By PAMELA SCOTT JOHNSON

Sports Editor

GILBERT -- The Gilbert Lady Lions were beaten last night by Charleston Catholic 52-36 at GHS in the finals of the Region IV tournament.

Charleston Catholic jumped on the Lions early and held them to seven points in the first half.

The Lady Lions battled back and were down by 11 at one point but head Coach Donald Taylor said his team ran out of time.

“It was a great season to only have one true starter returning,” Taylor said. “The girls worked hard, and although they didn't achieve their goal of a state tournament berth, I have to say that I would go to war with these ladies. The effort and heart they showed on the floor tonight says something much more important than basketball. It says something about them as people, they are winners. “

“I told them after the game, we have no seniors, and their best basketball is yet to come. They have been a pure joy to coach and watch grow into mature young ladies.”

Leading the Lady Lions (16-9) was Danielle Butcher with 11 points. Gilbert hit eight 2-pointers and one 3. They were 17 of 32 from the free throw line.

Charleston Catholic netted 11 2-pointers, three 3-pointers and was 21 out of 35 from the charity stripe.

SCORE BY QUARTERS

CCHS – 12 13 13 14 = 52

GHS – 1 6 9 20 = 36

INDIVIDUAL SCORING

Charleston Catholic: Meg Whelan 3, Victoria Thomas 9, Kathryn Dundervil 3, Ally Hoyer 8, Anna Wood 7, Rachel Lee 2, Samantha Fletcher 3, Anna Whelan 12 and Hannah Gallion 5.

Gilbert: Danielle Butcher 11, Brianna New 6, Chrissy Farmer 3, Danielle Browning 6, Candace Trent 3 and Paige Mullins 7.