird, but she loves the coach and she loves how small the campus is.”