Warrior boys falls short against Central City

By Willis Patenaude, Times-Register

The Central boys basketball team traveled to Central City for a first round playoff game Feb. 13, in a rematch with the Wildcats who defeated the Warriors 91-48 earlier in the regular season. 

This game was different, though it didn’t feel like it through the first four minutes, as the Warriors went scoreless before finding their “groove offensively,” according to head coach Brady Stramer. 

At that point, Dan McGreal started hitting some perimeter shots, while the team moved the ball well in the half court, did a good job of getting the ball into the paint and didn’t settle for shots from the three-point line. This allowed the Warriors to keep the game close after the first period and even take a 33-30 lead heading into the half. 

The third period did not go well defensively for the Warriors, though, as they were slow on some defensive rotations that resulted in giving the Wildcats some easy, close shots to the basket. Another issue was McGreal’s scoring started to slow down, meaning someone else had to pick up the slack on offense. Senior Elliot Kelly answered the call, keeping the game within striking distance as Central headed into the final period down 51-47. 

The fourth period was a back and forth high scoring affair that found both teams struggling to get stops, but to the Warriors’ credit, they fought until the end. Central City was able to hit a couple of big perimeter shots late, as well as convert on their free throws down the stretch, which never allowed Central to come all the way back after coming within three points at 65-62. The game ended in a 71-66 loss for the Warriors. 

“As has been the case all season, and has been the case with this group of seniors for their time in high school, they never gave up and they fought valiantly until the final buzzer sounded,” Stramer said. 

McGreal led the team with 26 points. Kelly wrapped the season with a career-high 22 points, while also leading the team in assists and rebounds with nine and eight, respectively, nearing a triple double. 

According to Stramer, Kelly was also tasked with guarding the opponent’s best player, “which he did an outstanding job of for all four quarters, which was a big reason why we were in the game.”

Other offensive contributors were Caden Erickson with eight points and Gabe Erickson with six. 

As a team, the Warriors shot 45 percent from the field, but were just 5-20 on three-point shots. The Warriors limited their turnovers with just 11, while forcing 15 and finishing with 12 steals. 

In summing up the season, Stramer said, “Consistent improvement both individually and collectively. Had a couple of tough losses that we certainly could’ve won, but we also had some games where we came back at the end after trailing throughout some games. Resiliency as a group was a theme. We didn’t stop fighting until the final buzzer.”

Central ended the season with a 7-15 record. However, Stramer said the focus is never on the win/loss total, but rather the improvements made throughout the season. In relation to seasons past, that can’t be overstated. 

“This group of seniors brought great leadership all season, and brought the best out of each other. As a program, we preach and emphasize having good attitudes and high levels of effort on a consistent basis, and these seniors embodied that each and every day. They have been a pleasure to coach and watch grow up, and I can’t wait to watch them succeed in their post high school lives,” Stramer said.

Stramer said McGreal, who was a four-year varsity starter, will be missed greatly, especially on the offensive end with ball handling and scoring. Kelly showed how important he was to the team all season after missing most of last year with an injury. 

“He was likely our most valuable player due to his ability to guard any position defensively, his tenacity as a rebounder and ability to see the court and find open teammates, just to name a few,” shared Stramer.

All losses are tough and emotional, especially for the seniors, but Stramer focused on how the Warriors made the Wildcats earn the victory.

“The entire senior class modeled what it means to put the team above the individual, which was great for our underclassmen to see and be a part of,” he said. “They have raised the standard of expectation for future teams to hold themselves to, and I’m honored to have had the opportunity to coach this group of young men.”