Paul Schulz is an ASU Cronkite School of Journalism student assigned to cover Valley Christian High School for AZPreps365.com

The Valley Christian High School boys basketball team soundly defeated American Leadership Academy-Gilbert North 73-41 Tuesday night.

In a gymnasium with the bleachers packed full of Trojan fans and students, Valley Christian freshman Carson Grier led the team offensively with six first quarter points. Stellar defense all around led to a complete shutdown of the Eagles’ offense resulting in a 16-0 Valley Christian lead at the end of the first quarter.

“It just speaks to how our guys wanted to work defensively,” Trojans coach Greg Haagsma said. “We executed a game plan and…it’s nice that the boys got rewarded with a shutout.

The Trojans’ dominance continued in the second quarter with back-to-back baskets. They took a 20-0 lead before a foul against sophomore Brandon Phelps of the Eagles led to three free throws to open the scoring for ALA.

Valley Christian senior Caleb Shaw took over the game, scoring 14 second-quarter points, including two three pointers to help expand the Trojans’ lead to 37-17 at halftime.

The Trojans were especially inspired for the matchup, coming off a 74-69 loss to the Eagles two weeks ago, one of only three losses this season.

“We’ve been hard to contain all week and all day, so we’ve been ready from the start,” said Shaw, who led the Trojans with 31 points.

“You could just see he was going to come out and will us to a really good start,” Haagsma said about Shaw. “His intensity was phenomenal.”

The Eagles rallied in the second half, posting 15 points in the third quarter to come within 21 of the Trojans, but were only able to put up 9 in the final quarter, while Valley Christian cemented the win with 20 to close the out game.

“Every game in our region is a battle,” Haagsma said. “We’re prepared for state when we get there because of how good our region is.”

The victory advanced Valley Christian to 20-3. ALA fell to 17-8 following the loss. The Trojans return to the court this Friday when they welcome the 14-8 Eastmark Firebirds at 7 p.m. The Eagles host the 14-7 Gilbert Christian Knights on Friday at 7 p.m.