GILBERT – The Lions started a stretch of six games in seven nights with their first win of the season Friday, Jan. 15 against the Big Creek Owls, 72-33. 

Gilbert Head Coach Walt Cline attributes the win to a determination and excitement his team found after the long practices and rescheduled ball games as result of recent snowstorms.

“We went into tonight’s game with the mentality that we were putting the first three games behind us and starting fresh,” said Cline after the game Friday. “We had missed a lot of time due to the snow and the electricity being off in the Gilbert area leading up to the Massey Tournament and after the tournament we were able to get in the gym and get in some work.”

“I feel the hard work paid off tonight. It was nice to get our first win of the season.”

And pay off it did. Twelve of Gilbert’s 18 players scored against Big Creek with Chris Carter and Dalton Bailey tied for the game high score with 10 points each.

Cline gave credit to his team’s rebounding for the win, saying Ryan Altizer, Kyle Smith Josh Carter and Chris Carter “dominated the glass”. 

“Right now we have about seven players that can start or come off the bench and don't miss a beat.” continued Cline. “We were able to play everyone tonight and that’s what a coach always looks forward to, the games everyone gets involved in.”

Other scorers for Gilbert included Kyle Smith with 8 points, Corey Robinette with 8, Ryan Altizer with 7 points, Cody Houck, Josh Carter, and Ashton Cline, each with 5. Jordan Abbott, Matt Lester and Cody St. Clair each netted 3 points and Joe Tilley scored 2.

Scorers for the Owls were Chad Franklin with 7 points, Aaron Wilson with 6, Leson Benton and Dillon Cassady, each with 4, Bradley Click and Cody Underwood, each with 3, and Justin Kidwell with 2 points.

 

Gilbert: 20 22 15 15 — 72

Big Creek: 9 2 11 11 — 33