Basketball Recap: Columbia Extends Winning Streak to Three

Eddie Smajic

Points

02/22/25 vs Rochester	27
02/20/25 vs Meridian	19
02/17/25 vs Freeburg	22
02/14/25 vs Roxana	15

Columbia had won two straight games and Eddie Smajic did his part to make it three on Saturday. The Columbia Eagles put the hurt on the Rochester Rockets with a sharp 72-52 victory which was due in part to Smajic, who posted 27 points. His afternoon made it four games in a row in which he has scored at least 15 points.

Rochester's defeat came despite a true team effort with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Khorbin Gregory, who on his way to 14 points. Gregory continues to improve, besting his previous point total in each of the last three games he's played. Khordell Gregory was another key player, putting up nine points.

Columbia pushed their record up to 25-6 with the win, which was their third straight at home. They've dominated over that stretch too, winning by an average of 29 points. As for Rochester, their loss dropped their record down to 18-11.

Columbia and Rochester should be looking forward to their upcoming games as both have a sizable advantage in the MaxPreps Illinois Rankings. Columbia will take on Wesclin at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday up 104 places (47 vs. 151). Similarly, Rochester (ranked 124th) will meet Taylorville (ranked 296th) at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday.