The Columbus High School boys basketball team is going to the playoffs.
And the Falcons won’t even have to play Thursday night to get there.
Columbus was set to play West Point on Thursday in the third-place game of the MHSAA Class 5A, Region 1 tournament. But the Green Wave have forfeited that contest because of an altercation after Tuesday’s game against host Saltillo.
“It gives us an opportunity to get into the playoffs and see if we can do something, make something happen,” Columbus head coach Phillip Morris said. “I really hate to get in that way, but it’s not my decision. You have to just take what you can get.
“I hate it for them, but it just gives us an opportunity to play more.”
Columbus (9-13) struggled toward the end of the season, especially in district play, where the Falcons went 0-6, earning the No. 4 seed in this week’s district tournament.
The Falcons fell in their first-round matchup against No. 1-seeded New Hope, 63-54, on Monday night.
West Point came into the tournament as the No. 2 seed, going 19-6 in the regular season and playing well in district games. The Green Wave (19-7) fell to Saltillo, 36-33, in their first-round game.
“I think it’s tough on them,” Morris said. “They worked really hard, had a really good season, and for it to end like that for them, I’m sure it’s tough on the kids, tough on the coaches.”
This story will be updated.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 36 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 36 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
