New Athens vs Columbia: 5 key takeaways

New Athens took on Columbia in the first round of the annual Columbia Tip Off classic. New Athens was able to keep the game close in the first half but eventually the depth and talent of Columbia took over. Columbia took over late in the second quarter to build a 13 point lead at half. They extended that out over the second half to win 56-34. <ul> <li><strong>Sophia Bonaldi</strong> worked her way out of early foul trouble to lead her team to victory. Sophia had 13 points and had a key run early in the second half to extend the lead. She is capable of scoring on all 3 levels and playing tough pressure defense. If Columbia is going to have a great season Sophia needs to be great.</li> <li>Columbia has size and depth. They start 3 girls that are right at 5'10 and can bring more girls in the 5'9 range along with 6'1 sophomore <strong>Ava Khoury </strong>off the bench. Coach Germain went 9 deep in the first quarter and kept the pressure on New Athens. Columbia plays a tough half court defense and the depth will help to keep the girls fresh. Khoury is definitely a work in progress. If she continues to develop that size can add an additional dimension to the Lady Eagles that most teams cannot match.</li> <li>Columbia has experience that will pay off in close games during the season. They have 6 seniors that all contribute. Guard <strong>Fae Harrell</strong> and forward <strong>Lexi Touchette</strong> are established role players that play a big part in what Columbia does. Touchette has a nice touch out to 15 feet and is a very rebounder. Harrell is a seasoned point guard that will get steals and can finish in the lane.</li> <li><strong>Danika White </strong>of New Athens is the real deal. She is a versatile player that gives New Athens most of its' offense. Danika can hit the outside shot and can also get to the hole. White will finish in the lane with either hand, so she has to be defended straight up. Danika is really athletic and uses that to rebound and defend too.</li> <li>New Athens made a big run in the tournament last year. Unfortunately this team is lacking that second player to team with White. <strong>Julia Drake </strong>did a nice job as an undersized post player, but the guards struggled with pressure. Columbia was able to turnover the guards the first 3 trips down the floor. New Athens will need to fix that and come up with more depth in their scoring.</li> </ul> This was the opening game for both teams so there was rust to knock off. Moving forward Columbia is looking for a conference title and a tourney run. The Lady Eagles now have a semi final match up with Triad on Friday. New Athens will face Alton Marquette in a consolation game, also on Friday. &nbsp;