Desert Vista is the defending Open State Champion and No. 4 in the 6A power rankings, but they're playing with a team with a lot to prove.

Tuesday night the Thunder traveled to Gilbert High for a showdown with the fourth ranked Tigers, and Desert Vista came away with a hard fought, 68-59 victory in a crucial 6A Central region matchup.

Dylan Swindle led Desert Vista (16-5) with 19 points, 14 of which came in the first half, which also gave her 1,000 career points at the halftime break. Swindle caught fire in the second quarter when she knocked down four consecutive three-pointers.

"The 1,000 point mark was in the back of my mind and I knew I was 14 points away," Swindle said after the game. "But what was most important was getting the win. We know Gilbert has a great team so it was a big win, also because we feel like an underdog right now."

After last season's Open title, Desert Vista had to endure major changes to its coaching staff and roster. But the Thunder still have a talented roster capable of making another title run. Desert Vista saw four players score in double figures Tuesday night at Gilbert.

Eanae Dagons poured in 18 points, while Shay Ijiwoye scored 11 and Trinity Jones added 10. Dagons and Jones also eclipsed the 1,000 point mark earlier this month.

 

 

Title Contenders

The loss notwithstanding, Gilbert (18-3) gave Desert Vista everything it could handle, and proved they are plenty capable of making a championship run of their own. Despite dealing with Desert Vista's full court pressure from the opening tip, the Tigers led 16-12 after the first quarter. Sophomore Aspen McClees led the way, scoring nine of her 15 points in the the first eight minutes. 

But the second quarter is when Swindle caught fire. After a steal and layup, Swindle connected on four consecutive three-pointers, giving Desert Vista a 34-28 lead.

"I really felt good in the second quarter especially with my outside shot," Swindle mentioned. "On each of those threes I knew they were good as soon as the ball left my hand."

Desert Vista built an 11 point lead towards the end of the third quarter, but Gilbert was hardly finished. Mesiha Caserio hit a three point shot at the end of the quarter to bring the Tigers within six points. Caserio would hit two more three-pointers early in the fourth quarter before adding another three-point play with 2:45 remaining, bringing Gilbert within one point (58-57).

That's when Ijiwoye took over for Desert Vista, coming up with two steals and knocking down 6 of 6 from the free throw line to seal the win for the Thunder.

Caia Campbell added 12 points for Gilbert, who will host Highland Thursday night. 

Gilbert will host Queen Creek.