After a runner-up finish last season, the Columbus North girls’ basketball team is again expected to contend for the Indiana Class 4-A state crown.

The Bull Dogs, coached by Pat McKee, are tuning up for the 2012-13 season this week at the Under Armour Best of Maryland Basketball Tournament in Damascus, Md., an event that features girls’ high school teams from 11 states and the District of Columbia.

Columbus North thumped Berlin Hiland (Oh.) 53-34 Thursday morning behind 16 points from junior-to-be Tayler Goodall and 12 from sophomore-to-be Ali Patberg.

In their second game of preliminary play on Thursday, the Bull Dogs got past Calvert (Md.) 43-30. Patberg led the team with 18 points and junior-to-be Kelsey Cunningham chipped in 11.

The only other area team at the event — Louisville (Ky.) Sacred Heart — lost 62-42 to Good Counsel (Md.) and edged Las Vegas (Nev.) Centennial 41-38.

Friday’s schedule

Columbus North will meet St. John Vianney (N.J.) at 2:15 and wrap up pool play in a 7:15 contest versus St. John’s College (D.C.) High School.

Elimination-bracket action will begin Saturday.