Center Roughriders’ Gymnasium. January 26, 2018 –
After suffering their first district loss to rival Carthage on Tuesday, the Center Roughriders Varsity Basketball Team rebounded to take a 20-point win over the Rusk Eagles by a 74-54 margin.
The Roughriders struggled early and they trailed 8-10 at the end of the first period and 21-24 at the halftime intermission.
Senior guard Jaterious Evans exploded for 12 points, during the third stanza, which helped Center take a 51-36 lead going into the fourth, and final, quarter of play. As a team the ‘Riders outscored the Eagles 30-12 in the third frame.
‘Riders’ post man Reggie Daniels threw down 14 points in the final period and helped Center ice the 20-point final margin of victory.
Scoring for the Roughriders were, Jaterious Evans 21, Reggie Daniels 18, Jamar’h Johnson 13, Jakavian Calhoun 7, Kaleb Parks 7, Jeremiah Hightower 4, Alex Hooper 2, and Jayden Hicks had two points.
Joseph Francis led the Rusk team with 16 points.
‘Riders Head Basketball Coach Hiram Harrison said, “We shot the ball well in the second half. Tuesday’s game at Henderson will be a tough game. They played us tough here. We will be starting the second round of district play. We will see the intensity pick up. People are going to be trying to get in to the playoffs. We will have to continue working hard.”
Center and Tatum are tied atop the District 16 4A leader board with 3-1 conference marks. Center is 25-2 overall. Rusk and Carthage each have 2-2 league marks. Henderson trails the pack at 0-4.
Center will face Henderson next Tuesday, January 30, 2018. Tipoff is slated for 7 p.m. at Henderson High Schools’ Lions, Gymnasium.
