Gilbert Christian faces Fort Thomas, Orme for 1A hoop titles

February 18, 2011 by Les Willsey, AZPreps365


Gilbert Christian goes for a sweep of the 1A state basketball titles on Saturday after winning semifinal games Friday at Tim's Toyota Center in Prescott Valley.

The Gilbert Christian boys team has a shot at back-to-back titles after it defeated El Capitan, 83-72. Gilbert Christian is in search of its third  title in five years having won in 2010 and 2007. Gilbert Christian will be opposed by Orme, which routed St. Gregory, 58-33. Orme has never won a title in basketball. The Warriors have been runners-up three times -- 1995, 1999 and 2006. Gilbert Christian and Orme tip at 2 p.m.

Two East Region rivals meet in the 1A girls title game. Gilbert Christian advanced by beating Valley Union, 42-24. That put Gilbertt Christian, the top seed from the East,  in position to win is second title in three years.  East Region No. 3 seed Fort Thomas gained its title berth with a 58-47 win over West Region top seed Salome, 58-47. Fort Thomas is gunning for its third title having won in 1986 and 2006.

Gilbert Christian has beaten Fort Thomas twice this season, the last time two weeks ago by a score of 56-53. Gilbert Christian and Fort Thomas start championship Saturday off at Tim's Toyota Center, with a noon tip.