Class 2A girls roundup: Van Buren County survives, Columbus, Pekin fall

We are now through a full round of competition in the Class 2A girls basketball playoffs. So far, it’s been a tough outing for Union area teams. Van Buren County is the sole survivor from round one of the Region 6 bracket.

Van Buren County 37, Cardinal 34 (OT)

Van Buren County was able to survive in overtime against Cardinal to advance to the second round.

The game was tight throughout, with neither team taking more than a two-point lead at any quarters end, with the exception of overtime.

Both teams were tied at the end of one 8-8. Cardinal held the advantage at the break with a 16-14 lead. The same was true for the Comets heading into the fourth. Cardinal led by two 27-25.

The two went into overtime tied at 29 all. The Warriors had a chance to win the game in regulation, but they failed to get a shot off.

In overtime, Van Buren County was able to create separation to stay alive in the Region 6 bracket.

Emma Becker finished with 14 points for Cardinal. Kinsey Hissem scored 11 and Ava Ferrell had four.

Van Buren improves to 8-14. The Warriors get Regina Catholic in the second round on Tuesday, Feb. 15.

The Comets end their season with a record of 5-18.

Danville 77, Columbus 32

Columbus struggled to contain the Danville offense in the first round matchup.

The Wildcats were held to 20 points in the first half, while the Bears poured in 46 points, 25 in the first and 21 in the second quarter.

Struggles continued into the second half as Columbus scored just two points in the third to Danville’s 13. The Bears led 59-22 heading into the fourth.

The deficit was too great for the Wildcats to overcome and Danville took the fourth 18-10.

Libby White scored 10 for Columbus. Sera Vela and Lily Coil both added nine.

Columbus ends its season with a 3-19 record.

Pella Christian 41, Pekin 29

Pekin put up a fight against Pella Christian, but second half struggles had detrimental effects.

The Panthers came out on a mission, grabbing an early lead while putting together a 16-12 first quarter. Then the struggles began for Pekin.

The Panthers were held to single digits in the next three quarters, while tallying just 13 points in that span.

Pella Christian outscored Pekin 13-7 in the second, 7-2 in the third, and 9-4 in the fourth.

Kerrigan Pope led the Panthers with eight points. Taylor Gambell had seven and Sarah Eubanks six.

Pekin closes out its season at 9-13.