Coach Doug Ogle's team silenced many early season critics Saturday night with a 52-40 victory over the host Columbia City Eagles. A contest in which many were anticipating a closely contested battle.

The gymnasium at near capacity with both teams well represented in fan support. The atmosphere was more like that of a post-season tournament game with both cheer block sections in full swing. As the referee tossed the ball up for tip-off, those in attendance settled in for prime Indiana hoops action.

The first three minutes were exactly what that - just as the experts had predicted. Columbia City shot the ball well out of the gate. Led by senior Matt Schmidt's sharpshooting from the baseline and Derek Hinen's 3 pointer, the Eagles fans had much to cheer about early. The Tigers moved the ball well in the first quarter in both the open court and their half-court sets. Nic Moore and Jordyn Coon led the attack early for Warsaw.

The Tigers led 16-14 after one quarter of play despite Moore having picked up his 2nd personal foul with 1:02 remaining in the frame.

Columbia City prepared to come out firing in the 2nd frame as they did in the prior quarter. Coach Ogle had different ideas for the Eagles. Ogle's instructions would move the Tiger defense into a match-up zone defense to start the second. Much like the Valley Vikings three nights ago, the Eagles never recovered. The length of sophomore Jordyn Coon and senior Zack Linky coupled with the crazy quick instincts of Nic Moore, the Tiger zone proves to be a formidable barrier for opposing offenses. Using their zone the Tigers would go on an 11-2 run before Eagles Coach Benedict would call a timeout with 2:59 on the clock to regroup. The damage was done.

Sophomore Lucas Grose controlled the rebounding in the first half grabbing 5 rebounds. Two of those rebounds were big offensive boards to keep the ball in the Tiger's possession. Nic Moore led the first half scoring with 10 points for Warsaw. Grose scored 6 first half points while Jordyn Coon added 5. The halftime lead grew to 29-23 as the Tigers outscored Columbia City 13-9 in the 2nd period of play.

The Eagles would keep the contest close early in the third, only trailing the visitors from Warsaw 31-26 at the 4:12 mark. The Tigers would again return to the zone defense that provided success in the period before. Steals by Justin Clemens and Nic Moore would lead to easy baskets for Jordyn Coon and a free throw for senior Andy Conrad. The Eagles were sensing the game beginning to slip from their grasp. Junior standout Nic Moore would rise up from 20 feet to nail a 3 pointer from the left wing on the next possession at the 2:56 point. With the Tiger lead now stretched to 37-28, Coach Benedict called out an offensive play to calm down the Columbia City attack. As point guard Brandon Gay began to setup the offense, sophomore guard Jordyn Coon stole the ball. Coon drove the length of the floor skying above an Eagle defender to convert a lay-up. Coon would score the basket and draw a foul. He then converted the 3-point play to give Warsaw a 40-28 lead. The Eagles would get no closer.

End of 3Q Score: Warsaw-43 Columbia City-30

Tiger backcourt Moore and Coon would score consecutive baskets for the Tigers to begin the 4th. The Eagles front court of Matt Schmidt and Chris Bachelder converted inside baskets to keep the Eagles within striking distance. The Eagles would simply run out of time as trading baskets was not enough to catch the Tigers. As the quarter reached the 2:00 minute mark and Warsaw still holding a 14 point advantage, Coach Benedict would empty his bench. Benedict inserted his underclassmen into the contest to gain Varsity experience. Coach Ogle was soon to follow suit as he sent in a fresh five players in relief. The Tiger faithful rose to its feet with cheers of appreciation for their team's performance against a tough opponent.

Nic Moore led the Tigers in scoring with 18. Jordyn Coon had a breakout game for Warsaw as he finished with 15 points to go along with 5 rebounds.

Complete scoring for the Tigers: Nic Moore - 18, Jordyn Coon - 15, Andy Conrad - 7, Lucas Grose - 6, Justin Clemens - 2, Jalen Roscoe - 2, Zack Linky – 1, & Christopher O'Hara - 1

The Tigers improved to 2-0 on the young season while Columbia City fell to 1-1. Warsaw will travel to FW South Side Friday 12/4 before opening at home in the Tiger Den Saturday night 12/5 against Huntington North.

Tiger Nation T-Shirts are available for Tiger Fans by using the "Contact Us" page. T-Shirts are $10 and are available in both Orange & Black. Sizes range from Adult M - Adult 2XL.

Photo's provided by Your Average Joe Photographer

Posted In: Boy's Sports > Basketball