nHIghland rode the fourth-quarter marksmanship of Norah Washington along with strong defense to post a 44-32 triumph over Gilbert High in matchup of longtime Gilbert district rivals.

Highland continued a perfect start to its season improving to 4-0. Gilbert, with a different head coach for the third year in a row and mostly underclassmen on its 12-member roster, is now 2-2.

Highland overcame a pair of huge lulls and managed to win going away down the stretch. The Hawks were held scoreless in the second period, but still owned a 16-15 lead (only outscored 4-0 in second quarter) at halftime. They used a 10-0 run the first half of the third quarter to lead by eight only to end up trailing 31-30 heading to the final quarter after Gilbert responded with a 13-4 burst. 

"That's kind of been us," Highland coach Chad Taylor said. "We play well when momentum comes our way. For the most part we've used momentum of games to our advantage. We controlled the flow at the end."

Taylor was glad to have Washington offensively, particularly in the final quarter as they outscored Gilbert 14-1. Washington, a senior guard, tallied 10 of her game-high 18 points in the fourth quarter. She sank three of four field goals in the period - all from 12 to 15 feet. She helped close it out making 4 of 4 free throws.

"Norah's waited the last couple years for her time," Taylor said. "She's had seniors in front of her. When she's going like she was tonight you want to see her let it go."

Highland also got contribution off the bench from senior post Nicole Biscoe. Biscoe connected for 10 points and fellow senior Tieyah Rosier added six in a starting role, including the lead-for-good bucket inside to begin the final quarter.

Gilbert managed to stay with senior-dominated Highland until the last four minutes. Relying on mostly perimeter shooting, the Tigers were met with a couple different zone looks and the last mix worked best. Gilbert was 0 for 12 from the field in the fourth. Gilbert was led offensively by a pair of freshmen guards. Morgan Evenson scored 16 points, making who 5 of 6 threes. Meisha Caserio added 12 points.

"It was a crazy game," Gilbert's just-turned-21-year-old head coach Colton Walker said. "We have no seniors, but we have some talented young players getting used to things. Coach Taylor is a great coach. He and I started coaching at the same junior high. They were tough on us with their different zones."

Three of Highland's four wins are against 6A region opponents Desert Ridge, Queen Creek and Mountain Pointe. They next play Tuesday hosting Desert Vista in another region game. Gilbert suits up again Friday night playing host to a 5A region opponent Campo Verde.