By Don Ketchum

After scoring just two points in the second quarter against host Phoenix Valley Lutheran on Friday night (Jan. 28), the girls basketball team from Gilbert Christian was feeling a bit frustrated.

The third quarter wasn’t much better, and the Lady Knights scored just six points to trail by eight entering the fourth quarter.

But they stormed from behind as forwards Molly Van Rijn and Whitney Williams combined for 12 of the team’s 17 points down the stretch and slipped past Valley Lutheran 39-35.

Gilbert Christian and Valley Lutheran had entered the week 1-2 in Class 1A power points, and as of late Friday night were nos. 2 and 7. Patagonia had climbed into the top spot, at least temporarily.

Williams led the team with 14 points and Van Rijn had 12. The only other players to score for Gilbert Christian (19-2) were Colleen Young (eight) and Megan Kehmeier (five).

Valley Lutheran (17-11) was led by guard Emily Ehlers, who scored 12 points.