By ROWENA PLETT

Staff writer

Centre boys improved their record to 7-2 overall and 5-0 in the Wheat State League after defeating archrival Rural Vista on Friday at Hope, 67-52. The girls lost, 59-33, ending the week with a record of 5-4.

The first quarter of the boys’ game started and ended with long 3-pointers by Centre’s Cole Srajer. The game was tied halfway through the quarter when Centre had a 9-point run to take a 20-9 lead.

Cougars stole the ball numerous times in the second quarter, outscoring the Heat 19-7. Cody Svoboda, Srajer, Zach Barney, Jensen Riffel, and Xavier Espinoza all contributed.

The Cougars had a comfortable 39-16 halftime lead. However, Rural Vista staged a comeback in the third quarter. The Heat were hot from the 3-point line, with 6 treys, closing the gap to 12.

Rural Vista got within 8 several times in the final quarter before Centre surged to a 15-point victory.

Centre shot 33.8 percent from the field and had 12 steals.

Srajer scored 30 points, including 8 of 11 free throws. Cody Svoboda had 18. Cody and Max Svoboda and Espinoza were leading rebounders.

The Cougars are seeded second in the Cougar Classic. They will play Herington at 8:30 p.m. Thursday.

Girls

Playing the league leader, Centre girls succumbed early to Rural Vista, trailing by 7 after one quarter. Kate Basore made two baskets and Alyssa Espinoza made a free throw.

Rural Vista scored five consecutive baskets in the second quarter. Centre’s 6 points came on free throws by Samantha Espinoza, Kelsey Hett, and Emily Schlesener. Centre trailed 26-11.

Rural Vista piled it on in the third quarter, adding 21 points to Centre’s 9.

The Cougars outscored Rural Vista in the final quarter, 13-12 after Schlesener made three baskets, Kelsey Hett made two baskets and a free throw, and Samantha Espinoza scored 2.

Leading scorers were Hett, 11; Schlesener, 10; and Basore, 8.

The Cougars are seeded third in the Cougar Classic. They will play Solomon at 7 p.m. Thursday.