Staff writer
The Centre girls’ basketball team was the top seed in last week’s Cougar Classic, and they finished on top by defeating Flint Hills Job Corps in the first round Jan. 21, Elyria Christian on Thursday, and Marion on Saturday in the championship game. Other teams were Peabody-Burns, Wakefield, Solomon, and Rural Vista.
Centre and Marion started the final game matching basket for basket, but two free throws by Makenzie Deines gave Centre a 6-4 lead. At the end of the first quarter, Centre had a slim 12-9 lead.
A 3-pointer by Marion’s Katey Ehrlich in the opening moments of the second quarter tied the game at 12-12. From then on, Centre took control. After Deines made a basket, Shelby Makovec and Cacey Simons made back-to-back 3-pointers to give Centre an 8-point lead. By halftime, Centre led, 23-16.
Marion’s scoring remained cold in the third quarter. Shelby Makovec and Amy Makovec each scored a 3-pointer as Centre outscored Marion 13-6.
Marion girls picked up their game in the last half of the final quarter as both teams scored 14 points. However, Centre walked away with a 14-point victory and the championship plaque.
Makovec led Centre’s scoring with 18 points, followed by Simons with 13. Deines had 7 points; Svoboda, 6; Amy Makovec, 4; and Ally Basore, 2.
Centre defeated Elyria Christian Friday, 59-30. The Lady Cougars made 16 two-point baskets and eight 3-pointers, outscoring Elyria in every quarter except the fourth.
Shelby Makovec led scoring with 20 points, followed by Simons with 15. Deines had 11 points; Svoboda, 7; Amy Makovec, 4; and Shelby Pankratz, 2.
The first-round game against Flint Hills Job Corps was no contest. The second string played much of the 77-16 game. Twelve of Job Corps’ 16 points were from the 3-point line. Centre’s Callie Riffel scored a game-high 18 points. Others who scored in double figures were Shelby Pankratz, 13; Amy Makovec, 12; and Simons, 10.
Shelby Makovec and Simons were named to the all-tournament team. Makovec scored a total of 46 points. Simons had 38.
“It was great for us to finally win our own tournament,” coach Alan Stahlecker said. “We have been in the championship game all four years of the tournament and are pleased to get the win this year.”