By Don Ketchum

Once Gilbert Christian shook off an early case of nervousness, it was smooth sailing and the Knights went on to defeat Snowflake 70-52 in a Division III boys semifinal basketball game on Friday (Feb. 24) at Jobing.com Arena in Glendale.

Gilbert Christian (26-4), the second seed, will play the winner of a late Friday game between top-seeded Holbrook and No. 4 Thatcher for the championship at 6 p.m. on Saturday (Feb. 25) at Jobing.com.

“We knew we would get comfortable and be able to score and get our stops on defense,’’ said Gilbert Christian coach Jerome Joseph.

The Knights were taller, quicker and more athletic than No. 3 Snowflake (26-5).

Joseph had a game plan in place after scouting Snowflake.

“We wanted them to play half-court basketball, slow them down, because they are more of a transition team,’’ he said.

And Gilbert Christian crushed Snowflake on the boards 57-25. Connor Patterson had 18, to go along with 22 points. Roberto Reyes had 15 caroms and Sam Jones had nine.

“All year, we have tried to be physical and use that to our advantage,’’ Joseph said.

Jones added 20 points to the cause, and Logan Foughies had 14.

Chase Walden scored 21 points to lead Snowflake and Jake Shumway had 13.