D-I girls semi: Hamilton turns tables on Valley Vista

February 26, 2016 by Les Willsey, AZPreps365


Hamilton went on a 25-6 run from the final four minutes of the second period through the first four of the thrird quarter and that afforded the Huskies wiggle room at the end in a 51-46 win over Valley Vista in a Division I girls semifinal at Grand Canyon University.

No. 3 Hamilton (25-5) moves on to Monday's title game against top-seed Mesquite, a 73-61 winner over  Desert Vista at 6 p.m. at Gila River Arena. The victory avenged a 51-48 loss to Valley Vista a month ago at Hamilton. Valley Viista, bidding for its first appearance in a final, finished the season 22-7. Hamilton' only other title-game appearance came in 2012 in a loss to St. Mary's.

Hamilton playing without its best all-around player in senior Makayla Filiere, (broken hand) made the switch to a zone defense in the rematch from the regular season. Hamilton coach Trevor Neider was pleased with the result.

"We thought after the the first game we'd go with a zone," Neider said. "Taylor (Chavez) is so hard to stop, we thought trying that could limit her."

Chavez led Valley Vista with 15 points and made just 2 of 7 threes, one late in the game. Overall Chavez was 4 of 12 from the field.

Hamilton took advantage of a rash of turnovers during its run that led to points the Huskies didn't get the first time the teams met. Hamilton also picked up its shooting in the rematch making 49 percent to 28 percent i the loss. Hamilton won without making a three and only attempting three.

"We were hoping to get opporutunities in transition and convert more than we did last time," Neider said. Hamilton scored 23 points off turnovers and eight off fast breaks. That was better in both categories than Valley Vista (16 and 2. respectively).

Sophomore Maddie Frederick and junior Maya Banks led Hamilton with 12 points each. Banks grabbed an equal number of rebounds. Junior Courtney Colleary was splendid in all facets with 10 points, seven rebounds, five assists and made 6 of 6 free throws.  They combined to make sure their fallen teammate Filiere would be able to participate in a title game in her final season.

Valley Vista made a valiant run in the final four minutes. The Monsoon trailed 47-33 with 4:14 to go, but managed to pare the lead to five in the final period with Chavez and forward Kiara Edwards leading the rally. Edwards finished with 12 points, but wasn't effective defensively late due to foul trouble.