By Giovanni Coronel
COLUMBUS
In their first road test of the season, the Huskies found themselves in a back and forth battle with Columbus, but ultimately it was a strong fourth quarter by the Wildcats which proved to be the difference maker.
Continuing their winning streak against a conference opponent, the Wildcats (2-3) picked up a 64-55 home win over Highland (0-2) on Dec. 10.
This win marks the Wildcat’s sixth straight win over the Huskies with Highland’s last win over Columbus coming in 2022.
Putting up 19 points in both the first and second quarters, Columbus held a 10-point advantage at the half, but Highland was not only able to overcome their deficit in the third they even managed to take a slim 46-44 lead.
Highland’s lead did not last long as the Wildcats went on a 12-0 run to take back control of the game. Now trailing by 10 once again, Highland did not have enough time left to make another comeback and were ultimately defeated by nine.
The Wildcats were led by a 19-point performance by Ellis Hills-Carrier. The sophomore also led the team in rebounds (6), assists (5), and blocks (2).
Leading all scorers with 20 was Highland senior Louis Horak. Not too far behind was junior teammate Bryce Hazelett who scored 18.
W-MU 74, Highland 36
A nearly 60-point first half propelled Winfield-Mt Union (3-2) to a conference win over the visiting Huskies on Dec. 13.
The Wolves offense was operating in high gear against Highland as they scored 27 in the first and 30 in the second to up by 38 at halftime. W-MU has now won seven straight games over Highland with the Huskies last win over the Wolves coming in 2021.
Senior Jake Edwards led the Wolves with 25 points. Highland was led by junior Bryce Hazelett who scored eight.
Up next for Highland (0-3) is a home conference matchup against WACO (3-1) on Dec. 19.
HIGHLAND 55, COLUMBUS 64
Highland 15 13 18 9 -- 55
Columbus 19 19 11 15 -- 64
Highland leading scorers: Louis Horak 20, Bryce Hazelett 18, William Dunbar 5
Columbus leading scorers: Ellis Hills-Carrier 19, Fritz Figaro 14, Drake Marin 11
Highland leading rebounders: Dunbar 5, Logan McFarland 5, Colten Syphered 4
Columbus leading rebounders: Hills-Carrier 6, Drew Totemeier 6, Juan Chairez
HIGHLAND 36, W-MU 74
Highland 10 9 8 9 -- 36
W-MU 27 30 11 6 -- 74
Highland leading scorers: Landon Roling, 11, Bryce Hazelett 8, Jared Diaz 6
W-MU leading scorers: Jake Edwards 25, Lane Genkinger 18, Nicholas Sparrow 10
Highland leading rebounders: Logan McFarland 6, Louis Horak 4, Jesse Thompson 2
W-MU leading rebounders: Buffington 12, Genkinger 5, Jake Edwards 4