Your source for Lancaster-Lebanon League Boys Basketball

 
 
  • LLhoops.com
  • Miller, Poindexter lead Crimson Tide to district title
 
Miller, Poindexter lead Crimson Tide to district title
 

Miller, Poindexter lead Crimson Tide to district title

Written by: TJ Eck on February 29, 2024

 

Artie Poindexter and his Columbia teammates have been here before. But this time it’s different.

“Back in 2022, we were a part of that team,” said Poindexter, the Columbia senior point guard. “But we were like role players. This year, we were the guys.”

Like they did in 2022, Poindexter and company claimed the PIAA District 3 Class AAA title with a thrilling, 64-61, victory over Trinity Wednesday night at the Giant Center in Hershey.

“We won two years ago, these guys had different roles on that team,” said Columbia head coach Kerry Glover. “We were upset because we came up short last year and didn’t have the opportunity to get back here. Our thing this year was, show that you guys can lead the way back to Hershey.”

The No. 2 seed Crimson Tide were better than the top-seeded Shamrocks all night. Columbia opened the game on a 9-2 run and led 35-29 at halftime.

Poindexter led the way for Columbia by scoring 16 of his 20 points in the first half. But the steady point guard picked up two quick fouls early in the second half, giving him four for the game and sending him to the bench for nearly all of the third quarter and the first few minutes of the fourth quarter.

“It was tough,” said Poindexter. “But my teammates held through. I am so proud of them.”

Despite Poindexter being on the bench, Columbia was able to maintain a seven-point lead, 47-40, after three quarters of play. Trinity opened the fourth quarter with a 9-3 run and pulled within one point behind the play of junior guard Owen Schlager. 

But down the stretch Columbia got key buckets from senior guard Jordan Poole and Poindexter. The Crimson Tide, a squad that entered the night shooting just 53% as a team from the free throw line, iced the game with six made foul shots in the final minute.

“We just locked in,” said Poindexter.

Glover added: “This is when it matters the most and they stepped up to the free throw line with confidence.”

Columbia’s leading scorer Wednesday night was junior guard Ladarian Miller. He drilled five three-pointers and finished with 21 points.

“He’s a shooter,” said Poindexter. “I love that kid.”

Leading all scorers was Schlager. He finished with a game-high 35 points to go along with nine rebounds. The Shamrocks finish as district runner-up after winning the title last season and claiming five 3A championships since 2017. Trinity will play the No. 2 seed from District 4 in the first round of the state tournament.

Columbia earns a first-round state tournament game against the No. 6 seed from District 12. That will likely be a home game for the Crimson Tide.

Follow LLhoops on Twitter @LLhoops

 
 
Fifty Years of Lancaster-Lebanon League Boys Basketball
 
LL Hoops Livestream
 
 
 
 
x