Everett Williams is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Gilbert High School for AZPreps365.com

After a slow start, the Gilbert Tigers have picked up steam heading into the 6A open state championship playoffs. Gilbert won its last four regular-season games giving the Tigers momentum, despite their lack of varsity experience.

Gilbert finished with a 16-10 overall record, including a 7-3 section record in the 6A Central. A year after losing in the 5A state championship, Gilbert has produced another quality regular season under coach Jay Caserio, this time, at the 6A level.

The Tigers are led by seniors Luke Balanzetis, Jaden Acuna, Golden Thibaudeau and Nathan Linden, all of whom have been big contributors as of late. Gilbert’s confidence has remained high throughout the year, even with a shaky opening to the season.

“I knew the kids that I had would be able to get through the tough times,” said Caserio.

Gilbert did not return a single starter from last season, which offered another obstacle for the team. “They’re all gone. Every one of them,'' Caserio said. "So, at the beginning of the year, we’re like, ‘Let’s just try to keep getting better and try to play our best basketball at the end of the year,’” Caserio said.

The Tigers are doing exactly that. Their last four consecutive wins have been by double-digits.

“We started off the season struggling a little bit and we had some close losses, but recently we’ve been playing some of our best basketball. We’ve just started to really come together," said Balanzetis.

Heading into the playoffs, the Tigers have ramped up the focus at practice. From the pre-practice meeting to the post-practice shootaround, the Tigers have been all business and feel like they have something to prove. “We’re extremely locked in and just really wanting to win. Doing anything to win,'' said Acuna.

Every detail during practice was team-oriented. Stretches, layups and 3-point shots were all counted out loud as a team. Every player on the floor had a role during a defensive communication drill, with praises being shouted for effort as players dove for loose balls. This team mentality has allowed for the chemistry between players to build over time.

“We’re very inexperienced,'' Thibaudeau said. "We haven’t played a lot together but now that we're at the end of the season the chemistry is a lot better. We’re finding each other. We know what shot’s best for each other and overall, it’s just a lot better.”

The Tigers have improved their chemistry off the court, which is helping their performance during games.

This team culture has been established by Caserio, who has spent 16 years at Gilbert. The Gilbert community means everything to him and his family.

“The kids are awesome,'' he said. "The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Good parents get good kids, you know. So, there’s teams that have a little bit more talent and whatever. But there’s nothing to be said about good kids and good parents. Makes your job easy, enjoyable.''

The Tigers find themselves in the open state championship playoffs as the No. 31 seed. Gilbert takes on ALA-Gilbert North at 7 p.m. Wednesday at ALA-Gilbert North.