Columbus East High School

After a tough loss on Friday night, the Columbus East Olympians bounced back in a dramatic fashion Saturday evening during their road trip to Bloomington, Indiana. Facing off against the Bloomington North Cougars, the Olympians delivered a hard-fought win filled with scoring swings and resolute defense. A Promising Start Turns Rocky: The game got off to a promising start for Columbus East. In the first quarter, the Olympians showcased a balanced offensive attack, with four different players contributing to an early 18-15 lead. Notably, Keaton Lawson and Carter Patterson each lit up the scoreboard with six points apiece, setting the tone for the night. However, the momentum shifted in the second quarter. The Bloomington North defense clamped down, stifling the Olympians to a mere three points while the Cougars surged ahead by putting up 18 points of their own. By halftime, the Cougars had built a 12-point advantage, leading 33-21. Amid the 2nd quarter struggles, Danny Coriden provided the only offense for the O's, hitting a three-pointer that prevented a shut-out in the quarter. Halftime Adjustments Spark a Second-Half Surge: Returning from halftime, the Olympians flipped the script in the third quarter. Emphasizing intensified defensive pressure, they managed to hold the Cougars to only eight points while igniting their own offense, scoring 19 points. This crucial burst of energy shrank the Cougars’ lead from 12 points to just one, closing the third quarter at 41-40. During this period, Lawson exploded with nine points, and Patterson added another six, proving pivotal in the comeback. Closing Out with Defensive Dominance and Sharp Shooting: The fourth quarter was where the Olympians truly took control. With continued steadfast defense, Columbus East limited the Cougars to only six points while their offense kept finding its rhythm, adding 16 crucial points. Lawson continued his impressive performance by chipping in nine points—attacking the rim, drawing fouls, and converting seven of eight free throws. Key three-pointers from Judah Lewis and Danny Coriden created the necessary separation to secure the victory, finalizing the score at 56-47. Looking Ahead: A Big Week on the Horizon: This hard-fought win not only salvaged their season morale after a Friday night defeat but also set the stage for a challenging week ahead. The Olympians are set to host the 3A #1 ranked Brownstown Central Braves (15-0) on Thursday, February 6th at the Orange Pit. Their next test comes on Saturday, February 8th, when they welcome the formidable New Albany Bulldogs—rated #8 in class 4A—in a rare afternoon tilt starting at 2 p.m. in the Orange Pit. The upcoming matchups promise to be a proving ground for the resilient Olympians. Team Highlights: Keaton Lawson: Led the charge with a game-high 23 points, including critical contributions in both the third and fourth quarters. Carter Patterson: Added 14 points, consistently finding scoring opportunities throughout the game. Judah Lewis: Made key plays with his timely three pointers. Danny Coriden: Provided crucial scoring, especially in the second quarter and late in the game. Jayden Thompson & Tony Cowan: Each contributed 2 points to support the team’s overall effort. Let's Pack the Pit next week and support those O's!!