Washington, Fairfield and Columbus compete in Wells Fargo Arena Shootout

CEDAR RAPIDS — The Washington, Fairfield, and Columbus boys basketball teams all took a trip to Coe College on Saturday, Jan. 8 to partake in the Wells Fargo Arena Shootout.

Washington was the lone area team to pick up a win, defeating Ballard 77-68. Fairfield lost a close overtime battle to Solon 50-44, and Columbus was defeated by Central City 70-44.

The Demons came into the shootout off a big win over Southeast Conference rival Fairfield and looked to continue winning in the new year. They did not disappoint.

Behind Lucas Kroll and Travis Leyden’s 19 points a piece Washington was able to take down a tough Ballard team.

A strong first quarter by the Demons would turn out to be the difference in the game. Washington outscored the Bombers 23-16 to open the contest and in the end it would be the largest lead held by Washington at any quarters end.

Ballard would come back to win the second by two, 15-13, but the Demons still held a 39-31 lead.

Throughout the second half Washington just held on, never letting Ballard gain the momentum to take the lead. The Demons were able to sustain their lead, as both teams were nearly identical in the second half with Washington holding the advantage, 38-37.

As for Fairfield, they hoped to get back on track after the loss to Washington. By the end of Saturday’s contest they were just a few possessions away from pulling out with the win.

The Trojans came out holding a slim six point lead after one, 12-6, but then struggled to match the first in both the second and third quarter.

Solon outscored Fairfield 22-15 in the second and third quarter, and heading in the fourth the Spartans held their first lead, 28-27.

Fairfield was able to keep the lead within reach, but could never take it. Instead they used a 13-12 quarter to send the game into overtime tied at 40.

In the extra period, Solon sprinted to the finish line and Fairfield couldn’t keep pace. The Trojans were outscored 10-4 in overtime sealing their fate.

Max Weaton led the Trojans in points and rebounds, scoring 23 and pulling down 17 rebounds. JJ Lane added 12 for Fairfield.

For the Wildcats out of Columbus, it was a tough loss to the Wildcats of Central City.

Daniel Martinez finished with 15 points, but Columbus never had an answer en route to the 27 point loss.

Aiden and Matthew Klostermann together combined for 42 of Central City’s 70.

Columbus falls to 3-8 and will be back in action on Tuesday Jan. 11 against Wapello.