Staff writer
The Centre High School boys’ basketball team was defeated Friday at home by Bennington, 75-33. The loss was not due to a lack of effort. The Cougars battled every step of the way but could not match up against Bennington’s superior height and strength.
After scoring 10 unanswered points in the middle of the first quarter, the Bulldogs took a commanding 21-7 lead. A free throw by Kyle Methvin and a 3-pointer and field goal by Justin Deines closed the gap to 10 points, 23-13, at the end of the quarter.
Bennington continued its surge in the second quarter, making bucket after bucket. Centre trailed, 49-20, at halftime and 65-29 after three quarters. The clock began running continually with 6 minutes remaining in the game.
Deines led CHS scoring with 15 points. He had 4 rebounds and 3 steals. James Wyatt had 7 rebounds, and Ty Simons had 3 assists.
Elyria
Simons led the Cougars in a home game Dec. 11 to a 59-27 victory over Elyria Christian. He completed 4-of-7 3-point attempts, two field goals, and 2-of-2 free throws for 18 points. He also had 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals.
Deines scored in double figures, as well, with 10 points including 2-of-6 from beyond the arc, 1-of-6 field goal attempts, and 2 free throws. He had 4 assists.
Wyatt led on the boards with 9 rebounds. He also provided 9 points, 1 block, and 3 steals. Houston Svoboda provided 4 assists, and Grant Srajer 3.
As of Friday, the Cougars had an overall record of 4-2.
CJHS
The Centre Junior High School boys’ basketball team defeated Herington, 41-25, Dec. 10 on the road. Justin Bina scored 16 points.