Last year’s success isn’t the only time that the Eagles have been a factor in the conference. In fact, they have won at least a share of three of the last four conference titles. Now, Columbia City will look to build on that, not just with another outright conference title (their third title in three seasons), but to make waves come the postseason after last year’s dramatic elimination against Homestead.
Addison Baxter leads a heavy returning guard presence. One of the area’s best players, regardless of position or class, Baxter averaged 18.5 points and 4.7 assists per game last season. She will be joined in the backcourt by leader Kyndra Sheets, who makes everything tick from the point guard position. Sheets averaged 3.5 assists per game as a fire starter last season.
While those two will be a terror to start in the backcourt, the Eagles have significant depth along that line, even just in their returning options. Faith Frey (5.7 ppg) hit some really timely shots last season, as did Tessa Tonkel (7.3 ppg/2.7 apg). Anisa Tonkel (2.5 ppg) will be the other big returner in the backcourt.
Molly Baker will be the anchor in the post after putting up 12.5 points and six rebounds per game last year, but her ability to move around the entire court helps the Eagles offense flow extremely well. She will be joined in the front court by two players up from the junior varsity in Sydney Moore and Torah Holler.
Two other guards who spilt with junior varsity and varsity last year will join the rotation: Laney Ziliak and Alivia Kidd.
“In order for Columbia City to be successful, we need to stay healthy and just play one game at a time; not get too far ahead of ourselves,” said coach Amy Shearer. “The ultimate goal is to peak at the end of the season when the state tournament begins.”
WHY #2?
Columbia City returns everyone of consequence, as noted. This is a lineup that is absolutely loaded and not only are they loaded, they are that was in almost every aspect of the game, at every point of the floor.
Columbia City has a system in place. They run their plays and sets with a significant amount of effort and discipline and they are never out of any game because of it. When you have a group that can just make things happen with the type of energy that the Eagles do, they make for must see basketball almost every night.
WHY NOT HIGHER?
Columbia City is powerful. The lone team ahead of them in this preseason, in the eyes of Outside the Huddle, is just a bit better.
We could be wrong. Looks like we will find out November 14.
KEY GAME
January 5 at Bellmont
This one may throw you off a little bit. Why? Well Columbia City has tough games long before this; in fact their fourth game of the season against Snider is probably a good identifier of who the best team in the area is. They will go back to back in December against top NE8 contender Norwell and then at a powerful Warsaw team.
These are all big games, maybe even massive. But is not getting a dangerous Bellmont team until January 5 a trap?
The Eagles will still have three conference games after the Bellmont battle. But, if Columbia City has beaten Norwell in December, this one very well could be to decide the NE8 title. And if Norwell had won that one in December, is this one to maybe even qualify for a tie? Also, this late in the season, you don’t want to get caught looking ahead to what we expect could be a magical postseason run.
Anyway you cut it, something just feels special about this one.
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