Jared Kass.  (Andrew Barren’22/Media editor)

On Friday, February 28, the Columbus Academy boys basketball team began its playoff campaign with a home game against Pleasant.

Pleasant jumped out to an early lead after hitting back to back 3’s, gaining a 4-13 advantage over the Vikings with 2:30 left in the first quarter. After a CA timeout, the Vikes locked up defensively and scored two unanswered baskets to end the quarter, making it 8-13.

The comeback continued for the Vikes, as they tied the game at 14 after a Murry’20 floater with 6:30 left in the second. For the next few minutes, neither team could get a bucket to fall as Pleasant maintained a 14-15 lead. CA stopped the drought with multiple efficient possessions in a row, going on an 8-3 run to end the half, taking a 22-18 lead at half.

After halftime, the Vikes never looked back. CA out-scored the visitors 16-7 in the third quarter, finishing the period with a 38-25 lead, and held a double digit advantage for most of the second half.

Propelled by senior  Carter Warstler, the Vikes moved past Pleasant with a 52-41 home victory.

Academy will play Harvest Prep in the district semifinals on Tuesday, March 3.