Columbus beats Loyal to advance
By Hub City Times staff
MARSHFIELD – The Columbus Dons boys basketball team has advanced to the March 2 Division 5 regional championship game again this season, after defeating a familiar opponent in the March 1 semifinal round. The Dons knocked off the Loyal Greyhounds 64-36 at Columbus Catholic High School in Marshfield. The Dons were facing a team they beat twice during the regular season, both as members of the Eastern Cloverbelt Conference.
“I thought we came out with a high intensity level against an opponent that we respect and are really familiar with due to them being in our conference,” Columbus Coach Joe Konieczny said afterward. “We did a pretty good job finding shooters. We did a poor job rebounding at times, but you have to give Loyal credit for that because they just play very hard, and we congratulate them on a great season. I’m very, very happy with the way we played and our effort, and being able to earn an opportunity to play for one more day.”
Columbus was led by senior Jarred Mandel with 16 points. Seniors Ethan Meece and Noah Taylor each scored 14. Junior Kole Bogdonovich led Loyal with nine points. Senior Quinn Brussow added eight.
Columbus has now won six straight games against Loyal, and has bounced the Greyhounds from the playoffs in two of the last three seasons.
Columbus will now face the Edgar Wildcats in a Division 5 regional final March 2 at 7 p.m. at Columbus Catholic High School, Marshfield. The Wildcats are coming off a 64-46 win over Rosholt in a Division 5 regional semifinal played at Edgar High School.