(GILBERT, Ariz.) No. 2 Gilbert Christian advanced to its second-straight AIA Boys Basketball State Tournament semifinal following a victorious 76-63 effort against No. 10 Rancho Solano Prep. Senior Jace Olson paced the Knights with a game-high 21 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
 
The Knights edged the Mustangs in nearly every statistical category, and won two of the four quarters. 
 
The match-up was tight through the first, and ended in a 16-16 stalemate, before Gilbert Christian found its rhythm to outscore Rancho Solano 16-11 in the second behind senior Tyler Burr's seven-point, sharp-shooting performance.
 
The Mustangs responded with a big third quarter to come within a point at 50-49, but GCHS turned it on in the fourth to pull away when it counted, outscoring RSP 26-14 to secure its spot in the final four. 
 
Senior Owen Fermoyle finished the night with 18 points, going 8-for-11 from the field. Burr was next in line with 14 points, shooting 80 percent (4-for-5) from 3-point range and grabbing seven off the glass for the Knights. With seven rebounds of his own, was senior Logan Lucero. Lucero scored eight, and dished a game-high eight assists in the affair. 
 
The Knights' semifinal match-up is scheduled for February 22nd at 6:00pm. Gilbert Christian's next obstacle is sixth-seed San Tan Charter (16-4). The Roadrunners are riding a 12-game winning streak heading into Saturday's showdown. Both of the round of four contests will be played at Mountain Pointe High School in Phoenix. Top-ranked Valley Christian will face No. 5 Yuma Catholic at 3:00pm in the other half of the bracket, for a berth into the 2025 final.
 
All fans will need a ticket to attend Saturday's competition. Tickets can be purchased HERE.