When Columbus Christian coach Kevin Roth found out Friday afternoon that Fishers Christian would be without a couple of its top players, he knew he would have a chance to get some playing time for some kids who don’t normally see a lot of varsity action.
In fact, Roth played his starters for only about the first four minutes Friday night, and by that time, the Crusaders were well on their way to a 55-8 victory.
“I talked to the starting guys, and was just going to let them play just a little bit,” Roth said. “We have a conference game (today), and I didn’t want them to spend too much energy and have a chance to get banged up.”
Columbus Christian (11-11) jumped out to a 16-0 lead after one quarter. The Crusaders led 34-6 at halftime, and most of the final two quarters were played with a running clock.
Jayden Howe and Brayden Howe each scored 12 points off the bench to lead Columbus Christian. Elijah Fields added seven points and a game-high 12 rebounds to lead the Crusaders to a 46-21 advantage on the boards.
“It was a good opportunity for some of those younger guys to play,” Roth said. “Jayden and Brayden Howe I thought did real well. Adam (Haines) did a good job of running the point for us, and Cannon Carr did a good job inside. I was happy to see Ben (Halse) get a bucket. That was his first bucket, and then Justice Young, this is the first year he’s ever played organized basketball, and he had a couple baskets.”
Columbus Christian plays tonight in the second half of a girls-boys doubleheader at Christian Academy of Madison.
“The only thing that I’m a little bit concerned about is our guys being ready to go (today),” Roth said. “We played three games last Saturday, and hopefully, we’ll get focused in practice (today) and get ready to go down and play Madison (this) evening.”
Columbus Christian 55, Fishers Christian 8
Fishers Christian;0;6;2;0;—;8
Columbus Christian;16;18;13;8;—;55
Fishers Christian (3-4): Nolan Gillespie 0 0-0 0, Joey Giezendanner 0 0-0 0, Noah Wysong 1 1-4 3, Jordan Hess 1 1-2 3, Everett Knight 0 0-0 0, Cameron Cavanaugh 0 0-0 0, Jeff Beaubrun 1 0-0 2, Justin SHeldon 0 0-0 0, Steven Keller 0 0-0 0, Evan Gable 0 0-4 0. Totals: 3 2-10 8.
Columbus Christian (11-11): Adam Haines 0 0-0 0, Jordan Burton 0 0-0 0, Jacob Bell 1 0-0 2, Ben Halse 10-0 2, Justice Young 2 0-0 5, Noah Edwards 1 0-0 2, Cannon Carr 1 0-2 2, Jayden Howe 6 0-0 12, Cam Pritchard 0 0-0 0, Peyton Walden 2 0-0 4, Branson Carr 0 0-0 0, Brian Fox 1 0-0 2, Elijah Fields 3 1-2 7, Jaxson Games 1 1-2 5, Brayden Howe 6 0-2 12. Totals: 25 3-6 55.
3-point goals: Fishers Christian 0; Columbus Christian 2 (Young, Games).
