Cards heading deeper in playoffs

The Columbus Cardinal Basketball Team was the number one seed out of District 28-3A and took on the number four seed out of District 27-3A Stockdale in Cuero on Monday, Feb. 18 in the first round of the playoffs.

The Cardinals were coming off one of their best seasons in years, and looking to make a deep run in the playoffs in their first year back in conference 3A. Stockdale knew if they were going to make this a close game they were going to have to play near perfect basketball and out hustle the Cards. Stockdale won the tip and were up in the game 4-2 early in the game until Avant Woods knocked down a three to put the Cards up 5-4 with 5 minutes left in the first quarter. From then on, the Cardinals would never relinquish the lead. The Cardinals won 82-51.

Defensively, the Cardinals were in full court press for most of the game, and forced Stockdale into turnovers that led to easy transition buckets for the Cardinals. You could tell this well-coached team was focused on getting the W and wasn’t letting up until there was no time left on the clock.

Offensively, the Cardinals played great team ball. They were able to get shots with ease and if one were not available, they drove it to the basket. The Cardinals were controlling the pace of the game and it was easily visible. You can really tell the Cardinals love playing together and sharing the ball. There is nothing better than seeing players wanting to get everyone one involved. If the Cardinals can clean up the turnovers a little and play this well on both sides of the ball, I see a deep playoff run this year.

This win over Stockdale was the first boys basketball playoff win for the Cardinals since 2001. That 2001 Cardinal Team led by Seniors Brent Wilson, Johnny Phillips and Blake Besch made it to the Regional Quarterfinals. The Cardinals will face the winner of the Marion and Gateway College Preparatory matchup either Thursday or Friday of this week for the Area Championship.

Avant Woods had an overall great game with 18 Points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals. Most of the Cardinals scored in the game: Wilson, 15 points; Munsch and Woolman, 10 points each; Leopold, nine points; Hurd, six points; Up-son and Simcik, four points each; Barnes, Petrosky and K. Holloway, two points each.