Basketball Recap: Malia Graham and Rylie Graham Secure Win for East Columbus

East Columbus entered their tilt with Pender on Tuesday with two consecutive wins but they'll enter their next game with three. Everything went their way against the Pender Patriots as they made off with a 49-26 victory. Given the Gators' advantage in MaxPreps' North Carolina basketball rankings (they are ranked 234th, while the Patriots are ranked 521st), the result wasn't entirely unexpected.

Leading East Columbus to victory were Rylie Graham and Malia Graham. Rylie made all 6 shots she took for 15 points and seven steals, while Malia dropped a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds. Malia is also on a roll when it comes to steals, as she's now grabbed two or more in the last 11 games she's played. Malayah Hines was another key player, putting up 12 points along with six assists and four steals.

Gators

Previous 3 Games

02/04/25 @ Pender	49-26
02/03/25 vs West Columbus	65-24
01/31/25 @ South Columbus	48-5

East Columbus smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 13 offensive rebounds. That strong performance was nothing new for the team: they've now pulled down at least nine offensive boards in 44 consecutive matchups dating back to last season.

East Columbus' record now sits at 12-4. As for Pender, they have been struggling recently as they've lost six of their last eight contests, which has put a noticeable dent in their 3-8 record this season.

East Columbus wasted no time getting back out on the court and has already played their next game, a 53-39 win against Whiteville on the 6th. As for Pender, they have also already played their next matchup, a 24-21 loss against Heide Trask on the 5th.