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STATE CHAMPIONSHIP BASKETBALL GAME
The Columbus Cardinals traveled to the Alamodome in San Antonio where they took on the Tatum Eagles for the Class 3A Division I State Championship on Friday, March 7, for the first time ever.
Unfortunately, the Cardinals were defeated by the Eagles, 8449, and despite the loss Cards head basketball coach Troy Bohac knew there was some extra magic on this playoff run.
“Anytime a classmate, teammate or brother, falls, the whole entire community comes together,” Bohac said. “These boys played for the community, but they also played for (Aleks) Medrano. Anytime you lose a brother you want to do it for him. I think this season was a true blessing and we couldn’t have done it without his magic up there.”
Bohac said the team did not start practicing all together until a month and a half into the season because nine of the 11 players on the basketball team were also on the football team. So, it was tough to get all the guys together because they were in the midst of their own State Championship run.
When the Cards finally hit the court, they were immediately thrown into their district schedule, which is arguably the hardest part of the schedule. Bohac said his team handled the early adversity well and he was proud to be a part of it.
“We opened up with district right away and the boys responded to it really well and with being out a month and a half I was very proud with how they answered,” Bohac said.
As for the game itself it was a tough go for the Cards as their offense struggled heavily against Tatum’s defense. By the end of the first quarter Tatum led 28-8 and by halftime that more than doubled their lead to carry a 50-19 lead into the break.
The Cards did outscore Tatum in the third quarter, 17-11 and cut into their lead a little bit before the final quarter. The score sat at 61-36, and despite the large gap on the scoreboard, the Cards left it all out on the court and came up just short in the final game.
Grayson Rigdon scored 31 points in the final high school basketball game of his career. It caps off what is one of the more decorated high school athletes to come through Colorado County and he gave all the credit to his teammates and coaches.
“Playing with great teammates, unselfish teammates and having great coaches that push me, great supporting cast all made it is for me to be successful,” Rigdon said.
Camdon Pitchford was the starting point guard for this team, and he took time to reflect on the season after the State Championship loss.
“I’m just going to be honest, not making playoffs last year, I didn’t think we had a chance to get here. It’s a blessing to be here though,” Pitchford said. “I love this team and love my teammates, most of them are childhood friends so it was just a really fun season. Being with my friends playing basketball.”
Looking to the future, Bohac said the Cards are losing seniors Pitchford, Rigdon and Elijah Usher. Despite losing three talented players Bohac said he is still looking forward to next season.
“I am really looking forward to next year and what I have coming back,” Bohac said.
The Cardinals finish their season as the State Runner-ups with a 17-3 record to cap off a special season in Columbus.
