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Cougars stage comeback in Solomon game

By ROWENA PLETT

Staff writer

The Centre Cougars faced Solomon Feb. 6 for the third time in less than three weeks. They had defeated the Gorillas the previous two times, albeit by just one point the last time they met.

This time the Cougars were playing on the home court and a win seemed likely.

But the squad appeared spiritless and played flat in the first three quarters, allowing Solomon to control the game and take a strong 19-11 lead at halftime.

Kevin Mueller, Alfonse Klenda, and Lance Diepenbrock combined for 11 points in the third quarter, but their scoring was matched by Solomon. The Gorillas led by nine points, 31-22, at the end of the quarter.

The sparse crowd was disappointed and subdued. Then, with about five-and-a-half minutes remaining, the momentum began to shift.

With the team down by 10 points, 24-34, Klenda made a layup, then another one on a steal. His follow-up free throw closed the gap to five.

It was the beginning of an astounding 18-point run. After a free throw by James Weber, Seth Jirak scored a three-pointer, then a two-point shot to give Centre a one-point lead, 35-34, with two-and-a-half minutes remaining.

After a Cougar stall of more than a minute on the next possession, Zach Slayden made a layup and free throw. Mueller did likewise, and Jirak added a free throw.

A stunned Solomon team seemed intimidated and failed to score again, giving Centre a satisfying eight-point win, 42-34.

Two players scored in double digits: Klenda 13 and Jirak 11. Mueller contributed eight points, Lance Diepenbrock six, Slayden three, and Weber one.

Mueller and Klenda each had 10 rebounds. Slayden provided two assists and took a charge.

The junior varsity was defeated, 61-36. Kacey Hanschu scored 11 points, followed by Zach Antoszyk and Savik Howard with seven points each, Canh Antoszyk six, Thomas Tereault five, and Nathan Barney two.

Olpe

The Cougars took on the 1A top-ranked Olpe Eagles Friday on the home court.

The Cougars were no match for the Eagles. Olpe got off to a quick 7-0 start and led 21-13 at the end of the first quarter.

It was all downhill from there, as the Cougars were outmatched by the quick, disciplined Eagles, who soared to new heights with each quarter.

Centre trailed 17-33 at halftime and 24-45 at the end of the third quarter. They were outscored 15-5 in the final quarter and suffered a 60-29 defeat.

No Cougar scored in double digits. Klenda scored eight points, Mueller seven, Jirak five, Diepenbrock three, and Slayden one.

The junior varsity suffered the same fate. They were defeated 59-20. Konley Harding scored eight points, Tereault five, Barney three, and Hanschu and Zach Antoszyk two each.

After Friday's loss to Olpe, the Cougars' varsity record stands at 6-11. Their last two games of the regular season are this week, at Wakefield Tuesday and against Chase County Friday at home. They will play in the regional tournament next week.

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