Girls hoops: Gilbert jumps on Mtn. Pointe early in 62-42 win

January 17, 2017 by Les Willsey, AZPreps365


Gilbert's Hanna Cavinder begins a drive to the basket during the Tigers'  62-42 victory over Mountain Pointe on Tuesday night. (Photo courtesy of Dennis Webb)

Gilbert HIgh's bid to command the 6A Central Region girls basketball race depended on its ability to handle Highland and Mountain Pointe in the first half of region play. The Tigers accomplished that Tuesday night.

After trouncing Highland by 20 points lon the road last Friday, Gilbert produced another convincing performance with a 62-42 triumph over Mountain Pointe at The Jungle.

Gilbert sophomore guard Haley Cavinder, who opened the game sinking a three for the lead the Tigers would not rellnquish, poured in 26 points. She collected 17 in the opening half and along with twin sister Hanna's 11 points (all in the first half) put Mountain Pointe in a bind in couldn't escape.

Gilbert , No. 2 in the 6A power rankings, raised its record to 16-2 overall and has not lost to an Arizona opponent. The Tigers are 10-0 in power-ranking games and 4-0 in region. Mountain Pointe is 16-7 overall, 7-4 in power-ranking games and 2-2 in region.

"We got a little flustered in the third quarter, but the way we started the game helped us overcome that," Gilbert coach Kyle Pedersen said. "These two games were big ones, and we're satisfied with how we played."

Gilbert was buoyed by 12  points from Haley Cavinder in molding an 18-13 lead after the first period. Mountain Pointe senior Baily Osmer was nearly Cavinder's match with nine in the first period.

The second period was the difference-making period. Gilbert took advantage of a half-dozen Mountain Pointe turnovers and two technical fouls in pushing its lead to 37-19 at halftime Hanna Cavinder sank all four technical-foul free throws to extend a 26-17 lead to double digits. that never dipped below that level the rest of the night.

Gilbert continued to get outstanding complementary help on the inside from Tiffany Hurd off the bench. Hurd scored 10 points (5 of 9 shooting) and grabbed nine rebounds. Tessa Kowalski made her presence felt in the second half with all eight of her points in a reserve role. Kowalski was 3 for 3 and two of the field goals were treys.

Mountain Pointe played a better second half, outscored by just two points. It was some consolation to for Pride coach Justin Hager.

"Our second half was much better, but you can't wait to get out against a team like Gilbert," Hager said. "You get down 10 to them, it's going to be tough to get back. We have to play four quarters."

Mountain Pointe's offense revolves around Osmer and fellow senior Jenise Strover. Osmer scored 13 of her team-high 18 points in the first half. Strover didn't get untracked until the second half when the Pride changed things up a bit with their top post player. Strover tallied 15 points in the second half and finished with 17.