Tough Snider squad hands CC first loss

Corinna Raypole.jpg [1]

Columbia City forward Corinna Raypole turns in the post against Snider’s Liza Clemons Tuesday night. Raypole posted a game-high 17 points in the Lady Eagles first loss of the season 72-46. Post & Mail photo / Andrew Shultz

   FORT WAYNE — Tuesday was a daunting task for the Columbia City (1-1) girls’ basketball team as the road part of their schedule started.
   Only days after opening the regular season with a win over Whitko, the Lady Eagles hit the road to Snider (3-0) where the Lady Panthers averaged 79 in their first two games of the season.
   A defensive battle kept Columbia City close trailing 23-22 at halftime. However, Snider’s post players of Liza Clemons and Akilah Sims helped Snider score 49 points in the second half win over the Lady Eagles 72-46.
   The night was a strong one for senior forwards as well as for the Lady Eagles. Corinna Raypole tied Snider’s Sims for a game-high 17 points and nine rebounds.
   Raypole scored 13 of those points in the first half while Snider took a slim 11-6 after one quarter.
   The second period was one of Columbia City’s best of the night with Raypole being one of five Lady Eagles to post point in a 16-12 scoring advantage before the half.
   Trailing by one at halftime, 23-22, Columbia City couldn’t slow down Snider’s post players. Elmhurst transfer Liza Clemons along with Sims both scored 11 points in the second half with Snider’s lead growing to 48-30.
   Senior forward Sierria Burlage had a good night in the paint with six rebounds, six assists and six points.

Churubusco 43, Lakeland Christian 35
   CHURUBUSCO — After an 0-2 start to the girls’ basketball season, Churubusco has its first win under its belt.
   Behind a game-high 19 points from guard Haleigh Gross the Lady Eagles beat Lakeland Christian at home 43-35.
   ’Busco out scored LC in three of four quarters leading 24-16 at halftime.
   Gross went 6-for-9 from the field hitting two three-pointers and grabbing four of Churubusco’s 23 steals in the game.
   Despite shooting 30 percent from the field and being out rebounded 36-19, the Lady Eagles forced 37 turnovers against Lakeland Christian.