Matt Frost has been a huge centerpiece for the Columbus East boys basketball team the past couple years, and this year is no different.
Frost is one of the top returning seniors for the Olympians, who hope to claim their first sectional title since 1996.
First, however, is another game that East, along with Columbus North, have marked on its calendars when the schedule came out, the annual East-North rivalry game. It’s set to tipoff at around 7:30 p.m. Friday.
As much as Frost has excelled on the court, it was more his off-the-court presence that made Olympians coach Brent Chitty notice that he might be a great addition to the program for several years.
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"The first thing I think about when it comes to Matt is that he is such a great academic student," Chitty said. "It means he is a great listener, he is very prepared and works hard. Those things that make him a great student translates to him being a really good basketball player."
Last season, the 6-foot-5 Frost was the leading scorer and rebounder for the Olympians. He averaged 12.0 points and 5.7 rebounds per game.
During the offseason, Frost hits the gym every day so that he can become a better shooter and ballhandler, and he also works out with a group of friends.
"I did some shooting with my dad (Rob), and him giving me pointers so I can get my shot down," Frost said. "I also do some dribbling drills that I’ve learned from (assistant) coach Sean Miller."
In three games this season, Frost is averaging 11.7 points. Chitty still sees great expectations for Frost this year.
"He has a great work ethic. He’s a guy that’s willing to go to the gym. He does a lot of shooting," Chitty said. "He has dedicated himself to be the best basketball player that he can be."
Frost says that he’s put a lot of thought of giving college basketball a shot and says he has been looked at by a few coaches.
However, he said that he will likely go to Purdue where most of his family attended, including his father. His sister Courtney and brother Kyle currently are enrolled at Purdue.
For now, Matt Frost is ready to get Friday’s game against the Bull Dogs started. This could possibly be the last matchup for Frost against North if the teams don’t meet each other in the sectional. The Olympians are 1-2 heading into Friday’s showdown.
"There’s really no words to describe it," Frost said. "It’s a lot of fun. Just the atmosphere and the whole town comes out to watch. Obviously, with the rivalry, there is a lot of emotions and a lot of preparation that goes into the week right before the game."
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Columbus East vs. Columbus North
Today: Columbus North at Columbus East girls, 6 p.m. (JV) and 7:30 p.m. (varsity)
Friday: Columbus East at Columbus North boys, 6 p.m. (JV) and 7:30 p.m. (varsity)
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