Centre girls finish second in tournament
By ROWENA PLETT
Staff writer
The Centre High School girls' basketball team fell just a few points shy of winning the pre-season basketball tournament last week at Herington.
They defeated Herington and Hope but incurred a two-point loss to Northern Heights in the final game to take second place.
Centre vs. Herington
The girls swept past 2A Herington, 70-42, for an easy win.
Selena Seifert had a stellar night, knocking in three three-point shots and three field goals, and shooting 9-of-9 at the free throw line for a total of 24 points.
The Cougars' strong defense caused Herington to turn the ball over 30 times during the game.
Centre led 15-2 at the end of the first quarter and 34-18 at halftime. They kept piling up points in the second half and won by 28 points.
Jackie Klenda and Megan Gutsch led rebounding with seven each. Teaira Turner contributed seven assists and six steals.
Centre vs. Hope
The contest with Hope proved to be more challenging. The Cougars led 12-9 at the end of the first quarter, but were outscored 18-10 in the second quarter, to fall behind, 22-27, at halftime.
The girls stiffened their defense in the second half, causing numerous turnovers by Hope. By the end of the third quarter, they were back out in front, 36-29.
They maintained their lead throughout the fourth quarter to give Centre a 45-37 win.
Centre out-rebounded Hope 42 to 27 and shot 34 percent from the field compared to 27 percent by Hope. Centre was 7-of-16 at the free-throw line, compared to 10-of-19 by Hope.
Alyssa Luna led scoring with 12 points, followed by Seifert and Klenda, 10 each. Seifert provided four assists.
Klenda had nine rebounds and Luna eight. Seifert had six steals.
Centre vs. Northern Heights
The Cougars struggled against 2A Northern Heights, putting up a valiant effort. They had a chance to tie the game at the end, but were defeated, 46-44.
Centre had trouble holding onto the ball, turning it over numerous times. They trailed by five, 16-21, at halftime.
Gutsch made three baskets in the opening minutes of the third quarter to help the Cougars take the lead, 24-23.
The lead was brief, but Centre had cut its deficit to three, 29-32, at the end of the quarter.
Seifert opened the fourth quarter with a three-point goal, briefly tying the game at 32-all. The game remained close, and in the end Northern Heights handed the Cougars a disappointing two-point loss.
The Lady Cougars are 2-3 overall.
