Gilbert Christian isn’t into coasting into the playoffs.

The Knights (16-2) scorched American Leadership Academy – Gilbert North Monday 90-44.

“That was actually today’s devotional,” said senior team captain Nick Pappas. “It was about how the past doesn’t matter, it’s all about the present today. Just because it’s the end of the season we’re not just going to give up and coast into the playoffs.”

“We talk a lot about staying in the moment and playing the game that’s at hand,” said coach Kurt Keener. “Our whole focus has been to peak here in February.”

The Knights, ranked No. 6 in 3A, played shorthanded with 6’9” senior Gavin Lloyd out with a sprained ankle. However, the game plan stayed the same.

When asked if there were any changes, Keener said, “Not really. The only thing we talked about was maybe, because we weren’t as deep, not pressing as much, and then once we got the lead, we used the second half to work on our zones.”

Said Pappas: “We really just wanted to keep them off the threes. In transition they leak their shooters. We wanted to get there first and then worry about the post afterwards. We didn’t want to die from letting them shoot open threes.”

Keener said ALA is a team that “likes to run and not play real hard defense.” That gave the Knights an opportunity to score. They did just that with five players scoring in double digits. Keener also wanted to hold the Eagles to under 50 points. “Mission accomplished,” he said.

Junior Tyson Heyn started the game in Lloyd’s absence, adding 13 points.

“I just woke up and went through my normal routine,” said Heyn. “I tried concentrating, prayed that I would work my hardest and do my best. I think as a post I was just faster than the other team’s [post], so I could work with speed but also my height.”

Lloyd is expected back for the Knights for Senior Night Thursday when they take on AZ College Prep in the last game of the regular season. The state tournament starts Feb. 13.