KHS GBB @ Columbus // Austin Jacobsen
COLUMBUS – The Kearney Girls could not take the lid off the basket Tuesday night, falling on a cold shooting day in Columbus 37-23. Click here to listen to the broadcast replay.
After coming off a hot performance in a back-and-forth contest with Omaha Westside Saturday night, the Bearcats aimed to boost their even record above .500 with a third straight win. Kearney had opened the season 0-2, but rallied with wins the prior week over Lincoln High and Westside.
Columbus had traded wins throughout the season, as Scott Schaefer’s program continued to grow in his third season leading the program. The Discoverers and Bearcats played an overtime thriller the year prior, leading to an exciting matchup between the two programs for a Tuesday night contest from Columbus High School.
KHS GBB @ Columbus // Austin Jacobsen
Kearney was able to take the early advantage, getting a quick score in the opening moments of play, but the cold offensive day started early in the first eight minutes of the contest. Columbus, however, rallied the hot hand behind the shooting of guard Jordyn Trotta who erupted for five triples in the first half.
Columbus would hold the first quarter lead 13-8 despite Kearney registering four different scorers, all with two points a piece.
Harley Straka was the lone scorer for the Bearcats in the second quarter, as Columbus’ 9-4 advantage pushed their lead 24-12 heading into halftime.
Entering the third quarter, Kearney’s offense continued to find open looks and chances for shots inside, outside, and for drives to the basket but not much – if anything – could fall. The Bearcats lone free throw attempt on Tuesday night came from a three-point play from Paige Mailahn, as she was the lone scorer for Kearney in the third quarter. Columbus’ Carly Gaedeke had a fast start, converting a three pointer while adding seven points total in the period. Entering the final quarter, the hometown Discoverers led 33-15.
Kearney had a late rally with many substitutions for the Bearcats providing late sparks, as Addie Snyder’s three pointer was followed by a Kelsey Hatcher triple. The momentum ran out of time, however, as the Bearcats eight fourth quarter points could only the cut the lead down to a 37-23 final.
KHS GBB @ Columbus // Austin Jacobsen
The Bearcats (2-3) return home for some much needed rest heading into a Saturday matchup hosting Omaha Northwest. Tip-off is set for 2:45 PM with KGFW’s pregame coverage beginning at 2:30 PM. Join Austin Jacobsen on the call.
UNOFFICIAL KGFW POINT TOTALS:
Kearney: Hatcher (7 points), Straka (4), Mailahn (3), Snyder (3), Kennidy Garner (2), Sophie Glandt (2), Addie Helmbrecht (2)
Columbus: Trotta (15), Gaedeke (9), Gentile (7), Barnett (2), Janssen (2), Preister (2)
