Columbus East High School

The Columbus East Olympians girls basketball team claimed their first victory of the season in convincing fashion, defeating the Greenwood Christian Academy Cougars 67-35 on Saturday afternoon during the DiTech Holiday Tournament at Hauser High School. The Olympians showcased a strong start and relentless defense to secure the win and advance in the tournament. A Powerful Start Sets the Tone Columbus East came out firing on all cylinders in the first quarter, scoring 22 points while limiting the Cougars to just 8. Kenzie Cheek led the charge, contributing six points in the opening quarter. The team’s defensive efforts were equally impressive, setting the tone for the remainder of the game. Building Momentum in the Second Quarter The Olympians maintained their offensive pressure in the second quarter, adding 19 more points to their tally. Cheek continued to shine with eight additional points, while Ella Anthis contributed five. By halftime, Columbus East had built a commanding 41-20 lead, giving them a comfortable cushion heading into the second half. Dominant Defense in the Second Half The Olympians’ defense continued to excel after halftime, holding Greenwood Christian to just 10 points in the third quarter and a mere 5 points in the fourth. Offensively, Columbus East added 17 points in the third quarter, with key contributions from Kimberly Carothers (5 points) and Cheek (another 5 points). The team’s balanced scoring and stifling defense ensured their 67-35 victory. Team Effort on Both Ends Eight different players contributed offensively for Columbus East, which helped secure the win. On the defensive end, the Olympians maintained consistent pressure throughout the game, which proved crucial in securing the win. Scoring Breakdown for the Olympians Kenzie Cheek: 19 points (7 two-pointers, 1 three-pointer, 2 free throws) Ella Anthis: 14 points (2 three-pointers, 3 two-pointers, 2 free throws) Kimberly Carothers: 14 points (3 three-pointers, 2 two-pointers, 1 free throw) Lola Watkins: 10 points (4 two-pointers, 2 free throws) Kiarra Capps: 4 points Jadalynn Hampton: 3 points Averie Graham: 2 points Ellie Schlaudroff: 1 point Looking Ahead With their first win in the books, the Olympians now have the opportunity to compete for 5th place in the tournament. They will face the winner of the South Decatur vs. Paoli matchup on Saturday, March 28th, at 2 p.m. at Hauser High School. The victory not only boosts the team’s confidence but also underscores their potential to perform strongly in the next contest, Fans will undoubtedly be eager to see if the Olympians can carry this momentum forward on Saturday afternoon. Good luck Olympians!