Center Roughriders Gymnasium, Friday, January 20, 2017 –
The Center Roughriders Varsity Basketball Team used an aggressive defensive press, and some timely hot streaks shooting, to beat the visiting Tatum Eagles 63-49 on Friday. The Roughriders are now 2-0 in District 16 4A play and have a 23-4 overall standing. They haven't lost a game since December 30,2016.
Center led by just two points at 14-12 by the conclusion of the first period. They turned up the intensity of their defense in the second period and out-scored Tatum 10-6, allowing themselves a 24-18 lead at the halftime break.
‘Rider Reggie Daniels got hot, shooting from the floor during the third stanza, scoring 13 points during the period. Daniels threw down two dunks during the game and made his presence known defensively with a pair of blocked shots as well. He led the team scoring with 18 points for the night.
Center out-paced the Eagles 23-15 in the third period and took a 47-33 advantage into the final period of play.
Center hit five field goals in the fourth period, one a 3-pointer by Kyle Parks. The ‘Riders made good on five of nine free throw attempts to keep pace and match the Eagles scoring (16-16) in the final stanza.
Tatums’ high scorer was Donnie Bryant with 19 points.
Jaterious Evans had 16 points for the ‘Riders, Kyle Parks 10, Kaleb Parks 7, Ja’Dus Johnson 6, Austin Craig 4, and Jamar’h Johnson had 2 points.
Center will host the Carthage Bulldogs on Tuesday, January 24. Sub-varsity begins at 5 p.m. and Varsity will follow. 
