Gilbert tops Cedar Rapids Xavier, 60-57, in overtime for girls’ state basketball berth

GILBERT — Plenty of opportunities. Just not enough conversions.

And, Cedar Rapids Xavier couldn’t stave off a late Gilbert rally.

The Tigers went on a 12-6 run to close the fourth quarter and scored six straight points to take control in overtime, edging the Saints, 60-57, in a Class 4A Region 6 girls’ basketball final Tuesday night at Gilbert.

“We made some ill-advised fouls,” Xavier Coach Tom Lilly said. “We took some quick shots. We fouled them and they made free throws.

“Don’t get me wrong. We had chances. We didn’t take advantage of them.”

Xavier’s Libby Fandel posted a game-high 23 points, including the final basket with about 42 seconds left in regulation to tie it, 52-52. She also helped create a turnover on Gilbert’s final possession to force overtime.

In the extra frame, Ava Turner, who ended with seven boards and five blocks, scored her first basket on a baseline layup to put Xavier up by two. Ella Henningsen answered for Gilbert, converting two free throws and adding a steal with a layup to finish a fast break. The Tigers followed with two more free throws for a 58-54 lead with 2:42 to go. It was enough to hold on for the win and state berth.

“We’re proud of the fact that we beat No. 10 DeWitt (Central),” Lilly said. “We still got an opportunity to play and another chance to get to state. A third year in a row would have been kind of special.”

Fandel provided an early boost, scoring Xavier’s first nine points and helping the Saints overcome a 6-0 deficit for a 15-13 lead after the first quarter. She also led Xavier with nine rebounds and four assists.

“Sometimes, we just rely on Libby too much,” Lilly said. “Pressure is on her. She feels pressure that she has to do it. We had some other kids step up tonight, I thought.”

The Saints increased their 25-21 halftime advantage thanks to a flurry from Taylor Rexroth. The junior scored three quick baskets to make it 33-23 and added another for a 40-33 edge in the third. Rexroth scored 13 points with five rebounds.

“She was huge,” Lilly said of Rexroth. “She was a difference maker going into the fourth quarter. It’s that kind of situation where somebody has to figure a way to help this team the best way that they know how. Taylor figured it out. She worked hard defensively.”

Xavier (10-14) entered the fourth ahead 44-38. Gilbert started to chip away, helped by making 10 of 13 final free throws, including 4 of 5 in the fourth. Xavier also finished with 16 turnovers and committed 19 fouls to Gilbert’s 11.

“I think we didn’t realize we were just as much in this game and actually winning,” Lilly said. “We played like we were behind and losing.”

Madden Wilson had five steals and six points for the Saints.

Henningsen scored 17 points with a team-high seven rebounds for the Tigers (15-9). Mollie Schnormeier made four 3-pointers and led Gilbert with 22 points.

Comments: kj.pilcher@thegazette.com