Columbus East High School

The Columbus East freshman boys basketball team capped off an incredible season last weekend, dominating the Hoosier Hills Conference tournament to finish with a flawless 20-0 record. The young Olympians showcased their trademark defensive intensity and balanced scoring in two commanding victories, defeating Bedford North Lawrence 51-30 in the semifinal before rolling past Jennings County 57-26 in the championship game. Dominant Tournament Performance: In the semifinal against Bedford, East wasted no time setting the tone, racing out to a 40-11 halftime lead. The Olympians’ relentless defense and fast-paced attack secured an early running clock in the second half, making for a smooth path to victory. Kam Robertson led the way with 13 points, while Daelyn Diaz added nine. Ten different players found the scoring column in a true team effort. The championship game followed a similar script, as East overwhelmed Jennings County from the opening tip. A 36-8 halftime advantage put the title well in hand, and the O’s cruised to the 57-26 win. Once again, Robertson paced the offense with 14 points, while Keatin Roberts contributed nine. Eleven players scored, highlighting the team’s depth and unselfish play. A Season Defined by Defense and Depth: The Olympians’ undefeated season was built on tenacious defense and balanced scoring. Opponents struggled to generate offense against East’s stifling pressure, often finding themselves held to single-digit first halves. The team mixed defensive schemes effectively, keeping opponents off balance and dictating the pace of play. Offensively, East thrived on its depth and selfless approach. Throughout the season, seven different players led the team in scoring at least once, and no single player averaged more than eight points per game. The team’s commitment to sharing the ball and executing as a unit resulted in an impressive 48.9 points per game while allowing just 26.9 per contest. Looking Ahead: The undefeated campaign marks a significant milestone for this talented freshman squad, setting the stage for a promising future within the Columbus East basketball program. With a roster full of contributors and a defensive identity already established, the Olympians have plenty to build upon in the years ahead. For now, the Columbus East freshman team can celebrate an unforgettable season—one defined by teamwork, discipline, and an unblemished record. Final Tournament Scoring Vs. Bedford North Lawrence Kam Robertson - 13 Daelyn Diaz - 9 Jacob Thomas - 7 Carson Gallion - 6 Keatin Roberts - 4 Jax Branaman - 3 Cadyn Goodlow - 3 Josiah Kiel - 2 Terran Degraffenreid - 2 Connor Rodarte - 2 Vs. Jennings County Kam Robertson - 14 Keatin Roberts - 9 Cadyn Goodlow - 6 Daelyn Diaz - 6 Carson Gallion - 6 Terran Degraffenreid - 4 Jacob Thomas - 4 Jax Branaman - 3 Josiah Kiel - 2 Connor Rodarte - 2 Patrick Strickland - 1 2024-2025 CEHS Frosh Basketball Scoring Stat for the season: #10) Jax Branaman 2.1pts, 30 total, 14 games #11) Cadyn Goodlow 2.0pts, 37 total, 18 games #12) Keatin Roberts 7.1pts, 134 total, 19 games #20) Daelyn Diaz 4.3pts, 82 total, 19 games #21) Carson Gallion 7.8pts, 141 total, 18 games #22) Josiah Kiel 5.4pts, 91 total, 17 games #23) Connor Rodarte 3.5pts, 60 total, 17 games #24) Terran Degraffenreid 2.8pts, 53 total, 19 games #25) Josiah Shelton 3.3pts, 66 total, 20 games #31) Layton Henry 1pts, 13 total, 13 games #32) Jacob Thomas 6.2pts, 118 total, 19 games #33) Kam Robertson 7.1pts, 141 total, 20 games #35) Patrick Strickland .9pts, 11 total, 12 games The future looks bright for this group of Olympians, and their perfect season will be remembered as one of the great accomplishments in Columbus East freshman basketball history.