Columbus East High School

The Columbus East Olympian boys basketball team returned to the Orange Pit Tuesday night to host a familiar and potential sectional opponent in the Franklin Community Grizzly Cubs. The matchup, originally scheduled for December 13 but postponed due to inclement weather, ultimately turned into a clear statement win built on second-half execution. The opening half was a defensive grind from both sides. Each team emphasized tight man-to-man coverage, half-court pressure, and trapping defense, making offensive rhythm difficult to establish. Columbus East held a slim 14–11 advantage at the end of the first quarter. The second quarter mirrored the first, with Franklin Community edging the Olympians by one point in the period, sending East into halftime clinging to a narrow 27–26 lead. The difference came after the break. The Olympians used nearly the entire halftime to regroup, adjust, and reset, and the results were immediate once play resumed. Columbus East took full control in the third quarter, locking in defensively and converting stops into points. The Grizzly Cubs were held to just five points in the period, while the Olympians poured in 17, turning a one-point halftime edge into a commanding 44–31 lead after three quarters. With momentum firmly on their side, the Olympians continued to apply pressure in the fourth quarter. East stayed aggressive offensively, scoring 24 more points to put the game out of reach and close out a convincing 68–47 victory. Balanced scoring highlighted the Olympians’ performance. Four players reached double figures, led by Keaton Lawson and Carter Patterson with 15 points each. Graham Preizer also finished with 15 points, all from beyond the arc, including four three-pointers in the second half that helped ignite the decisive run. Tony Cowan added a steady 10 points. Ben Ellegood chipped in five points, while Logan Neal, Josiah Kiel, Carson Gallion, and Carson Siegland each contributed two points. The win showcased Columbus East’s ability to defend at a high level, make effective halftime adjustments, and generate offense from multiple sources. As the season progresses and sectional play approaches, performances like Tuesday night reinforce the Olympians’ potential when defensive intensity and offensive confidence come together. The Olympians will now have their first back-to back road series and more importantly, two Hoosier Hills Conference games. The Olympians open HHC play with a trip to Bedford, IN to face the Stars of Bedford North-Lawrence Friday, January 9th and make an even longer road trip on Saturday, January 10th when they travel to Floyd Knobs, IN to face the Floyd Central Highlanders. Good luck, Olympians!