final four

CARDINALS BASKETBALL

first time in 45 years

After 45 long years the wait is finally over for the Columbus Cardinals as they are heading back to the final four.

The Cards defeated Crystal City 86-85 in the Regional Championship game on Friday, Feb. 28, to earn a spot in the state semi-finals.

As exciting as it is to see the Cards in the final four, not many thought they would be here. The Cards kicked off their season a little late, right at the start of their district schedule to be exact and were playing catch up from the very beginning.

Most teams by the time their district schedule starts have played in several tournaments and have had tons of practice time to master their systems. The Cards were not given that luxury because of the success of the football team keeping some key players away from the court.

The Cards’ seniors led the way this season and helped the team battle through that adversity and head coach Troy Bohac said it helped bond the team quickly.

“These kids bonded really well at the start of the year,” Bohac said. “The familiarity of the players last year and with football helped but these guys have bought in and that’s why I think we were able to make the playoffs.”

As for the on-court product, Bohac has the utmost confidence in his team. He said he’s comfortable putting any player in any situation because he knows they can handle it. Most recently Bohac showcased his confidence in his players when Braylon Fisher fouled out of the game and Elijah Usher came in the game.

It was overtime and upon entering the game Usher had to shoot and make two free throws to keep his team alive in the game and the playoffs. He ended up scoring both and kept the game tied, ultimately leading to a corner-three from Brody Tribe at the buzzer of second overtime to win the game for the Cards.

“That just shows you the team that I am so lucky to coach,” Bohac said. “I have trust in every one of my kids on the team, bench, starters, whatever. I know that when I call on someone, they are going to step up for us.”

The guard play between Cardinals Grayson Rigdon and Camdon Pitchford is some of the best in the district, so Bohac knows what he’s going to get night in and night out from those guys. As for the players who have stepped up, Bohac took to his forwards and center.

Tribe, Fisher and Rylan Carruthers make up the trio that patrol the paint for the Cards and all of them have had double-doubles in the playoffs. Bohac said their presence on the team is valued more than fans realize.

“They are very important to our team because they are doing a lot of the hard work down low for us and taking the pressure away from our guards to do their jobs,” Bohac said. “I am just so honored and blessed to be coaching a team with this much talent.”

The Cards State Semi-Final match is set, having taken on Onalaska at the Delmar Fieldhouse in Houston on Tuesday, Mar. 4.