Columbus Christian coach Chris Noblitt gives instruction to his players during a break in the action Nov. 29, 2022, at Hauser High School.
The Republic file photo
The past few years, the Columbus Christian girls have gotten the ball to Sarah Lorimor and watched her go to work and score.
With Lorimor having graduated, the Crusaders are looking for some other girls to fill that scoring role this basketball season.
“There were times where Sarah put up a lot of points, but we told them they have to score this year if we’re going to win,” Columbus Christian coach Chris Noblitt said. “They have to be willing to shoot and score. We do a lot of shooting and have a lot of different offenses. It’s a really different dynamic this year, but it should be a lot of fun.”
Emma Murray, a 5-foot-9 sophomore, was the second-leading scorer and rebounder on a team that went 15-11.
“She’s had a big summer,” Noblitt said. “We’ve seen a lot of improvement from last year to this year. I think she’s going to have a big year.”
The other returning starter is 5-4 junior point guard Paige Harden. Eva Blair, a 5-5 junior Eva Blair, started a few games.
Oilvia Wise, a 5-8 sophomore who played for the Indianapolis-based HomeSchool Wildcats last year, could step into a starting role, along with 5-7 freshman Belle Blair, who came off the bench last season.
Katie Bond, a 5-6 freshman, saw a little action last year. New to the team are 5-6 freshman Kaeli Clawson, who also played for the HomeSchool Wildcats, and 5-1 eighth-grader Emma Rice.
“We’re real young, but we’re really encouraged from what we’re seeing,” Noblitt said. “There is a lot of talent and a lot of athleticism there. They’re working hard. It’s going to take time to develop, but the potential is definitely there. I think it’s going to be a good year. It will be a fun year for sure.”
The 2023-24 Columbus Christian girls basketball schedule:
Nov. 14 at Martinsville Tabernacle, 6 p.m.
Nov. 17 vs. Indiana Deaf, 5:30 p.m.
Nov. 18 vs. Clinton Christian at Hoosier Gym, 4 p.m.
Nov. 20 at South Decatur, 6 p.m.
Nov. 25 at Crothersville, 1 p.m.
Nov. 28 at Hauser, 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 2 at Seven Oaks Academy, 2 p.m.
Dec. 5 vs. Martinsville Tabernacle, 6 p.m.
Dec. 9 in Southern Roads Conference tourney at Medora, TBA
Dec. 11 at Horizon Christian, 6 p.m.
Dec. 16 vs. Phalen Leadership Academy, 5 p.m.
Dec. 18 vs. Mooresville Christian, 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 5 vs. Bloomington Lighthouse, 6:15 p.m.
Jan. 6 vs. Cannelton at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, 9 a.m.
Jan. 9 vs. Medora, 6 p.m.
Jan. 19 at Fishers Christian, 8 p.m.
Jan. 20 vs. Christian Academy of Madison, 6:15 p.m.
Jan. 27 at Pleasant View Christian, TBA
Jan. 29 vs. Horizon Christian, 6 p.m.
Jan. 30 at Christian Academy of Madison, 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 3 at Carroll County (Ky.), 1 p.m.
Feb. 16 at Mooresville Christian, 6 p.m.
Feb. 17 vs. Mission Christian, TBA
