Staff writer
The 2008-09 basketball season came to an abrupt end Feb. 24 for the Centre Cougars, when they were defeated, 71-46, by Waverly in the first round of the 1A regional tournament.
It was the final high school basketball game for seniors James Weber, Ben Krause, Nathan Barney, Canh Antoszyk, and Kacey Hanschu.
Centre was seeded fifth with a record of 7-12, and Waverly was seeded fourth, with a record of 8-11.
Waverly proved to be the stronger team; keeping Centre’s scoring down and causing numerous turnovers. Waverly outscored Centre in three quarters and tied the Cougars in the third.
The Cougars did a lot of outside shooting but completed only one of 15 three-point attempts. They were 18-of-39 in two-point goals and 7-of-13 from the free-throw line.
Centre trailed after the first quarter, 17-9, and trailed 32-16 at halftime. The third quarter was the team’s best, with a three-point bucket and free throw by Ben Krause, two field goals by James Weber, and three layups and a free throw by Trevor Troutt, for a total of 16 points. Waverly also scored 16 points, maintaining a 16-point lead.
After a 23-14 scoring advantage for Waverly in the fourth quarter, Centre walked away with a 25-point loss. Waverly made nine free throws in the final minutes of the game.
Junior Trevor Troutt scored 20 points to lead Centre’s scoring. He also had 10 rebounds. Senior James Weber scored 11 points.
Team members’ hopes for a better season this school year did not materialize. They ended the season with a record of 8-13, compared to 8-14 the previous year.
Individual statistics
Waverly 71, Centre 46
Two-point goals: Alex Hajek 0-2, Kacey Hanschu 1-2, Rustyn Kerbs 0-1, Brian Burhoop 1-2, Ben Krause 0-2, James Weber 5-7, Konley Harding 1-2, Tanner Brunner 1-2, Trevor Troutt 9-19.
Three-point goals: Kerbs 0-1, Nathan Barney, 0-2, Burhoop 0-1, Krause 1-6, Harding 0-3, Brunner 0-1, Troutt 0-1.
Free throws: Hanschu 2-4, Krause 2-4, Weber 1-2, Troutt 2-3.
Total points: Hanschu 4, Burhoop 2, Krause 5, Weber 11, Harding 2, Brunner 2, Troutt 20.
Assists: Hajek 1, Krause 1, Brunner 4.
Rebounds: Hajek 2, Hanschu 1, Antoszyk 1, Krause 2, Weber 7, Harding 4, Brunner 3, Troutt 10.
Steals: Hanschu 1, Weber 1, Brunner 4, Troutt 4.
Blocks: Hajek 2.
Turnovers: Kerbs 2, Antoszyk 4, Burhoop 2, Krause 2, Weber 4, Harding 1, Brunner 1, Troutt 4.