Hamilton beats Gilbert in overtime classic for girls 6A basketball title

By Zach Alvira and JJ Digos

Head of Content/Contributor

Photo gallery by JJ Digos/Hypamark Contributor

Every fan that filed into Veteran's Memorial Coliseum for the start of championship Saturday had to collectively catch their breath at the end of the 6A girls championship game, which saw Hamilton knock off Gilbert 56-54 in overtime.

Gilbert, the top overall seed in the 6A tournament, was locked into a less-than-stellar brand of basketball with No. 3 Hamilton for three-and-a-half quarters. Neither team could find a rhythm offensively, as they combined for just 48 points heading into the final quarter.

Hamilton held onto the lead at that point, and did so for nearly 7 of the 8 minutes in the final frame. But as Savanna Bix's program has shown all season, they were resilient.

The Tigers mounted a furious comeback led by senior Isabella Ivy. Ivy, who transferred from Perry, caught fire from 3-point range, knocking down four straight as the fourth quarter came neared its end.

Then, the unthinkable happened.

Hamilton led by three after a pair of free throws with just under 2 seconds remaining. Ivy got the inbound pass, advanced the ball a few feet and fired from well beyond the half-court line.

She drained it. The Gilbert faithful was sent into a frenzy as the shot forced overtime.

But in that period, Hamilton flexed its muscle yet again led by junior guard Sage Henry. Ultimately, Henry was sent to the line for a pair of decisive free throws with Hamilton trailing. She missed the second but it was gathered by sophomore Aaliya Van Heel, who put it back in for the game-winning points.

The win marked the third state title for the Hamilton girls' program, and first since 2018. It was the fifth championship appearance overall for the Huskies.