Columbus girls hoops looks to maintain momentum

Columbus girls basketball set the tone in the Southeast Iowa Super Conference North last season. The Wildcats topped the division and dropped just two conference games to win their first ever conference title.

It was a moment of pride for Columbus’ seniors. Their desire to raise the standard of the program helped the Wildcats go 26-4 in conference play over the last two seasons.

Columbus now faces the task of maintaining that momentum with a new look squad. Four of the five top scorers from last season’s team graduated, including 2025 SEISC North Player of the Year Lily Coil (15.3 points per game).

It won’t be easy replacing a large cast of veteran players, but Columbus has blueprint to keep its status as an SEISC North power. Returners from last season’s team and a crop of younger players are ready for the challenge.

“We have athletes, and even though they’re not the same girls coming back, they have that mentality that they want it,” senior Isabel Rendon told The Union. “So, definitely mentally, they’re scrapping and they bring that energy and they’re very feisty.”

The feistiness of Columbus’ 2025-26 group came out over the last week when the team ran two-a-day practices. Conditioning in the mornings before school was followed by skill work in the afternoon.

The workouts not only set the tone heading into the season but are the root of Columbus’ identity. Coach Kasey Keltner wants his side to control the tempo of games with fast transition offense. He’s confident that when Columbus is in rhythm it can generate buckets no matter who is on the floor at a given time.

“I think depth-wise, we’re starting to see some kids that are going to be able to go our there and help us in situations,” Keltner said. “So we’re not going to just have to rely on four or five kids. I think we’re going to be a bit little more versatile there.”

Rendon is the team’s top returner from a year ago. She made 22 starts as a junior and averaged 11 points, 3.6 rebounds and 2.7 steals per game. This season, she hopes to make first team All-Conference and increase her scoring and steals tally. Rendon said team’s biggest strength is on the defensive end.

The Wildcats next most experienced returner is Naveiah Garza. The senior made 23 appearances with four starts and averaged 1.6 points and 3.2 rebounds per game.

“She came on huge for us last year and started several games in crunch time for us and really rebounded well,” Keltner said. “So, we’re expecting her to rebound well again and then up her scoring, too, because I think she’s got some natural ability and is just a good athlete.”

Along with Naveiah, Ellie Sanders, Iris Garza and Kymila Bacon each hit double figures in appearances last season. Keltner also highlighted seniors Kinlee Brown, who was limited to five games due to injury, and Kennedy Woepking, who is back after last playing as a freshman when played in 22 games. Woepking earned first-team All-SEISC North honors with the Columbus volleyball team this fall.

Keltner has been encouraged by the players’ effort to push each other at practice and the leadership from the team’s upperclassmen. Game experience will sharpen the skills of the less experienced players. In the meantime, those who were part of last year’s team understand the importance of creating a strong bond with their teammates as the Wildcats try to replicate their success from a year ago.

“Coming together in our little huddle before games, before plays, it’s the biggest thing because it just reminds you how much they’re there for you,” Rendon said. “They’re there to get you (through) the next play and just keep going.”

Columbus will begin the regular season against conference foe Louisa-Muscatine. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. Tuesday at Columbus High School.

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