Staff writer
The game against Elyria Christian School, played Friday on the road, proved to be competitive and challenging for the Centre High School Cougars.
In a close match-up, they defeated Elyria, 73-68. Trevor Troutt set a new, personal record, scoring 30 points.
Elyria led 18-17 after one quarter and led by three points at half-time.
The Cougars stepped up their defense in the third, limiting Elyria to 10 points while scoring 16 of their own, to take the lead, 47-44.
After a 26-24 scoring advantage in the fourth quarter, the Cougars walked away with a five-point win.
Troutt had 12 field goals and made 6-of-8 free throws. He also was strong at the boards, compiling 23 defensive rebounds and 14 offensive rebounds.
James Weber also scored in double figures, with 13 points.
The team now is 2-0 in the Eisenhower League in regular season play and 3-4 overall.
The junior varsity defeated Elyria in overtime, 32-28, after the two teams tied at 25-all in regulation play.
Heath Hill led Centre’s scoring, with 10 points. Cole Svoboda and
Adam Matz were scoreless in regulation play but each scored points in overtime to clinch the victory.
Jacob Jirak scored seven points, Svoboda five, Rustyn Kerbs and Mikael Antoszyk three each, and Matz and Cahn Antoszyk two each.
Centre vs. Sunrise Academy
The Cougars faced a formidable foe Jan. 6 when they squared off on the home court against Sunrise Christian Academy of Wichita. They were defeated, 65-29.
The Buffaloes put up an incredibly strong defense, repeatedly denying Centre the chance to score. They had a lot of height and quickness and used it to their advantage.
The Cougars played fairly well in the first quarter but trailed 13-8 at the end of the quarter.
The Buffaloes continued to pile up points in the second quarter, including an eight-point run at the end of the quarter to lead, 32-15.
The second half opened with a technical on Sunrise because the team failed to show on time for the start of the third quarter. Brian Burhoop made one of two free throw attempts on the technical.
The Cougars continued to battle aggressively against the Buffaloes but fell farther behind. After a three-point shot by Ben Krause at the end of the third quarter, Sunrise led, 48-25.
The fourth quarter was a complete wash-out, as Centre scored four points compared to 17 by Sunrise.
No Cougar scored in double figures. Weber led with nine points. The team made 11-of-33 field goals and five-of-11 free throws.
The junior varsity was defeated, 64-38. Kordell Harding was Centre’s high-point man, with 10 points.