Senior Landon Kaut scored a game-high 26 points and Centralia used a big second half to run away from Orting in a 73-47 season-opening victory at home on Tuesday.
Centralia used pressure defense and an attacking offense to jump out to a 33-24 lead at the half, then outscored the Cardinals 40-23 in the second half to cruise to victory.
“We wanted to come out and set the tone with pressure,” Centralia coach Kyle Donahue said. “Our press, early on, was effective and our guys made adjustments."
Centralia shot a red-hot 68% on two-pointers (19 of 28) and forced Orting into early foul trouble by attacking the basket with forays to the rim. Kaut was the main offensive threat, slashing to the rim at will and causing havoc for the Cardinals’ posts.
“(Kaut) had a really good, solid game,” Donahue said. “He’s made a commitment to get to the rim.”
Senior post Cole Wasson added 15 points, senior point guard Brandon Yeung had 10 and Cohen Ballard collected nine points, on all 3s.
Ballard knocked down his 3s all in the third quarter to help the Tigers reel off a 26-12 run. Wasson hit two 3s and Yeung one during that stretch as well.
“We knew we had a balanced team and looked good in practices, but you still don’t know until a game situation,” Donahue said.
Rex Akins hauled down a team-high eight boards while Kaut grabbed seven.
Centralia heads to Class 1A Hoquiam for a non-league match on Friday
