Centre wins one, loses one at Chase County
Staff writer
In a non-league game Friday, the Centre boys defeated 2A Chase County on the road, 55-51. The girls lost, 45-34.
Playing the Bulldogs at Cottonwood Falls for the second consecutive year, the Cougars were determined to get revenge for a 68-46 loss a year ago.
After a slow 0-7 start, they tied the game and went on to take a 3-point first-quarter lead, led by Xavier Espinoza with 3 layups and a 3-pointer.
The Bulldogs came out on top by two points, 28-26, at halftime. Cole Methvin and Cody Svoboda contributed 4 points each, and Cole Srajer added two free throws.
A basket by Svoboda quickly tied the game as the third quarter opened. The lead changed often, and the game was tied four more times before the quarter ended with Centre leading, 43-40.
Numerous blocks and steals by the Cougars prevented the Bulldogs from gaining momentum in the fourth quarter. Centre led by 1 to 4 points throughout and walked away with a satisfying 4-point victory.
“We knew heading in that this would be a battle,” coach Richard Idleman said. “Chase County plays in a tough league, and we knew they would be a good test for us. To get a win at Chase County is a big win.”
Srajer played a large role in the victory by making 8 free throws. He also had 3 rebounds and a steal.
Three Cougars scored in double digits: Methvin, 14; Espinoza, 13; and Svoboda, 11. Deines scored 9 points.
Led by Espinoza at the boards with 9, the team combined for 32 rebounds, plus 6 steals and 5 blocks.
With the victory, the Cougars increased their winning record to 13-5 overall. They played Peabody-Burns at home Tuesday.
Their place in the Goessel substate tournament next week was not determined by press time, but they are likely to have a bye in the first round.
Girls
A scoreless fourth quarter led to the Lady Cougars’ 11-point defeat.
They jumped out to a 15-10 first-quarter lead on baskets by Kate Basore, Shelby Pankratz, Summer Espinoza, Kelsey Hett, and Haizea Diego.
Despite two 3-pointers by Pankratz and a basket by Emily Schlesener in the second quarter, Centre trailed by 1 at halftime, 23-22.
The girls held their own in the third quarter as Basore added 6 points, Schlesener made a basket, and Katie Marler sunk a trey. They trailed by 3 points, 37-34.
Chase County jumped to a 41-34 lead in the fourth quarter and then went into a delay game. With just two fouls, Centre spent precious minutes trying to get the Lady Bulldogs to the free-throw line.
Basore matched her career-high 21 points and had a season-high 15 rebounds. Hett had 9 points and 4 steals, Espinoza had 10 rebounds and 7 points, and Schlesener had 4 assists.
“Overall, I was pleased with our play,” coach Alan Stahlecker said. “It was just unfortunate we couldn’t score late in the game.”
The Lady Cougars played Peabody-Burns at home Tuesday.
They will be seeded third in the Goessel substate tournament and will play Peabody-Burns Monday. in the first round.