Col. City picks up NHC win

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Columbia City’s Keaton Reed looks for an open teammate Saturday against Norwell. Post & Mail photo / Nicole Ott

COLUMBIA CITY — Columbia City’s boys basketball team rebounded from a Northeast Hoosier Conference loss to New Haven last week with a win over Norwell Saturday.

The Eagles set the tone for the game from the opening possessions, stealing the ball from Norwell on its first two possessions — before the Knights could get a shot off.

“We set the tone early in the game that we were going to be in control of it,” Columbia City head coach Chris Benedict said.

The Eagles had a 23-10 lead after the first quarter, and a 42-20 advantage at halftime.

It was more of the same in the third period, as Columbia City outscored Norwell 15-13.

But Benedict knew the Eagles hadn’t seen the end of the Knights. The Knights outscored Columbia City 19-8 in the final eight minutes.

“It happened at the end of the game and lucky for us, we had enough of a cushion,” Benedict said.

The Eagles had four players — Daniel Woll (18), Austin Paul (16), Derek Hinen (12) and Drew Benedict (11) — score in double digits.

“It was nice to see Austin come out and attack the basket,” Benedict said. “I think we had some really good balance.”

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