(GILBERT, Ariz.) Gilbert Christian junior Asa Jones was crowned sectional champion after a thrilling photo finish at Thursday's Division III East Sectional Meet at Crossroads Park. Jones edged three competitors at the line to claim the prestigious title in 16:11.97, securing first place and leading the Knights to a third-place team finish and an automatic berth to next weekend's AIA Cross Country State Championships at Cave Creek Golf Course.

Freshman Weston Ford also stood out for GCHS, earning a medal with a 10th-place finish (16:47.13), to earn bragging rights as the fastest 9th-grader the 136-runner field.

Senior Chaucer Tutty delivered a clutch performance for the Knights, recording a season-best 18:21.71 to finish 36th and add crucial team points.

First-year Austin Beck clocked a personal record 18:35.21 (41st), and classmate Noah Chokkar wasn't far behind, placing 49th in 18:45.90. Junior Vaughn Sees (70th) and freshman McKay Pacheco (101st) rounded out the Knights' lineup, contributing to the program's strong team depth.

On the girls' side, junior captain Kodi Bell earned her own state qualification, placing 27th overall in 22:36.80. Sophomore Charlotte Bisceglie capped her season with a PR (25:17.55) closing out with a promising performance for the girls' squad.

Saturday's state meet has the Division III girls race slated for 8:55am, with the boys following at 9:45am.