In a marquee 6A showdown that carried the intensity of a playoff atmosphere, the Hamilton Huskies faced off against the Gilbert Tigers in a highly anticipated match up. The Tigers came out strong, setting the tone early by shutting down the Huskies’ offense and keeping them scoreless for nearly half of the first quarter. However, the Huskies quickly found their rhythm, thanks to a clutch performance from Junior Shooting Guard Ashlyn Pritchard, who nailed critical three-pointers to shift the momentum.
Pritchard proved to be the standout of the night, finishing with a game-high 19 points to lead all scorers. Meanwhile, Junior Forward Taylor Sipfle played a crucial but understated role for the Huskies, acting as a strategic offensive decoy. Frequently fed the ball in the paint, Sipfle attracted intense defensive pressure, often facing double and even triple teams. Her ability to remain composed under pressure and find open teammates on cuts or in the corners was instrumental in breaking down the Tigers’ defense.
The Huskies used a dominant second-half performance to secure a hard-fought 45-39 victory over the Tigers. On the other side, the Tigers showcased an impressive individual effort from Junior Forward Aspen McClees, whose skill and determination were a bright spot in the loss. Below is a closer look at the prospects who stood out in this thrilling matchup.
Hamilton Huskies
Ashlyn Pritchard 2026 5’6 Shooting Guard
Pritchard showcased her knack for delivering in high-pressure situations with a remarkable display of clutch shooting. Widely regarded as one of the most underrated catch-and-shoot guards in the state, Pritchard proved her worth by draining six three-pointers from beyond the arc. Each of her shots came at pivotal moments, shifting the game’s momentum and energizing her team when they needed it most. Her ability to stay composed and execute under duress makes her a serious threat from long range. A word of caution to opponents: leaving Pritchard open on the perimeter is a mistake you can’t afford to make!
Taylor Sipfle 2026 6’4 Forward
When fully healthy, Sipfle is a formidable presence in the paint and a genuine matchup nightmare for opponents. Her polished low-post scoring ability, combined with excellent shot-blocking and rebounding skills, makes her a well-rounded and impactful player on both ends of the court. What truly stood out, however, was her vision and decision-making under pressure. Sipfle demonstrated an impressive ability to read the defense and make pinpoint passes, consistently finding open cutters and shooters when opponents collapsed on her. Her composure and basketball IQ in these moments elevate her game to another level, solidifying her status as a surefire Division I prospect.
Izzy Anderson 2027 5’5 Point Guard
Anderson stands out as one of the more underrated floor generals in the state, bringing poise and leadership to every game. She excels at being the “coach on the floor,” orchestrating the offense with precision and ensuring her teammates are positioned correctly on defense. Anderson’s high basketball IQ and vocal presence make her an invaluable asset to her team. A tough and fearless downhill point guard, she consistently puts pressure on defenses with her ability to attack the lane and create scoring opportunities. With her skill set and tenacity, Anderson’s best basketball is still ahead of her, and she has the potential to develop into a truly elite player.
Gilbert Tigers
Contessa Ivy 2028 5’7 Guard
Ivy is undoubtedly one of the top guard prospects in her class, showcasing a rare combination of elite athleticism, quickness, and speed. These attributes make her one of the premier lockdown defenders in the state, capable of completely disrupting an opponent’s offensive flow. Ivy plays with fearless intensity, actively hunting for steals, ripping the ball from opponents, and shutting down passing lanes with her relentless energy. On the offensive end, she transitions seamlessly into attack mode, using her speed to blow past defenders and aggressively drive to the rim. With her high ceiling and dynamic skill set, Ivy is a prospect to keep a close eye on, as the best years of her basketball career are still to come.
Tylaiah Wily 2028 5’6 Point Guard
Wily stands out as my top floor general in the 2028 class, demonstrating a skill set well beyond her years. Her high basketball IQ allows her to read the game with precision, making smart decisions that consistently put her team in a position to succeed. Wily’s tight ball-handling skills enable her to navigate through defensive pressure with ease, and her ability to penetrate the lane is exceptional. Whether she’s dishing to open teammates or finishing strong at the rim, her offensive versatility makes her a constant threat.
In addition to her technical skills, Wily’s vocal leadership sets her apart. She commands the floor with confidence, ensuring her team stays organized and motivated, which elevates the play of everyone around her. As she continues to mature and develop her game, Wily has the potential to grow into an elite talent and one of the premier guards in her class.
Aspen McClees 2026 5’11 Forward
McClees is the ultimate x-factor for her team, bringing a combination of leadership, toughness, and versatility that makes her one of the top forwards in the state, regardless of class. She’s a powerful presence in the paint, using her strength and toughness to dominate inside, but her game is far from one-dimensional. McClees possesses the skills to step out and play on the perimeter, showcasing a well-rounded offensive arsenal. Her footwork in the post is polished, allowing her to maneuver effectively against defenders, while her ability to finish through contact makes her a consistent scoring threat.
In addition, McClees has a smooth mid-range game, giving her the ability to stretch the defense and keep opponents guessing. Despite not being the tallest player on the floor, she plays with a tenacity and intensity that make her seem much larger, often outworking and outmuscling taller opponents. As a leader and a key contributor, McClees will undoubtedly be a driving force behind Gilbert’s success this season.
