By ROWENA PLETT

Staff writer

The Centre Cougars fell to the Central Christian Cougars Friday, 73-61, in the opening game of the season at home.

Several underclassmen saw varsity playing time for the first time and contributed points.

Central’s Noah Starkey, a 6-7 senior, presented a challenge at the post. He scored 17 points.

But Cole Srajer, a 5-4 freshman and the shortest member of Centre’s team, scored a team-high 21 points, including three shots from beyond the arc and two free throws. Senior Dakota Stimpson and junior Nathaniel Engler each scored 12 points.

Centre led briefly at the beginning of the game, as sophomore Dylan Deines matched a 3-pointer by Central and Engler followed with a bucket.

Centre trailed 18-12 at the end of the first quarter, and was down by 10 points at halftime, 37-27. Sophomore Cole Methvin and freshman Cody Svoboda contributed points.

The team struggled to stay within 10 during the third quarter but was outscored 17-13. Senior Justin Bina and sophomore Brendon Bina each added two points.

The team held its own in the fourth quarter, outscoring Central 21-19, but walked away with a 12-point loss.

The Cougars are playing in a pre-season tournament in Herington this week.