By ROWENA PLETT
Staff writer
In the eyes of Cougar fans, the most exciting game of the pre-season tournament at Herington High School was Friday’s match between archrivals Centre and Hope. Centre won the game, 55-52.
After Hope opened the game with two consecutive layups, Trevor Troutt answered with three of his own. The teams tied four times in the first quarter including 14-all at the end after Ben Krause sunk a three-pointer.
Krause scored two more three-pointers in the second quarter. That, along with good rebounding by James Weber, who also took a charge, helped the Cougars to a 27-25 lead at halftime.
Weber and Troutt combined for 14 points in the third quarter and Tanner Brunner added four, increasing Centre’s lead to 45-39.
Hope outscored Centre 13-10 in the final quarter, coming within two points, but when the final horn sounded, the Cougars walked away with an exciting three-point victory.
Centre vs. Herington
Centre played Herington Dec. 9 in the first game of the tournament and was defeated, 62-42.
The team played well the first half, leading by four at halftime, 23-19.
Herington scored five consecutive field goals when the third quarter opened, quickly tying the game and forging ahead despite good shooting by Troutt.
The Railers led 44-29 two minutes into the fourth quarter when, in desperation, Centre coach Cody Shafers pulled out the starters and sent in the subs to do battle.
Brunner stole the ball and made two layups, and Tyler Klenda made a field goal, but Herington continued to score on every possession.
The starters returned to the court but couldn’t stop the Railers from rolling to a 20-point win.
Troutt was high-point man for the Cougars with 16 points. Brunner finished with nine points and Weber seven.
Centre vs. Northern Heights
The toughest game of the tournament was Saturday when Centre played a strong Northern Heights team.
Scoring was difficult, and Centre trailed 34-19 at halftime. The Cougars were defeated, 67-31.
Alex Hajek finished in double digits with 11 points. Brunner scored seven points and Troutt six.
Individual composite scoring for the tournament was Troutt 39, Krause 23, Brunner 22, Hajek 13, Burhoop seven, Harding six, Canh Antoszyk three, Kacey Hanschu two, Heath Hill two, and Tyler Klenda two.
No other individual statistics were available.