COLUMBUS HIGH SCHOOL – Following a historic football season culminating in their first state championship, the Columbus Cardinals entered the 2024-2025 basketball season with momentum and high expectations. Due to their extended football season, the Cardinals had a delayed start to basketball but quickly found their rhythm. This page chronicles their journey throughout the season as they aimed for success on the hardwood.

12/31/2024 – The Cardinals opened their season on the road against Hallettsville, securing a convincing 66-42 victory. Despite limited preparation time due to their football commitments, Columbus showcased their athleticism and defensive prowess, setting a positive tone for the games ahead.

1/3/2025 – In their home opener, Columbus faced Palacios and dominated with a 76-40 win. The team's transition from football to basketball appeared seamless, with players displaying versatility and cohesion on the court.

1/4/2025 – Continuing their early-season momentum, the Cardinals hosted Tidehaven and delivered a stellar performance, winning 69-20. Their defense was particularly impressive, limiting Tidehaven's scoring opportunities throughout the game.

1/7/2025 – Columbus faced their first setback of the season in an away game against Rice Consolidated, falling 78-62. The loss highlighted areas for improvement, particularly in handling defensive pressure and maintaining offensive consistency.

1/10/2025 – The Cardinals experienced a narrow defeat at home against Yoakum, losing 58-55. The closely contested game underscored the competitive nature of district play and the need for clutch performances in tight situations.  I will say this, Yoakum is very athletic this year.  They are typically pretty athletic, but this year they are above their average by a significant margin.  

1/14/2025 – Bouncing back from consecutive losses, Columbus secured a 68-53 victory on the road against Edna. The team demonstrated resilience and improved execution on both ends of the court.

1/17/2025 – Hosting Industrial, the Cardinals continued their winning ways with a 57-47 victory. The game showcased their defensive tenacity and ability to control the tempo.

1/20/2025 – In a rematch against Tidehaven, this time on the road, Columbus emerged victorious with a 69-58 scoreline. The team's adaptability and strategic adjustments were evident in their improved performance.

1/24/2025 – The Cardinals faced Hallettsville at home and secured a 69-57 win. The game highlighted their offensive versatility and depth, with multiple players contributing significantly.

1/28/2025 – Traveling to Palacios, Columbus continued their dominance with a 76-62 victory. The team's cohesion and chemistry were on full display, reflecting their growth throughout the season.

1/31/2025 – In a home game against Rice Consolidated, the Cardinals showcased their offensive firepower, winning 85-67. The victory avenged their earlier loss and demonstrated their progression as a unit.  Finally getting into basketball shape after the weight of that UIL Gold Medal weighed them down from football.

2/4/2025 – In a thrilling away game against Yoakum, Columbus edged out a 69-67 victory. The nail-biter highlighted their resilience and ability to perform under pressure.  Going into Yoakum to avenge their early season loss is very impressive.  

2/7/2025 – The Cardinals concluded their regular season with a commanding 77-63 home victory over Edna. The win solidified their strong standing heading into the postseason.

2/18/2025 - Columbus starts their playoff run tonight against Goliad.  Grayson Rigdon looks to lead the Cardinals to their first playoff victory since the 2022-2023 season.  The Cardinals pull off the victory 72-63.

2/22/2025 - The Cardinals played Universal City Randolph in the second round of the playoffs and were able to score 83 points on the way to a 12 point victory.  Grayson scored 58 points, grabbed 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 5 steals. The will play Corpus Christi London in the third round of the UIL Texas State Playoffs.

2/25/2025 - A couple of instant #STBA classics took place tonight.  At Rusk High School in the 2A state playoffs Normangee and Shelbyville played in a 5 overtime game, Shelbyville eventually pulling off the victory.  But here in our game between Columbus and Corpus Christi London we had ourselves a double overtime game.  This game was played at Goliad High School, who has a pretty awesome gym!  The game started off with Columbus winning the first half 31-24, but the Pirates won the second half 40-33 leading the game to go to overtime.  64-64 was the final at the end of regulation, and both teams ended the first overtime with 72.  With 5 seconds left in the second overtime Columbus has the ball and it gets tipped out of bounds.  Columbus has the ball on the side with 1.12 seconds left down 78-80.  Everyone knows where the ball is going to go... until it doesn't.  Grayson Rigdon works to get open but they can't get it to him.  The inbounder finds Brody Tribe in the corner and he nails the three to send Columbus to the Regional Finals!  Grayson Rigdon finishes with 39 points, and Brody Tribe had 13 points.

2/28/2025 - #STBA was LIVE at the Blossom Athletic Center in San Antonio at 7:00pm.  The first quarter was everything you could have asked for.  High scoring, crazy steals, drama on the court, and high energy atmosphere.  Crystal City came out and was playing as physical as they could, and they came out shooting the ball very well too.  Grayson Rigdon hit a three in front of the Crystal City bench and got tackled on the shot.  And he let the bench hear about it.  Nails the FT and got a steal shortly there after.  He had 15 points at the end of the first quarter.  Crystal City hurt Columbus all game in transition.  Columbus struggled to get back consistently and gave up some high percentage shots at the rim or behind the three point line.  I will give Crystal City this - they brought the whole town.  What an atmosphere in the Blossom Athletic Center.  Closing out the game the arena was rocking with about 13 seconds left.  Columbus ball with the length of the court to go - Crystal City pressing trying to slow the pace and force a turnover or a quick bad shot - in one of the traps Crystal City got a little to aggressive and sent a Columbus player to the FT line with 6 seconds left.  They miss the first one, and now Blossom is REALLY rocking.  The second FT goes in and Crystal City has to heave one from full court.  Columbus comes out on top with the 86-85 victory! 

3/4/2025 - Columbus will play the Onalaska Cardiac Cats in the state semifinals.  If you would like to read more about this game - click here!