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Washington Evening Journal
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Columbus girls make history!
Wildcats earn share of SEISC North title for 1st time ever
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
COLUMBUS JUNCTION — Southeast Iowa Super Conference history was made on Friday night, as the Columbus girls basketball team locked up at least a share of its first ever conference title.
The Wildcats outlasted WACO 44-33, avenging a one-point loss from earlier this season and putting their names in the history books as 2024-25 SEISC North champions.
"The kids deserve it," said Columbus head coach Kasey Keltner. "There have been countless hours of the gym, and there was a group of kids that just decided we're not satisfied with where we're at."
The Wildcats had to battle from some early trouble. WACO led the game 13-10 after one quarter, but Columnus held the Warrior offense to just five points in the second to take a 19-18 advantage into the halftime break.
Columbus' quick defense wore on the Warriors all fourth quarter. The Wildcats once again disrupted the Warriors enough to hold them to five points in a quarter, and that was enough to run away with the game.
The Wildcats were led by senior Ariana Vergara, who filled the stat sheet with 10 points, six rebounds, five steals and three assists.
"Seeing the progress from freshman year to senior year has been fantastic," said Vergara. "It means a lot to this team."
Aracely Garza finished the night with nine points and nine rebounds. Frannie Sosa scored nine points. Lily Coil had eight points and seven rebounds. Isabel Rendon finished with five points, and Neveiah Garza scored three.
WACO's Brenna Graber finished with 13 points. Ella Huisenga had eight. Carlee Lunsford and Drew Graber each added six.
Columbus is now 16-3 overall and 13-2 in conference play, with a chance to earn first place all alone with a win against Pekin on Tuesday night. WACO (11-8, 9-6) closes out its conference slate at home against rival Winfield-Mount Union.
Other Friday girls scores
Hillcrest Academy 57, Louisa-Muscatine 53
Highland 60, Pekin 49
Winfield-Mount Union 53, Wapello 36
Central Lee 44, Van Buren County 32
Danville 74, New London 17
Albia 59, Cardinal 29
