Columbus North Claims Sectional 14 Crown, Eyes Bedford Regional

Bull Dogs defeat East Central 40-28 to capture first girls' sectional title since 2017, setting sights on regional showdown with Evansville Reitz.

Feb. 8, 2026 at 7:47pm

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The Columbus North Bull Dogs girls basketball team captured the Sectional 14 championship with a 40-28 victory over East Central on Saturday night at Columbus East. The win snapped the memory of last year's heartbreak and delivered the program's first sectional title since 2017. North's tough, disciplined defense held East Central to just 21 points over the final 29.5 minutes, while Avery Johnson, Miley McClellan, Ava Wilson, and Kenna Conrad made key contributions on both ends of the floor.

Why it matters

This championship win is a major milestone for the Columbus North program, which has been building towards this moment. The Bull Dogs' identity of stifling defense and timely offense proved to be the winning formula, showcasing the team's growth and resilience after last year's disappointment. The victory also sets up an intriguing regional matchup with a talented Evansville Reitz squad, as North looks to keep its magical tournament run alive.

The details

North fell behind 7-0 early but clamped down defensively, holding East Central to just 21 points over the final 29.5 minutes. Avery Johnson led the way with 12 points and 3 steals, while Miley McClellan added 10 points and 6 rebounds. Ava Wilson provided a big spark off the bench with 6 points, including two made 3-pointers. Kenna Conrad dominated the glass with 10 rebounds. As a team, North outrebounded East Central 32-22, recorded 9 steals and 7 blocks, and shot 12-of-14 from the free throw line to seal the victory.

  • On Saturday, February 8, 2026, Columbus North defeated East Central 40-28 to win the Sectional 14 championship.

The players

Avery Johnson

A key player for Columbus North, she finished with 12 points and 3 steals in the sectional final victory.

Miley McClellan

Steady and strong for North, she posted 10 points and 6 rebounds in the championship game.

Ava Wilson

Provided a big spark off the bench for North, scoring 6 points including two made 3-pointers.

Kenna Conrad

Dominated the glass for North, grabbing 10 rebounds to help the team win the battle on the boards.

East Central

The Trojans saw their season end with a 21-4 record after falling to Columbus North in the sectional final.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

Columbus North will face Evansville Reitz in the Bedford North Lawrence Regional championship game on Saturday, February 14 at 1:00 p.m. The winner will advance to the semi-state round.

The takeaway

This sectional championship victory showcases the growth and resilience of the Columbus North girls basketball program, which has bounced back from last year's disappointment to capture its first sectional title since 2017. The team's stifling defense and timely offense have them peaking at the perfect time, setting up an intriguing regional showdown with a talented Evansville Reitz squad as North looks to keep its tournament run alive.