Photo Courtesy of Columbus CSD Social Media

A pair of tight Southeast Iowa Superconference contests went each way when the Columbus Wildcats visited the Pekin Panthers for a basketball doubleheader. The Columbus girls took their game with a comeback 41-37 victory. Pekin jumped out to a 12-4 lead after one, and were on top 24-18 at half. Columbus chipped away to get within 31-29 going to the fourth. The Wildcats won the game by taking the final frame 12-6. Columbus was out shot 42-28%. They won rebounding 30-27, steals 20-18, turnovers 30-27 and each team had 10 assists. Iris Garza was the leader with 13 points, Ellie Sanders added 11 with seven rebounds. The Wildcats were 3-4 with the win as Pekin dropped to 3-3.

The boys contest also saw the Panthers get out fast, and this time hold off a Columbus comeback, 66-60. Pekin led 20-8 after one and 29-21 after the first half. The Wildcats got the offense on track with 39 second half points, but it wasn’t enough to get in front of Pekin who scored 37. Cole Millikin led the Panthers with 20 points, Nolan Glick had 13 and Alijah Brock a 12 point, 15 rebound double double. Pekin stood at 5-1 with the win and Columbus fell to 3-3.