Indians fall to Titans

By: Aaron Pyle

         Following their last game of the St. Paul tournament, the Indians boys’ and girls’ teams swept the Southeast Lancers in two down to wire games.

In the girls’ game, St. Paul set the tone early with their pressure defense, as well as getting great looks with terrific ball movement. But Columbus would adjust giving the ball to their post which would give the Indians troubles all game. Early fouls would put the Indians behind at the end of the first with Columbus leading 5-11.

It was a slow start to the second quarter as both teams would come out flat. Turnovers delayed the Indians comeback efforts and neither team could get anything going offensively. The Indians were held to just four points in the second quarter with Columbus leading at the half 9-20.

The third quarter was a different start for St. Paul as their pressure defense created turnovers which in return gave the Indians transition opportunities. But, like the first, Columbus’ low post gave the Indians troubles. St. Paul would later get the Titans’ lead down to four late in the third.

But, with everything seeming to go the Titans way, they were able to knock down a half-court buzzer beater at the end of the third swinging the momentum and ultimately solidifying their victory.

The Indians’ efforts weren’t enough as the Titans would push their lead to double digits going on to win 28-40.

Junior Emily Hutcherson finished the game with 10 points on the night and junior Taylor Wiatrak finished right behind with 8 points.

In the boys’ game, it was a slower start just as the girls’ game was. The inside attack and pressure defense gave the Indians problems throughout the first quarter. With a buzzer beater as well at the end of the first, the Titans would take the lead 4-9.

St. Paul didn’t back down though, putting up a fight with Columbus in the second. Junior Chandler Bradshaw would get some key baskets in the paint helping the Indians get their way back into the game. But much like the first, Columbus’ press defense and inside attack continued to give the Indians troubles as the Titans would lead at the half 16-19.

The second half became a different story for the Indians as they would get off to a hot start with the terrific shooting from junior Kaleb Lemmons. St. Paul would start off the third on a 10-2 run, but Columbus would soon kick it back into gear. The Titans would still manage a 27-29 lead at the end of the third.

In the fourth, Columbus’ inside attack proved to be giving the Indians troubles. But the Indians would attack the boards, getting second-chance points in return. The Titans’ fouls and turnovers would keep the Indians within reach late in the fourth. A clutch three from junior Kaleb Lemmons would bring the Titans’ lead within two with two minutes remaining.

In the next possession, Columbus would make their basket pushing the lead to four. St. Paul would then have a shot roll right in then out forcing the Indians to foul the Titans late in the fourth. Senior Kenny Haney would make a three though with 34 seconds left lowering Columbus’ lead to three. The Titans would then be fouled again which sealed the deal for Columbus as they won the matchup 39-46.

Senior Kenny Haney finished the game with 15 points for the Indians and junior Kaleb Lemmons ended the game with 11 points.

The Indians boys’ and girls’ team will stay home for their next matchup, Dec. 11, as they will face the Uniontown Eagles.