A third-quarter run by Heritage Christian powered the Eagles to a 58-53 win over Columbus North. Andrew Williams provided most of the scoring in the decisive period, and the senior guard finished with 18 points.
Sophomore Blake Barker made a statement early in the game with his aggressiveness and scoring. Barker had a great freshman year and he has expanded his game heading into his second high school season. He’s much stronger than a year ago, and he showed against Heritage Christian that he knows how to use it his advantage.
Despite Barker’s play, Heritage Christian was right with Columbus North in the first quarter. The Eagles did a great job of forcing North into turnovers all game. That was a major reason why North offense sputtered all night.
After trailing 26-21 at halftime, Heritage Christian went to Andrew Williams in the post to begin the third quarter. He drew a foul on Barker on the play. On the other end, Barker charged to pick up his third foul of the game. When the sophomore went to the bench, Williams took full advantage and slashed to the basket a few times for layups. Williams tallied 10 points in the first few minutes of the second half to take Heritage Christian from down five to up five.
Sophomore Reese Harmon and junior Nick Schiavello gave Columbus North when Barker went to the bench with foul trouble for short breaks. Schiavello is an athletic wing that rebounded well and made plays off the dribble to get his teammates open shots. Harmon recorded 13 points while playing within himself.
Once Heritage Christian took the lead in the third, the Eagles played with more confidence. Senior Jack Arterburn drilled some big shots for HC – one triple was after North took the lead late in the third then he hit one to give HC breathing room late. Arterburn finished with 17 points.
North’s Cameron Ziegler came up with a steal then found Jakub Trusina under the basket for a layup with 35 seconds remaining to make it a one-possession game. North was never able to get any closer as Heritage Christian made enough free throws to close it.
Andrew Williams scored a game-high 18 points. Harrison Eckel tallied 11 points and four rebounds. Will Christie and Bennett Coster each scored six for the winning team.
Barker led Columbus North with 16 points and five rebounds. Harmon tallied 13. Nick Schiavello added 10 points and six rebounds.