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

Shortly after beating Campo Verde High School 43-32, Gilbert High School girls basketball head coach Colton Walker brought his five seniors to the scorer's table. The girls picked up the microphone and shouted “We’re region champions!”

It was senior night for Gilbert, as it was the final home game of the regular season. Families and friends of the players brought colorful signs to commemorate the players’ time at Gilbert. Since there were five seniors graduating from the team, Walker decided to put all of them in the starting lineup.

“We essentially started four of our posts out there,” Walker said. “So it was a little funky with the lineups even when we were subbing.”

Gilbert was very strong defensively throughout the game, forcing double-digit turnovers in both halves.

“Defense is something that starts the game, ends the game, wins the game and loses the game,” senior guard Nicole Evenson said. “It’s what’s golden. It’s what makes us win.”

Despite allowing just two points to Campo Verde in the first period, Gilbert struggled shooting the ball, specifically beyond the perimeter and in the paint, scoring 18 points in the first half.

“I attribute it to the lineups and not having a true rhythm to start the game,” Walker said. “I just said we need to go through one early run in the third quarter and that happened.”

Gilbert’s early run in the third quarter was because of their defense, as they forced three turnovers within the first two minutes leading to three scores. Gilbert finished the third quarter with a score of 33-22, nearly doubling the score after the first half.

Despite winning regionals, Gilbert is still going to look to play hard to finish the regular season and improve their offense.

“Every game we analyze and we watch film,” senior forward Eileen Lucio said. “We go over what our weaknesses were and what our strengths were.”

As senior day came to a close for Gilbert, Evenson looked back at her fondest memories at Gilbert.

“I really enjoyed playing with my younger sister Morgan,” Evenson said. “We have such good chemistry, and I’m going to miss her.”

Gilbert faces Casteel on Tuesday, February 7. The Colts are currently 10-4 in conference and 4-2 in region play. According to Walker, Gilbert is going to continue to play hard for their final game of the regular season.

“8-0 looks better than 7-1,” Walker said. “Our offense hasn’t been great lately but I know the defense will be ready.”