Bull Dogs Capture Sectional Championship with Complete Team Effort

Columbus North defeats Whiteland 54-41 to win the IHSAA Sectional title

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Columbus North Bull Dogs stormed out to an early lead and never surrendered control, defeating Whiteland 54-41 to capture the IHSAA Sectional Championship on their home floor. The victory marked Columbus North's first sectional title since 2023 and the 52nd sectional championship in program history, adding another chapter to one of Indiana's most decorated high school basketball traditions.

Why it matters

The win keeps the Bull Dogs' season alive as they advance to the regional round, where they will face Terre Haute North. Columbus North's defense was the key to the victory, holding Whiteland to their lowest scoring output of the season and controlling the glass throughout the game.

The details

Columbus North jumped out to a 9-0 lead to open the game and stretched the advantage to 25-12 before halftime. The Bull Dogs' backcourt leaders, Austin Perry and Caleb Ferguson, led the offense with 20 and 19 points respectively. Despite several Whiteland rallies in the fourth quarter, Columbus North maintained its composure and closed out the championship victory.

  • The game was played on Saturday, March 9, 2026 in Memorial Gymnasium.
  • This was Columbus North's first sectional title since 2023.

The players

Austin Perry

A key backcourt player for Columbus North who scored a game-high 20 points in the sectional championship victory.

Caleb Ferguson

Another important member of the Columbus North backcourt, Ferguson added 19 points and 7 rebounds in the win.

Jack Whaley

Contributed 8 points and 6 rebounds for the Bull Dogs in the sectional final.

Ibar Baker

Played key minutes off the bench for Columbus North in the championship game.

Anderson Horn

Also provided valuable minutes for the Bull Dogs in their sectional title victory.

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What they’re saying

“Championship basketball often begins with something simple. Energy. Execution. And the ability to take control of a game before the opponent has time to settle in.”

— Jeremy Giggy, Sports Director, White River Broadcasting (1010wcsi.com)

What’s next

With the win, North advances to the regional round where the Bull Dogs will face Terre Haute North on March 14 in Greencastle.

The takeaway

Columbus North's sectional championship victory showcased the program's continued excellence, as the Bull Dogs used stifling defense, balanced scoring, and poise down the stretch to capture their 52nd sectional title and keep their season alive.