On Saturday, the Gilbert Tigers faced the Window Rock Fighting Scouts in a battle between two of the state's top teams. It was close, but Gilbert capped 2023 with a 40-37 victory over Window Rock. The win was familiar territory for Gilbert who now have four in a row.
Leading Gilbert to victory were Meisha Caserio and Aspen McClees. Caserio scored 14 points along with five rebounds, while McClees scored 18 points along with six rebounds. The matchup was McClees' 15th in a row with at least ten points.
Window Rock's loss came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Melicia Nelson, who scored 16 points along with eight rebounds. Nelson is absolutely dominating the steal category: she's posted at least two every time she's taken the court this season. Jada Brown was another key contributor, scoring nine points along with seven rebounds.
Window Rock struggled to get the ball back on offense and finished the game with only three offensive rebounds. That's the fewest offensive rebounds they've managed all season.
Gilbert pushed their record up to 14-1 with that victory, which was their fourth straight at home. As for Window Rock, their defeat ended a 12-game streak of away wins dating back to last season and brought them to 11-2.
Gilbert will have some time to savor their win since their next game is a little ways off: they'll take on Xavier College Prep at 5:30 p.m. on January 9th. Xavier College Prep is coming into the matchup on a three-game losing streak. Window Rock will be staying on the road on Wednesday to face off against Ganado at 6:00 p.m. on January 3rd.
