Columbus East High School

Following their previous game against Bloomington South, the Olympians recognized the need for a substantial improvement in various aspects of their game. Last nights game, they displayed heightened intensity, notably in their defensive efforts and rebounding. Although leading for the majority of the game, they faltered in the fourth quarter, resulting in a 52-46 loss to Roncalli. Despite the disappointment, this performance may indicate a growing understanding within the team of the requisite intensity and effort needed for competitive play on the court. Defense: Employing a 3-2 zone against the Royals, the Olympians effectively neutralized their three-point shooters for a significant duration of the game. Their collective defensive pressure and cohesion were evident throughout the game, notably with the implementation of the 3-2 defensive strategy. Rebounding: There was a marked improvement, with Jenna Guse and Messiah Trapp leading the team in rebounds, securing nine and seven respectively. Their defensive rebounding limited easy scoring opportunities, rectifying a prior weakness observed in Saturday's performance. Furthermore, they displayed a more fundamental approach to rebounding, exemplified by noticeable "blocking out" techniques. Scoring: Senior Victoria Cuhadar achieved a career-high of 12 points, courtesy of four successful three-pointers, thereby easing the scoring burden from Madelyn Poe (15 points) and Jenna Guse (7 points). The offensive execution demonstrated enhanced consistency, although the team still requires increased scoring contributions from its front court players. Areas of Improvement: The Olympians encountered difficulties in the fourth quarter due to heightened pressure from the Royals, resulting in an increased number of turnovers. Furthermore, their defensive focus waned in the last four minutes, allowing Roncalli to capitalize on open three-point shots that ultimately sealed their victory. The Olympians exhibited a higher level of performance and aim to build upon this as the season progresses. Looking ahead, the team returns to action on Saturday, November 11th, participating in the Fishers-HSE Classic. They are scheduled to face Fishers H.S., last years state-runner up, at 11:30 a.m., followed by a challenging matchup against Hamilton Southeastern at 5:30 p.m., a team that concluded the previous season with an impressive 21-3 record. Scoring for the O's: Kenzi Cheek - 2 Jenna Guse - 7 Victoria Cuhadar - 12 Messiah Trapp - 6 Caroline Frost - 2 Madelyn Poe -15 Savanna Sullivan -2 3 pointers - Cuhadar - 4 , Poe - 3, and Guse -1