Simons scores 39 points
Staff writer
The Centre Cougars dug themselves into a big hole Friday against Wakefield at home. They trailed by 22 points, 51-29, at the end of the third quarter.
However, a more aggressive defense in the final quarter slowed down the hard-hitting offense of the Bombers, as Centre outscored them, 30-18. The Cougars fought back to within seven points before losing by 10, 69-59.
Cold shooting by Centre, including many missed 3-point shots, allowed the Bombers to take a 35-13 lead in the first half. Wakefield’s Trey Adams made three 3-point shots.
Ty Simons was the only Cougar who scored during the half. Attacking the basket for a layup, he was fouled numerous times. He made 8-of-8 free-throw attempts, one 3-pointer, and one 2-point field goal for Centre’s 13 points.
Grant Srajer made a free throw and Chad Mueller made two in the third quarter. Simons scored 13 points. Both teams added 16 points.
The Cougars’ shooting warmed up in the fourth quarter. Simons, Jared Barney, Dakota Stimpson, and Terren Thompson each made a trey. Srajer, Mueller, Conner Montgomery, and Barney each made a field goal, and Simons made three field goals plus two free throws.
Simons finished the game with 39 points. The team’s loss resulted in an overall record of 7-5.
Flint Hills Christian
Centre defeated Flint Hills Christian, 58-41, Jan. 28 in Manhattan.
The game started slow, with Montgomery, Engler, and Lewis scoring a combined 8 points in the first quarter, compared to 6 by Flint Hills.
Simons and Barney each made a 3-pointer in the second quarter. Simons added another 8 points and Methvin 6, resulting in a 29-19 lead at halftime.
After 3-pointers by Srajer and Montgomery in the third quarter, the Cougars continued to outscore Flint Hills in the final quarter. Thirteen of their 20 points came from the free-throw line.
Statistics: Simons, 17 points, 9 rebounds; Montgomery, 11 points; Srajer, 9; Stimpson, 4; Barney, 3; and Engler and Lewis, 2 each.