Columbus East High School

The Columbus East boys basketball team tipped off their 2024-2025 campaign in thrilling fashion Wednesday night, earning a hard-fought 77-67 victory over the Whiteland Warriors in the Orange Pit. From start to finish, the game brimmed with the energy of a late-season showdown, complete with relentless defense, clutch shooting, and momentum swings. Sluggish Start Gives Way to Offensive Rhythm The Olympians stumbled out of the gate, showing signs of early-season jitters. Missed layups, turnovers, and a lack of rhythm plagued the first quarter, leaving Columbus East trailing 15-10. Despite the offensive struggles, the defense held firm, setting the tone for what would become a gritty performance. Keaton Lawson led the way for the O’s early on, contributing 4 of their 10 points in the first period. Things clicked offensively in the second quarter. Behind balanced scoring and continued defensive intensity, the Olympians surged ahead. Lawson once again led the charge, adding 8 points in the period. Columbus East held Whiteland to another 15-point quarter while finding their rhythm, heading into halftime with a 35-30 advantage. Whiteland Rallies in a Wild Third Quarter The second half opened with a bang, as Carter Patterson and Alex Duncan ignited a scorching start for the Olympians. Patterson scored 7 quick points, while Duncan added 9 as Columbus East stretched their lead to 42-30. However, Whiteland responded with a critical timeout and capitalized on foul trouble for Lawson, who picked up his fourth and was sidelined for the remainder of the quarter. The Warriors seized the opportunity, with Gavin Stubbe delivering a dominant 15-point performance in the third. Whiteland’s surge erased the Olympians’ lead, and they edged ahead 54-53 heading into the final period. Fourth-Quarter Heroics Seal the Win Faced with a one-point deficit, the Olympians rose to the occasion in the fourth quarter. Locking down defensively, Columbus East held Whiteland’s Ethan Edwards and Stubbe to just 8 combined points in the period. Their defense fueled a 12-4 run to open the quarter, and they never looked back. Patterson and Duncan led the offensive charge for the Olympians. Carter Patterson was electric, finishing the night with 27 points, including clutch baskets down the stretch. Keaton Lawson tallied 17 points, showing resilience after returning from foul trouble, while Alex Duncan added 14, with 12 of those coming in the second half. Supporting the big three, Ethan Bumbalough chipped in 8 points, including two timely three-pointers, while seniors Danny Coriden and Mason Reeves combined for 11 points and provided steady leadership. Team Effort Sets the Tone for the Season This was more than just a season opener—it was a good win against a quality opponent and a team they could face in the opening round of the IHSAA Sectional. Columbus East showcased depth, defensive tenacity, and composure in overcoming adversity. Every player contributed, and their collective effort was evident in key moments throughout the game. The Olympians will look to carry this momentum into their next matchup against Trinity Lutheran on Friday, December 6th, in the Orange Pit. With fans already buzzing, the team invites everyone to “Pack the Pit” and keep the energy alive. The 2024-2025 season is off to an exhilarating start—let's keep it rolling, Olympians!