Higley Knights Survive Corner Canyon’s Rally, Secure 65-64 Victory
Higley Dominates the First Half
The Higley Knights wasted no time establishing their presence, jumping to a 16-9 lead midway through the first quarter. Led by junior guard Noah Gloor, Higley’s offense set the tone early. The Knights closed the first quarter ahead 22-13 and extended their lead with a dominant second quarter, holding Corner Canyon to just five points in the frame. At halftime, Higley appeared to be in full control with a 40-18 advantage.
Noah Bendinger Fuels Chargers’ Comeback
Despite the early deficit, the Chargers mounted an impressive second-half comeback, led by senior guard Noah Bendinger. His ability to get to the free-throw line and capitalize on opportunities kept Corner Canyon within striking distance.
The Chargers’ intensity on both ends of the floor helped them claw back, cutting the deficit to 48-34 by the end of the third quarter. The fourth quarter was a scoring frenzy, with Corner Canyon outscoring Higley 30-17. With under two minutes left, the game had transformed into a nail-biter.
Noah Gloor Leads the Way for Higley
Junior guard Noah Gloor delivered a stellar performance for Higley, finishing with a game-high 23 points on efficient shooting (8-of-17 FG). Gloor’s offensive output, including clutch free throws down the stretch, was critical to the Knights maintaining their slim lead in the final moments.
Senior Gavin Dabney also played a key role, contributing 20 points and 7 rebounds while shooting an impressive 71% (10-of-14 FG). Senior Donovan Dabney added 14 points and 6 rebounds, providing a strong presence inside. Freshman Austin Turner added 6 points and 6 rebounds, while senior Brayden Hatcher contributed 7 points and key defensive stops.
Takeaways from a Thriller
Corner Canyon nearly completed one of the season’s most improbable comebacks, with Noah Bendinger leading the charge. Despite falling short, the Chargers’ resilience showed they are a team to watch.
For Higley, the victory improved their record to 7-2 and served as a valuable test of composure in high-pressure situations. The Knights’ ability to execute in crunch time will be a key factor as they continue their season.
-Josh Gibson
