Most local high school girls basketball squads are more than a few games into the 2025-26 season, meaning their identities are beginning to take shape.

Both Columbia and Gibault will set sights on winning a trophy in next week’s Candy Cane Classic at Gibault Catholic High School. 

Columbia (4-4) lost to close contest at home against Salem on Thursday, 48-45. On Monday, it was a 43-36 loss to Wesclin as the Eagles shot just 3-for-17 from three-point range on the night. Riley Bahr and Addison Dewilde each scored 11 points for the Eagles in Monday’s loss.

On Saturday, it was a thrilling 60-58 victory for Columbia in overtime against Mascoutah. Ava Mathews led the way for the Eagles with 19 points and 10 rebounds. Bahr added 16 points, including four three-pointers. Dewilde scored 10 points before fouling out of the game.

Last Thursday, Columbia picked up a rather easy 61-37 win at Wood River. The Eagles actually trailed 17-14 after the first quarter, only to go on a 23-12 run to close out the half. Kinley Jany scored 21 points – including four three-pointers – and had five steals. Bahr scored 15 points and Hope Schwartz added 11 points.

Jany and Mathews are the leading scorers so far this season for the Eagles.

Columbia opens Candy Cane Classic play Monday night against New Athens.

See a full tourney bracket by clicking here.

Gibault (5-4) lost 47-29 to St. Pius X on Wednesday and will travel Friday to Maryville Christian before opening Candy Cane Classic play Tuesday night against Metro East Lutheran.

The Hawks dropped a home contest Monday to Staunton, 46-38. The Hawks shot just 26 percent from the floor as a team. Olivia Biffar led Gibault with 13 points.

Last Tuesday, it was a 49-43 victory for Gibault at Chester thanks to a 33-point night from senior Karmon Grohmann. She also had nine rebounds and six steals.

Grohmann is averaging about 22 points per game so far on the season. Biffar is averaging about 10 points per contest.

Waterloo (5-3) is winning more than losing of late.

On Wednesday, it was a 60-7 victory for the Bulldogs over Affton. Mallory Thompson scored 13 points for the Bulldogs, who led 24-0 after the first quarter. Aubrey Heck added six points, 10 assists and 12 steals.

Last Friday, the Bulldogs lost 51-42 at Triad despite leading 16-7 after the first quarter. Sam Juelfs led the way for Waterloo with 22 points, followed by Thompson with 13 points and 10 rebounds. 

Last Tuesday, Waterloo posted a 30-17 win at Red Bud. Juelfs again led the way with 11 points. Heck had nine of the team’s 18 total steals on the night. 

Juelfs and Thompson are the top scorers this season for the Bulldogs.

Waterloo plays Friday at Mascoutah, and then travels Tuesday to Highland.

Valmeyer (0-4) played its first varsity girls basketball game since the 2023-24 season last Wednesday, falling at home to Valley Park by the count of 39-27. Anna Ewing scored seven points for the Pirates.

Last Thursday, Valmeyer lost 50-7 at New Athens, as the team went just 1-for-35 from the floor.

On Monday, the Pirates dropped a 44-22 contest to Steeleville. Grace Rowold scored seven points and pulled down 13 rebounds for Valmeyer. Kadence Seitz added six points and nine rebounds. 

Valmeyer hosted Marissa on Thursday, losing 55-21.

Dupo (2-4) lost 59-22 at Marissa last Thursday.

On Thursday night, the Tigers won 45-30 over Riverview Gardens. Kylie Kloess led the way for Dupo with 17 points.

The Tigers host Sparta on Monday, and then host Steeleville on Tuesday.