After the first quarter against Rochester, the Tigers had their work cut out for them.
They scored just four points in the first eight minutes, they already trailed by 11, and a rowdy …
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After the first quarter against Rochester, the Tigers had their work cut out for them.
They scored just four points in the first eight minutes, they already trailed by 11, and a rowdy Rochester student section was making their collective voice heard.
“(The Warriors) were really getting after it in the first quarter,” Centralia coach Jordan Thomas said. “They played with a different type of energy tonight.”
Centralia slowly chipped away at the deficit before taking the lead in the second half, and a late Kadin Yeung three gave the Tigers a lead they wouldn’t relinquish in a 45-41 win.
It’s the Tigers’ second straight win after an 0-4 start to the season.
“I’m just really happy for the guys,” Thomas said. “They’re starting to see some positive results. We really fought, especially this game, tooth and nail.”
Terrell Sanders kickstarted the comeback in the second, scoring 11 of Centralia’s 14 points in the second frame.
“He was carrying the load on offense,” Thomas said. “He was just doing a great job of finding ways to shred the defense.”
Centralia was much more balanced on offense in the second half. Five different Tigers scored in the third quarter, and four scored in the fourth. David Daarud had more success on the inside in the second half, scoring 10 of his 14 points in the final two frames.
Rochester did what it could to try and preserve its lead. Colton Weiss and Lane Morgan both scored six after halftime, but the rest of the team scored just five total.
“I think we just got a little tired in the second half,” Rochester coach Caleb Sells said. “We got some of those same shots, they just weren’t falling as much.”
Thomas commended Johntah Pirtle’s effort on the defensive half, saying it helped the Tigers continue to build momentum.
“He’s the type of kid you put in when you need a spark,” Thomas said. “He’s just an energizer. He definitely sets the tone as soon as he steps on the court.”
The Warriors had a chance down three in the final 30 seconds, but a quick layup attempt went south when Daarud got his second block of the game. Daarud went to the line with about five seconds remaining, and hit one of two to put the game out of reach.
“Stuff around the hoop was hard to come by,” Sells said. “We had a couple of opportunities at the end, but we just came up a little short.”
Sells commended both schools' student sections, saying it made for a “district tournament” like atmosphere.
“That atmosphere was amazing,” Sells said. “Win or lose, those are fun games to be a part of.”
The Warriors are now 0-8 on the year, but they do have reinforcements coming. Returning starter Kole Smith is expected to be back in January, and Sells also said a few other players should be back in the fold.
“That starting 5 is really starting to click,” Sells said. “Now if we just add a few pieces, we should be able to run the floor like we like to be able to.”
As for the Tigers, they now sit at 2-4, and Thomas is excited about the direction the team is headed.
“Tonight was special cause there were a lot of moments where guys had their moment,” Thomas said. “It wasn’t just one guy. I’m really proud of the guys.”