(FLORENCE, Ariz.) Gilbert Christian (5-5) defeated Florence (6-5) 54-48 in 3A South Central basketball action on Thursday. The Knights had three players, sophomore Unesu Machiri, junior Kaila Aston and sophomore Tylee Fox, score double-digits in the contest.
Machiri led the way with 16 points, while Aston and Fox recorded 13 and 10, respectively. Freshman Alyssa Cervantez and junior Chloe Lehman chipped in five apiece.
"I can't say enough about these young ladies and their effort," Head Coach Mark Duitsman said. "They are playing through some illness, injury, and fatigue, but you would never know it, with how tough-minded this group is. They deserved to feel a win with how they're competing right now, and I am so proud of how they found a way to get it done."
The Knights jumped out to an early 13-6 lead after a quarter of play, and used a big second period effort to carry a 32-22 lead into the locker room at the half. The third was more of the same from Gilbert Christian, who gritted through to emerge with a 44-31 advantage intact.
The Gophers made a run at it in the fourth, but the Knights were able to hold them off to collect the win.
"We were able to build a lead early but then had to hold onto it late with some composure and maturity," Duitsman said. "We did a better job of getting the paint touches we want, and hopefully that continues to become more of our identity going forward."
The team's winning effort marked a huge milestone for Duitsman, who amassed his 300th career coaching victory. Prior to coming to GCHS, Duitsman served as the head coach at Lutheran (CO.) for 16 years, where his teams earned eight state tournament appearances, six final-four appearances, eight league championships, and two state championships. He was named the NFHS Colorado Girls' Basketball Coach of the Year in 2016, and the CHSAA Colorado Girls' Basketball Coach of the Year in both 2014 and 2016. Coach Duitsman was also inducted into the Metropolitan League Athletic Hall of Fame in 2017. This is his first year at the helm of the Knights' program.
Gilbert Christian has seven regular season contests left on the docket. Next up is a road trip to Benjamin Franklin, scheduled for January 23rd at 5:30pm.
-GO KNIGHTS-
