By Don Ketchum

The Gilbert Christian boys basketball team always has played with resolve, even before coach Steve Currier was dismissed a few weeks ago.

Now that the team has a new coach, Jim White, the resolve is even greater for the defending Class 1A champions.

“We sort of have a new theme. It’s called “All In.’ Everyone gives it their all, all the time,’’ said White, who was the lead varsity assistant coach a year ago and again this season before stepping in to lead the program.

The theme was particularly evident in the play of guard Brandon Palacio and forward Connor Patterson, who combined for 39 points in a 69-55 victory over Phoenix Valley Lutheran in front of a full house at Valley Lutheran on Friday night (Jan. 28).

Gilbert Christian raised its record to 21-3 (all losses to Class 5A teams in tournaments). Valley Lutheran fell to 20-7.

Gilbert Christian faced a rare double-digit deficit when Palacio took over midway through the second quarter.

He scored nine straight points as the Knights cut the deficit to two points, starting the run with a three-pointer. He added another long shot later in the period to help give his team a 33-31 lead at halftime.

“It was only something like the fifth time we’ve been down all year,’’ White said.

Palacio finished with 19 points. His value can’t be overstated, according to White.

“He had about two inches of tape on his ankle plus a brace,’’ White said. “As he go, we go. He really leads our team with a lot of energy.’’

Patterson went to work in the third quarter, scoring 10 of his 20 points. He was the focal point of Gilbert Christian’s bigger front line, along with with freshman Sam Jones, who added 14 points.

Valley Lutheran forward-post Sam Voas did all he could to neutralize the Knights’ big men, but he could not do it alone. He scored 11 points in the first half and finished with 14. Joel Kosberg led Valley Lutheran with 18 points, including four three-pointers.

“This is a great atmosphere to play in. We’ve had a long-time rivalry with them,’’ White said of Valley Lutheran, which fell to Gilbert Christian in last year’s title game and in the 2007 title game. “They have great fans here, so you know you are going to have to step up and play. It doesn’t seem to matter what the standings are. You’re playing for a lot of pride.’’

Gilbert Christian plays its home finale on Saturday (Jan. 29) against Mayer, then will rest up before next weekend’s region tournament.