Senior Kenzie Smith jumps for a lay up. (Liesel Goldfarb’22/Media)

The Columbus Academy girls basketball team’s record moved to 7-10 after a tough 1-2 play.

The Vikes began the week with a tough matchup at home, taking on a strong Whitehall squad. CA couldn’t get anything going all night and had no answer for Rams’ star sophomores Alexia Mobely and Brooklynn Greer, who combined for 45 points. The Rams led all night and clinched the league title with an 82-41 win. Junior Kayla McClendon and sophomore Sophie Spolter continued their fantastic seasons for the Vikings, combining for all but 5 of our points. 

The girls were back in action on Tuesday, January 29, taking on Harvest Prep at home. This was a bizarre defensive showdown, as the Warriors led after the first quarter 4-0. The Vikes roared back in the second, playing lockdown defensive and finally getting some shots to go down to take a 12-5 lead into the half. 

The Warriors weren’t going down without a fight, outscoring the Vikings in the third quarter to cut the lead to 4 going into the fourth. The girls pulled away in the final period, giving them a much needed 35-21 win. Sophomore Claudia Warstler led the way with 10 points, followed by 8 from Spolter and 7 from senior Mackenzie Smith.

After the win, the girls took on Buckeye Valley away on Saturday, February 1, in a tough league game. They came out strong, taking an 11-10 first quarter lead. The team clung to its lead throughout the second quarter, heading into the half up 19-18.

The Barons came out of the break hot, taking the lead by the end of the quarter, 30-27. Unfortunately, the Vikes couldn’t reclaim control in the fourth, and they dropped the league game, 41-38. 

The Vikings will look to get back on track against Liberty Prep on Tuesday, February 4. The game is also Senior Night for Emma Belford, Alex Phelps, and Smith.