It was barely two weeks ago when No. 5 Higley handed No. 8 Casteel a 26-point thumping.

Thursday night the Colts hosted the Knights, who were looking to lock up the region title. But Casteel senior Aidan Schmidt and his teammates had other plans, as they reversed the script in a 60-51 win over Higley in a 5A San Tan Region contest, which was also senior night for Casteel.

Schmidt was nothing short of spectacular, leading the Colts with a game high 32 points, 20 of which he scored in the second half, as he almost single handedly kept Higley from gettin back in the game. Schmidt used a combination of inside and perimeter scoring, as he knocked down four three-pointers for the game.

"The difference tonight was our defense," Schmidt said afterward, explaining the difference in the two contests against Higley, which scored 71 in the first game. Schmidt was surprised upon learning of his 32 points.

"I was just playing for my guys, and it started to hit home that it was my senior night. When I realized that, I was just trying to get the win."

Kaelum Brown scored 16 points for Casteel, including six in the first quarter. The Colts led by five after the opening period (18-13), and opened a 31-20 lead by halftime.

Higley came out swinging offensively in the second half, but unfortunately for the Knights, Schimdt and Casteel matched them blow for blow throughout the second half. Higley junior Donovan Dabney scored 12 of his team high 17 in the second half, including a three point play early in the third quarter that cut Casteel's lead to 33-27. The Knights cut the lead to five (35-30) a minute later on a Brayden Hatcher three pointer, but that's the closest they would get the rest of the game.

Higley never relented, but Schmidt's 14 fourth quarter points were puncuated by a pair of three point field goals to ensure the win for Casteel (20-5, 7-2).

Higley coach Kenneth Drake gave the Colts credit for such a huge turnaround from the first meeting. "They came out and punched us in the face and they deserve credit," Drake said.

"The biggest difference was our defense not getting to them. We weren't rotating to the ball, and you have to tip your hat to Casteel."

Sophomore Noah Gloor scored 13 points for Higley (16-9, 8-1), and Luke Haugo added 12. The Knights will host Casa Grande  for its regular season finale Friday.

Amare King added nine points for Casteel, which travels to Campo Verde Friday.