Staff writer
In a final home game Friday, the three seniors — Jared Barney, Justin Bina, and Dakota Stimpson — were happy to conclude their basketball careers at Centre with a 61-42 victory over Blue Valley-Randolph. It was their third win of the season.
Stimpson said it was frustrating at some points in the season, especially when they lost by 2 or 3 points, but the upperclassmen saw it as rebuilding for the future.
“Since we have so many freshmen on our team, our goal was to make them better,” he said.
He remains positive about the game despite a losing season.
“It still hasn’t changed my outlook on the game,” he said. “I still love basketball.”
Stimpson had one of his best scoring games of the season Friday with 17 points.
Dylan Deines opened scoring with two consecutive baskets. A few possessions later, Cole Srajer sank a 3-pointer. This was followed by a steal and a layup by Stimpson and another steal and layup by Srajer. After Deines made two free throws and Stimpson made another basket, Centre led 17-6.
Stimpson made 6 more points in the second quarter, and Centre led 30-17 at halftime.
The Cougars continued to build their lead in the third quarter. Barney, Cole Methvin, and Brendon Bina got into the act, contributing to a 17-point advantage at the end of the quarter.
Daniel Rudolph made a free throw and Max Svoboda made a basket, joining the others in scoring in the final period for a satisfying victory.
Deines, a sophomore, led scoring with 20 points. Stimpson was the only other player to score in double figures.
The team finished the regular season with a record of 3-17.