(GILBERT, Ariz.) Gilbert Christian took down Northwest Christian 46-38 on Thursday in 3A girls basketball pool play to secure a spot in the 2025 AIA State Championship Tournament. Half of the Knights' points belonged to senior Kaila Aston, who managed a 23-point, 10-rebound double-double in the showdown.
 
Seven of Aston's boards came on the offensive glass. She also logged a pair of blocks in the Knights' third, and final, victory over the Crusaders.
 
"It's a challenge to beat a team three times in a season," Head Coach Mark Duitsman said. "Northwest Christian is young, and they were improving with every game, so they had our full attention. We knew it would require a great effort from us to defeat them again. I was really proud of our guards and how they managed the game. Their composure led to some great opportunities for us. I thought we moved the ball around well and capitalized on our looks when we needed to."
 
Sophomore Addie Hansen extended her streak of strong play, contributing 13 points, seven rebounds, five assists, four steals, and a block for GCHS. The only player to record more takeaways was sophomore Alyssa Cervantez, who tallied five for the Knights. Cervantez also dished three assists in the contest. Matching Cervantez's dime total, was junior Tylee Fox. Fox finished the evening with five points, three steals, three assists, and two rebounds. 
 
Northwest Christian's ends with the loss. The Crusaders finish the year at 9-9 overall. 
 
The Knights improve to 12-6 with the win, earning the right to compete in first round playoff action on Monday, February 17th. Gilbert Christian is slated as the 11-seed, and will travel to 6-seed Valley Christian for a 7:00pm tip-off against the Trojans. All fans will need a ticket for admission. PURCHASE HERE.