Columbus North and Columbus East Wrap Up Hard-Fought Seasons in Sectional Play
The Columbus North and Columbus East girls basketball teams both saw their seasons come to an end over the weekend in the IHSAA Sectional tournament. While neither team brought home the sectional crown, both programs showcased incredible determination and resilience throughout the season, making their communities proud.
Columbus North’s Sectional Final Battle
The Columbus North Bull Dogs (17-8) came up just short in their quest for a sectional title, falling to East Central 57-50 in the championship game on Saturday night. Despite a strong defensive effort, North struggled offensively, shooting just 30% from the field and 13% from three-point range.
The Bull Dogs showed flashes of brilliance, especially in the second quarter when a 9-0 run gave them a brief lead and then they made a strong effort to head into halftime tied at 24-24. Sophomores Avery Johnson and Kaylie Harmon led the offensive charge, keeping the Bull Dogs within striking distance throughout the game. Harmon finished with a team-high 17 points, while Johnson contributed 12 points. Junior Kenna Conrad added 11 points and seven rebounds, providing a strong presence on both ends of the court.
East Central (12-11) pulled away in the third quarter, opening the second half with a 6-0 run and capitalizing on their size and rebounding advantage to hold off North’s late-game surge. Although the Bull Dogs made a strong push in the fourth quarter, East Central’s clutch free throws sealed the win.
This season marked a significant improvement for Columbus North, who rebounded from an 11-13 record last year to finish 17-8, earning a spot in the sectional title game for the first time since 2017. With a strong core of underclassmen, including Johnson, Harmon, and Conrad, the future looks bright for the Bull Dogs as they aim to build on this year’s success.
Columbus East’s Resilience in Sectional Semifinals
The Columbus East Olympians (2-21) may not have had the record they hoped for this season, but their heart and perseverance were on full display during Friday’s sectional semifinal against Columbus North. Despite battling injuries and a depleted roster, the Olympians played one of their best games of the year, ultimately falling 70-38 to the Bull Dogs.
Junior Ella Anthis led East with 12 points, showcasing her ability to lead the team even in challenging circumstances. Senior Kimberly Carothers contributed 11 points and six rebounds, capping off a season in which she served as a key leader for the young Olympians. Junior Kenzie Cheek and sophomore Averie Graham also provided critical minutes, helping East keep the game competitive in the first quarter.
East’s season was defined by adversity, with key injuries and low roster numbers forcing them to rely heavily on younger players. However, the team never gave up, securing a thrilling 57-51 upset win over Whiteland in the first round of sectional play. That victory highlighted the team’s potential and resilience, laying the groundwork for growth in the seasons to come.
A Season of Pride and Perseverance
Both Columbus North and Columbus East faced unique challenges this year but found ways to grow and succeed. North’s sectional final appearance marked a return to prominence for the Bull Dogs, while East’s first-round victory showed the determination and fight of a program committed to improvement.
For Columbus North, the leadership of senior players like Hadassah Hurt and Sydney Johnson will be missed, but the strong foundation built this season sets the stage for future success. Meanwhile, Columbus East can take pride in their young roster’s growth and the leadership shown by seniors like Carothers.
Congratulations to both teams for representing their schools with heart and determination all season long. Their efforts on the court and their ability to overcome challenges are a testament to the spirit of high school athletics. Both programs have much to look forward to as they prepare for the seasons ahead.