SOUTH WHITLEY – It was a great night for Whitko hoops fans. Friday night was the home opener for the girls basketball team and the Wildcats did not disappoint. Whitko forced 14 turnovers in a 58-47 win over Columbia City. It was Whitko’s first win over the Eagles since the 2008 sectional.

“It is a rivalry, at least we look at it that way,” said Whitko head coach Brandon Bradley. “I understand why they (City) wouldn’t because we haven’t put a string of wins together against them. I know the kids are excited about this win.

“They know each other. They grew up with those girls. Aly (Reiff) said in the locker room that her whole church is out there playing against here. So, yeah, they know each other. They played each other in middle school. You’re going to have a little bit more passion, a little more pride and, naturally, a little more physicality in this type of game.”

It was a physical night on the court for both teams. 36 total personal fouls were racked up between the two rivals, leading to 47 free throws. The game was entertaining from start to finish and it truly came down to that passion and pride from Whitko’s side that led to the win.

The Wildcats were on fire to start the game. It looked as if City was going to struggle to even keep up as Whitko closed the first quarter with a 18-8 lead following a buzzer-beating shot from Jen Reiff. But the adrenaline and excitement wore off for the home team in the second quarter.

Whitko found its lead dwindling before the half as City outscored the Wilcats 10-5 in the second frame to go into the break trailing just 23-18.

“I didn’t see much different from our first two games,” Bradley continued, “except for maybe the adrenaline they had in the first quarter. We blew out to that early lead and then it wore off and we played really tired in that second quarter. We didn’t box out very well. Offensively we were standing still, watching other people dribble. That’s not how we play offense.”

The third quarter provided some more ups and downs for both teams but it was the Wildcats that handled the swings better throughout the second half. Whitko led 39-31 after three and would get into the double bonus with just under four minutes to play in the contest, now holding a 10-point advantage. The Wildcats were far from stellar from the line, but with a double-digit lead and a City team rushing shots on the other end of the court, Whitko had all the ingredients it needed to hang on for victory.

What was great to see for the Wildcats was the contribution made by so many different players. The home team saw six girls score, three in double digits. Aly Reiff led all scorers with 18 points and completed her double-double with 11 boards, also a game high. Jen Reiff scored 14 points, Brianna Cumberland added another 10.

Columbia City was led by the duo of Holly Martinez and Chelsea Pettigrew who each had 14 points.

Whitko (3-0) will travel to Churubusco Saturday for a 7:30 p.m. tip.

Columbia City won the JV contest 35-24.