Kevin Soliz scored a team-high 21 points and played an important defensive role in the fourth quarter to help the Gilbert High boys basketball team hold on and beat Phoenix Trevor Browne 63-61 at the Phoenix Union Holiday Classic on Thursday.
After the Tigers (10-3) jumped out to a 10-point halftime lead, Trevor Browne mounted a furious comeback behind leading scorer Mario Denogean. Soliz then began to defend Denogean in the final quarter and shut him down as the Tigers held on for the victory.
Daniel Carter scored 18 points, including a free throw with 14 seconds to play, to give the Tigers a two-point cushion.
Gilbert will play Phoenix Precision today in the tournament semifinals.
BOYS BASKETBALL
Seton Catholic beat Queen Creek 63-49 behind a breakout performance by Shimi Colbert. Colbert, normally known primarily for his strong defense, led all scorers with 19 points and added six rebounds and two steals. Thomas Harty added 15 points for the Sentinels. Zane Garcia led Queen Creek with 18 points.
BOYS SOCCER
Chandler improved to 10-4 after defeating Westwood 3-1 behind three first-half goals. Brian Bors, Juan Garcia and Jovanny Aceves each scored for the Wolves, who did not allow a shot on goal. Westwood’s lone goal was scored on a penalty kick. ...
Austin Fares scored two goals as Red Mountain beat Desert Ridge 4-0. Also scoring for the Mountain Lions (8-6, 5-1) were Aaron Harmon and Ramon Valenzuela. Desert Ridge goalkeeper R.J. Everett made several spectacular saves to keep the game within reach. ...
Daniel Kurish scored two first-half goals to put the game out of reach and Gilbert held on to defeat Mesa 3-1. The Tigers (8-5) increased their lead to 3-0 on a goal by Daniel Rocha, but Jackrabbits’ (4-6-1) freshman Aaron Rivera netted the final goal of the game.
GIRLS SOCCER
Jessica Sobczak scored two goals and Delaney Riley made two saves to preserve the shutout as Red Mountain defeated Desert Ridge 5-0. The Mountain Lions (8-6) scored three first-half goals and didn’t look back. Kristi Nowicki, Taylor Gonzalez and Ariel Gnazzo-Kerry each scored for Red Mountain.
