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Columbia rallies in fourth quarter against LMHS, takes control of Section 4 race
 

Columbia rallies in fourth quarter against LMHS, takes control of Section 4 race

Written by: TJ Eck on January 24, 2024

 
Columbia head coach Kerry Glover has challenged his team by playing a taxing non-league schedule this season.
 
“In order to be prepared for moments like (Wednesday night),we gotta toughen up,” said Glover.
 
The Crimson Tide entered Wednesday’s Lancaster-Lebanon League Section 4 road game against Lancaster Mennonite with a solid, yet unspectacular 10-6 record. But the six losses came against non-league teams that are a combined 70-28 overall on the season (as of Jan. 24). 
 
The experience of playing those tough squads paid off for Columbia in a come-from-behind victory over the Blazers, 61-54, in Lancaster. 
 
“The resolve of this group is amazing,” said Glover. “Guys just played the game and got out of their own way and showed a lot of resolve to come back.”
 

After leading by six in the first quarter, Columbia fell behind by five at halftime as the Blazers outscored the Crimson Tide, 16-5, in the second frame. 
 
Lancaster Mennonite extended its lead in the third quarter. The Blazers led by as many as 11 before entering the fourth quarter with a 44-38 advantage.
 
In the fourth quarter, the Crimson Tide leaned on its game experience and “old” roster. Senior guard Jordan Poole scored the first five points of the stanza and pulled Columbia within one, 44-43. 
 
Moments later, Lancaster Mennonite sophomore guard Cody Fisher stole the ball and converted a breakaway dunk to extend the lead to three and bring the home crowd to life.  It appeared like the hosts were going to ride the momentum from that outstanding play to a victory but Columbia wouldn’t back down.
 
Trailing by one with under three minutes to play, Columbia senior point guard Artie Poindexter drove the lane and passed to fellow senior guard Josiah Griffy.  The lefty drilled a three-pointer to put the Crimson Tide in front, 51-49. Columbia wouldn’t trail again.
 
“I was gonna look for a layup but the help came so I had to make the right basketball play,” said Poindexter. 
 
Glover added: “That was a moment of maturity for (Jesiah). He can put the ball in the basket. With the personnel that I have this season, it’s not his role. But he has to be able to capitalize on that when the moment comes.”
 
Poindexter would be involved in another crucial moment when he scored, drew a foul, and converted the free throw for an old-fashioned three-point play to put Columbia in front by five with 1:45 remaining.
 
The steady point guard was the best player on the floor Wednesday night. He finished with a game-high 17 points to go along with six rebounds and six assists.
 
“I feel like as the point guard of the team, I am the glue,” said Poindexter. “I keep the team together so stuff doesn’t fall apart.”
 
“Artie played very well,” said Glover. “He was all over the place. He stayed even-keeled.”
 

Aside from Poindexter, Columbia had two other players score in double digits Wednesday night. Senior guard Brelon Miller chipped in 16 points and four rebounds while Poole added 13 points, four assists, and two steals.
 
Lancaster Mennonite was led in scoring by Fisher, who finished with 13 points, five rebounds, and three steals. Sophomore guard Chase Hurst added 12 points and six rebounds for the Blazers while sophomore forward Bill Rothwein scored 10 points and pulled in seven boards.
 
LMHS suffers its first league loss of the season and drops to 11-4 overall (4-1 L-L League).
 
Columbia improves to 11-6 overall and controls its own destiny in the Section 4 race with a 4-0 league record.
 
The Crimson Tide and Blazers will meet again on February 7 in Columbia. 
 

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