After a one year hiatus from varsity basketball, the Columbus girls are set for their return tonight when they open the 2021-22 campaign with a trip to Cardinal.

The Wildcats played a junior varsity schedule only last year, but in 2019-20 they finished with a 1-20 record. Only a few players are left that have experience on the big stage including junior Victoria Howell averaging two points a night that season and senior Libby White brought in 2.8 rebounds. White and Maggie Sánchez are the two seniors on a squad that has 10 underclassmen. Head Coach Kasey Keltner outlines what he wants to see out of his team throughout the season. “Something I am looking for is are we more competitive each game? Are we better each night out? When we play a team for the second time are we playing them tougher? We are going to build this thing the right way and it will take time, but I am really looking forward to see what these girls can do.”

The Comets finished 5-15 last year and seventh in the Southeast Iowa Super Conference South Division. Points were hard to come by with 31 a night for a team that lost their leading scorer to graduation. Kinsey Hissem is the top returner with 7.6 points and 3.8 rebounds a game. 

The season commences at 7:30 p.m. tonight in Eldon. 

Photo Courtesy of Columbus Basketball