Central goes down fighting against tough Howe teams

CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL

Central struggled in its Class 2A twinbill with the Howe Lions and eighth-ranked Lady Lions Tuesday, losing both home games 55-47 and 59-47, respectively.

Howe 55, Central 47

Howe (6-14) was able to outpace Central (5-14) in the first quarter for a 10-7 advantage, then increased its lead to 24-20 by intermission.

In the second half, the Tigers’ offense struggled to get on the board as Howe increased the gap to 34-24 by the end of the third period. But the war wasn’t over, and the Tigers rallied in the final frame.

In the fourth period, the Tigers outscored their guests, but it proved too little too late, as the Central defense still struggled to stop the Lions.

Hunter Pack, Isaac Rogers and Adain Sainer led the way for Central on offense, making eight, seven and six points each, respectively, for the lion’s share of the quarter’s 23 points.

Central hosts Class 3A Vian tonight at 7:30 p.m.

Howe 10 14 10 21 – 55 Central 7 13 4 23 – 47 CENTRAL – Isaac Rogers 12, Joseph Lee 8, Hunter Pack 8, Adain Sainer 6, Noah Buzzard 4, Connor Walters 3, Devon Baggs 2.

Howe 59, Central 47

The Central Lady Tigers struggled to contain the Lady Lions (15-5), and found themselves on the short end of a 16-7 score in the first quarter.

Central (11-9) shined in the second stanza, with Cambree Bair sinking four buckets, and five other Lady Tigers getting on the board to trim some of the nine-point deficit for a 30-27 count going into intermission.

In the third period, Bair scored all nine of Central’s points, but Howe held the upper hand heading into the fourth frame, 44-36.

It was more of the same in the final quarter, with Howe outdistancing Central 15-11 for the final count.

The Lady Tigers host cross-county rival Class 3A Vian today at 6 p.m.

Howe 16 14 14 15 – 59 Central 7 20 9 11 – 47 CENTRAL – Cambree Bair 26, Avery Warner 9, Ayrland Jiles 4, Hadlie Woods 2, Autumn Cernicek 2.