Basketball is much more than a sport for the teams at Columbia High School.

"What I love the most about basketball is the fact that I was able to play with my friends," said Arthur Poindexter, a senior and one of the team captains. "It is a brotherhood."

That feeling of camaraderie was on full display when the Columbia boys' basketball team won the District 3 championship in Hershey on Feb. 28.

"It feels exhilarating," Arthur said, summing up the mood he and his teammates share. "The event is better than the last championship we won because we were part of the team, but not captains of the team for the first one."

Arthur was joined in his leadership role by captains Jordan Poole and Bennet Ohrel.

Going into the game against Trinity, Columbia was ready to win, said Marvin Sanders, director of athletics and activities for Columbia Borough School District.

"Our kids were focused," he said. "Our coach was focused. You could tell he did everything he could to instill confidence in our boys. They seemed relaxed. Although they may have had a feeling of anxiety, they didn't allow that anxiety to take control of their ability to perform. They were very poised."

Columbia took the lead early in the game, growing it to a 10-point margin. The team found strong competition in the Trinity players, who closed the gap within one point before Columbia held firm to take the title. The boys' team won 64-61, and Sanders said he saw the same type of focus in the girls' basketball team, which also played in the District 3 championship on Feb. 28.

"The girls approached the game with a mindset of resilience and determination," Sanders observed. Despite the eventual loss to Lancaster Catholic, he commended their unwavering effort.

"They gave their all on the court," Sanders affirmed. "Their commitment and dedication were truly commendable."

Leading the girls' team were captains Brie and Brooke Droege, along with Kailee Soto. Kerry Glover is head coach for the boys' team, with Karl Kreiser as head coach for the girls.

Sanders, now in his second year as director, stressed the broader benefits of participating in sports beyond athletics. "There's a direct correlation between extracurricular involvement and overall student success," he explained. "Participation in such activities translates to academic achievement. It's transformative for our students, allowing them to express themselves in unique ways."

Sanders oversees all extracurricular programs at Columbia, including various sports, marching band and theater. As the basketball season ends, he emphasized that the team members are excited to continue a winning streak next year, with the girls' team eyeing a district championship of their own.

Regardless of each game's outcome, Sanders recognizes the inherent value for students in participating.

Noting that he's been personally influenced by people who practiced transformational and servant leadership, Sanders is working to pass that leadership style on to the district's students.

"We realize that by promoting transformational development and servant leadership, we're able to holistically develop these students. We aim to foster transformational development and servant leadership among our students," he said. "It's about helping them realize their inherent value and potential."