(GILBERT, Ariz.) No. 2 Gilbert Christian opened the 2025 AIA Boys Basketball Copper State Championship Tournament with a 78-56 victory over No. 15 Parker. The Knights held a slight lead (35-29) at the half, before pulling away in the third and fourth quarters to outscore the Broncs 43-27.
 
"I was very pleased with how we responded in the second half," Head Coach Jason Pasquariello said. "We needed to focus on taking care of the ball and limiting their offensive rebounds. We came out in the third and did both very well. Logan played great, being a senior floor general and finding the right guy open to get us scores. To have this group of seniors- Jace, Logan, Owen, Tyler, Rydan, and Asher knowing how to bring everyone together has been such a blessing. This was a special game for Coach Coltan Page, who is a Parker alum, as well. The Parker basketball community is still lamenting the loss of Coach Hansen, so to be able to get together with them after the game was special. Basketball is important to all of us, but it is not the most important thing, and to be able to pray for them with them was an opportunity that we couldn't pass up."
 
Four Knights scored double-digits in the affair. Senior Jace Olson led the way with 23 points, nine rebounds, and four steals in 31 minutes. Next in line was senior Owen Fermoyle, who logged 18 points on five-for-seven shooting, while amassing seven boards and three assists. With 15 points of his own, senior Tyler Burr joined in on the action, also managing to snag eight off of the glass, dish three, and secure a pair of steals. Freshman Colin Burke, who brought endless energy on both ends of the court, finished with 16.  
 
The scoring effort was facilitated by unselfish play from senior Logan Lucero who led all players with eight assists. Lucero also collected eight rebounds in the game. 

Parker finishes the season at 15-3 overall. 
 
With the win, GCHS advances to the round of eight. No. 10 Rancho Solano Prep (13-5) is the next obstacle in the Knights' quest. The quarterfinal match-up will be played at home on Friday, February 14th at 7:00pm. All fans will need a ticket for admission.