Sectional 14 Semifinals Set: Friday Night Basketball Takes Center Stage at Columbus East

Two semifinal matchups will decide who advances to Saturday's championship game.

Feb. 6, 2026 at 6:15am

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The Sectional 14 basketball tournament shifts into the semifinal round on Friday night at Columbus East. The first matchup at 6 p.m. features postseason-experienced Columbus North (17-6) against Whiteland (6-16), a team playing its best basketball late in the season. The second semifinal at 7:30 p.m. pits Franklin (14-8) against East Central (20-3), with both teams capable of winning different styles of games.

Why it matters

The winners of these semifinal games will advance to Saturday night's sectional championship, where one team will earn the right to move on to the regional round of the state tournament. Local basketball fans are eager to see which teams will emerge victorious and continue their postseason runs.

The details

Columbus North enters the semifinal matchup with strong overall metrics, solid results against common opponents, and recent success in the series against Whiteland, including a January win that showcased the Bull Dogs' defensive pressure and balanced scoring. Franklin and East Central have both proven they can win different styles of games, setting the stage for a tight, physical contest in the second semifinal.

  • The first semifinal tips off at 6 p.m. on Friday, February 6, 2026.
  • The second semifinal is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Friday, February 6, 2026.

The players

Columbus North

A high school basketball team with a 17-6 record, known for their defensive pressure and balanced scoring.

Whiteland

A high school basketball team with a 6-16 record, but playing their best basketball late in the season.

Franklin

A high school basketball team with a 14-8 record, known for their consistency and depth.

East Central

A high school basketball team with a 20-3 record, entering the semifinal round with momentum after a dominant sectional opener.

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What’s next

The winners of the two semifinal games on Friday night will advance to the Sectional 14 championship game on Saturday, where one team will earn the right to move on to the regional round of the state tournament.

The takeaway

The Sectional 14 basketball tournament has reached the semifinal round, with four teams vying for a chance to compete for the sectional title and a spot in the regional round. Local fans are eagerly anticipating an exciting night of high-stakes, high-quality basketball action at Columbus East on Friday.