Rylee Scott attends Canyon View and is a member of the AIA's Student SID program. 

The Canyon View girls basketball team made history in a tight and competitive game against Catalina Foothills. The Jaguars battled to secure a spot in the 5A State Championship game by beating the Falcons 72-62.

Canyon View started off strong, pulling ahead with an early 15 point lead in the first quarter. Freshman Jaila Flowers dominated the second quarter to keep the Jags rolling, but Catalina Foothills was able to tighten the gap and pulled to within 33-20. 

With just 30 seconds remaining until halftime, senior Avery Spickler knocked down a pair of free throws and freshman Azalee Alvarado-Tellez nailed a three-pointer as time expired to end the half with Canyon View on top 45-27.

"Knowing how bad our we wanted it and our senior, Avery, wanted it, we told ourselves we would get there," Flowers said. 

The third quarter was a major turning point for both teams. Catalina Foothills struck back and pulled to within seven after Canyon View committed mutliple turnovers and fouls. As the quarter came to a close, the Jaguars clinged to a five point lead.

Canyon View continued to struggle with foul trouble as the Falcons hit four consecutive free throws and were able to tie the score at 51-51 with about six minutes to play. Spicker, playing in the final home game of her high school career,  was able to take the reigns by hitting a clutch three-pointer to give the Jags a spark and they never looked back. 

"With tough defense, the girls were able to wither the storm," coach Desirae Carranza said. 

Top seeded Canyon View improved their record to 23-7 overall and are headed to the State Championship game for the first time in program history. The Jags will take on Sunrise Mountain at Veterans Memorial Coliseum this Friday at 6:00 p.m.

"It feels amazing, years of hard work really paying off. I am really proud of the team stepping up as young as they are," Spickler said.