(PAYSON, Ariz.) The Gilbert Christian girls basketball team made plenty of memories over the weekend in Payson, going undefeated in tournament play to claim bragging rights and the coveted Holiday Hoops championship trophy.

The stint was not without challenges, as the Knights battled altitude, a strenuous schedule, and a difficult slate of opponents to emerge victorious with wins over North Valley Christian (48-39), Crismon (43-25), Mingus Union (54-48), and Yuma Catholic (41-38).

Gilbert Christian made the trip north late Thursday night following a 57-45 regular season win over Sabino.

Friday morning play opened with a matchup against North Valley Christian, where junior Lillie Duitsman set the tone for what would be a breakout weekend. Against the Lions, Duitsman posted a 16-point, 16-rebound double-double while adding 4 assists and 3 steals, impacting every area of the game. Sophomore Adi Bailie added 14 points and 6 rebounds in just three quarters of action, while junior Addie Hansen was active on the glass and as a facilitator with 10 rebounds and 5 assists.

There was no rest for the weary, as a quick turnaround saw the Knights back on the floor against Crismon just four hours later. Gilbert Christian leaned on its depth as senior Tylee Fox propelled the offense with 18 points. Bailie followed with 17 points and 9 rebounds, while Duitsman once again controlled the glass with 11 rebounds and dished out a team-high 6 assists. Hansen added 9 rebounds and 3 steals. All 11 Knights saw playing time against the Rattlers, each bringing energy and effort as the fatigued squad buckled down mentally and physically to end day one with an 18-point victory.

Saturday brought tougher competition and fewer available subs, beginning with a semifinal showdown against a physical Mingus Union team. The Knights earned a hard-fought 54-48 win, avenging a 40-13 loss to the Marauders at last year's Holiday Hoops tournament. Bailie was dominant in the paint with 25 points and 5 rebounds, while Duitsman logged another double-double with 12 points, 18 rebounds, and 6 assists. Hansen delivered an outstanding all-around performance with 9 points, 10 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 steals, and junior Alyssa Cervantez chipped in 7 points and 5 rebounds.

In the championship game, Gilbert Christian edged a talented Yuma Catholic squad 41-38, executing and maintaining composure down the stretch. Duitsman recorded her third double-double of the weekend with 12 points, 16 rebounds, and 5 assists. Bailie added 12 points and 8 rebounds, Hansen contributed 10 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists, and Cervantez finished with 7 points.

"This weekend highlighted the grit and toughness of this group," head coach Mark Duitsman said. "These were long days against good teams, and our focus was simply to stay in total control of our effort, attitude, and response, no matter the situation or how tired we became. Our motto became 'no excuses, just compete'. The girls made that decision over and over again, and it was inspiring to watch. Alyssa Cervantez and Mila Herrejon-Ruiz pushed through a full day of handling pressure defense while also applying pressure defensively themselves. Adi consistently changed the game with her presence in the paint. Lillie and Addie impacted every phase of the game- scoring, rebounding, passing, and defending. Julie and Carli Villegas also stepped into important moments in both Saturday games and didn't back down."

Bailie's dominance was recognized Saturday evening as she was named Holiday Hoops MVP. The Knights' center averaged 17 points and 7 rebounds per game while applying constant pressure around the rim on both ends of the floor. Duitsman also earned All-Tournament Team honors after averaging 15 rebounds, 11 points, and 5 assists per game.



"The biggest highlight of the trip was simply the time together as a team," Mark Duitsman said. "The girls spent a couple of days together in a cabin, and our time away from the court was filled with downtime, pickleball, crafts, team meals, movie nights, and Payson's Christmas light parade. It was an awesome time with awesome people."

The Knights have now won six straight contests and sit at 7-1 on the season. Gilbert Christian will play its final game of 2025 on Tuesday, Dec. 16th, at Seton Catholic (5:30pm).