Central basketball teams both fell as they wrapped up the Region 9 regular season Saturday at home.
The Rustler women led early but saw LCCC stage a fourth quarter comeback and win 71 to 65. Central held a 10 point lead in the final period but saw LCCC storm back and win. Central led the game most of the time despite 6 ties and 6 lead changes. Foul trouble again bit the Rustlers as Essy Latu and Rylee Burmester both fouled out of the game late. LCCC would make CWC pay for fouls as they would connect on 30 of 37 free throws.
Coach Lindsey Fearing, “Not the way I wanted to send out our sophomores, but, we have an opportunity to get them one more win in the play-in game.”
Central will go to LCCC for the Region 9 play in game this week.
Rylee Burmester led the scoring with 17 points and also pulled down 13 rebounds. She moves up to third on the modern day all time leading rebounding list surpassing Elise Keller and Emily Smith with 364. Next on the list is Olivia Thomopson who had 405.
Paulani Tarawa scored 11 as did Alyzae Roberts who also had 5 rebounds.
The Rustler men again fell victim to a slow start and cold shooting as LCCC grabbed and early lead and steadily built on it the entire game. The Golden Eagles made 20 three points in just 29 attempts and six of their eight players who played scored double figures. Tyrese Potoma scored 7 three’s by himself. LCCC also made 14 of 15 free throws
Coach Brad Schmit was frustrated for a second straight game, “With this being our 29th game of the season, you would have thought it was our first. Our overall team chemistry is lacking for some reason and I take complete blame for it. We will wash our hands of this game and regroup for the tournament.”
Jerroda Briscoe lead Central with 15 point and 7 rebounds. Jacob Smith scored 13 and 12 came from David Simental.
*Men’s Notes
Central’s Men are 5 and 9 in league play, and 10 and 19 overall.
Central is awaiting tiebreakers to determine their fate for the Region 9 play-in round coming up this weekend.
*Women’s Notes:
Central is 4-10 in league play, and 10-19 overall.
Central is 6th place in Region 9 and will play on the road this week for their Region 9 Play-in game.
Central has lost 7 of their last 9 games of the season.
First-round Play-in games on Friday:
CWC Up Next:
Central Women at LCCC FRIDAY Time is TBA
Central Men vs LCCC at CWC Date/Time TBA