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The Columbus Cardinals’ varsity basketball team had its season come to an end after adding another strong year and playoff victory to the program’s resume. One of the defining traits of this season, especially in the late season, was just the sheer number of close games the Cards battled through. Several games in the regular season finished with a one-possession final margin. Columbus tasted both sides of a close game throughout the year and accumulated necessary experience that was immediately put to the test in the postseason. The Cards used a big game from Trevor Berger for a tight victory in the playoff opener to claim their second bi-district title in a row after claiming that round last season as well. Columbus ran into elite competition in the second round as they were removed from State-Title contention with a blowout defeat.
Vs Randolph, W, 57-55
The Cards defeated their Bi-district championship round opponent in a close game that was not close until near the final moments of the game. After jumping out to an early, 36-21 lead in the first half, Columbus nearly allowed the comeback effort to force overtime or potentially remove the Cards from the playoffs in the first round. The Ro-Hawks outscored Columbus 12-9 in the third quarter before making a huge push in the fourth quarter. Randolph scored 21 points while holding Columbus to just 12 points as they made their comeback bid. However, the Cards cashed in on some crucial free throws and baskets near the end to hold on to the victory.
Trevor Berger had an offensive explosion to help lead the team to their second Bi-district championship in a row. He scored 27 points, many of which were scored in the paint near the hoop. He got some major assistance from Colton Pitchford who nailed three 3-pointers on the way to 11 points as the team’s second leading scorer. Pitchford’s younger brother, Camdon, splashed three 3-pointers of his own for nine points and the third-highest total on the team.
Vs Lytle, L, 93-68
Columbus had a much more difficult time against the Lytle Pirates during their Area Championship appearance. They faced a team with intense defense that trapped and double- teamed Cardinal players all the way from the inbounds to the other side of the court. The Pirates created many turnovers while knocking down long range shots and feeding their star player and collegiate commit, Jordan Balderaz.
Columbus fell into a big hole early on due to the pressure despite competing admirably for the rest of the game. They were outscored 27-9 in the first before responding with a 22-point quarter in the second. However, Lytle scored at least 24 points in each of the first three quarters including a 29-point second period as they put the game out of reach early on. The Cards outscored their opponents in a 21-13 final frame, but the damage had already been done as the Cards failed to cut into the deficit.
Trevor Berger once again led the Cards offensively in their final game of the season. He picked up 15 points, followed by Cristian Reyna who bounced back with a 14-point game against Lytle. Colton Pitchford rounded out the top three with 12 points of his own, and Jayden Trapp just missed out on a double- digit performance with nine points.
The Bi-district Champion Cards finish their season with a 24-8 record overall and an 11-3 district record.
