Basketball Recap: Central Plains Continues Home Dominance on Saturday

Central Plains hadn't done well against Macksville recently (they were 2-7 in their previous nine matchups), but they didn't let the past get in their way on Saturday. The Central Plains Oilers had just enough and edged the Macksville Mustangs out 53-50. The win was all the more spectacular given the Oilers' disadvantage in MaxPreps' Kansas basketball rankings (they are ranked 82nd, while the Mustangs are ranked 19th).

When it comes to explaining why Macksville lost, don't look at Diego Esparza. Despite the final result, he went 12 for 28 on his way to 31 points and seven steals. The matchup was Esparza's 16th in a row with at least ten points. Nolan Adams was another key player, dropping a double-double on ten points and 11 rebounds.

Oilers

Previous 6 Games (Home)

01/11/25 vs Macksville	53-50
12/20/24 vs Thomas More Prep-Marian	47-30
12/10/24 vs Phillipsburg	55-34
02/15/24 vs Canton-Galva	56-37
02/13/24 vs Ness City	67-29
02/02/24 vs St. John	49-12

Central Plains' victory was their sixth straight at home dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 6-1. The wins came thanks to their offensive performance across that stretch, as they averaged 54.5 points per game. As for Macksville, they moved to 6-2 with that defeat, which also ended their five-game winning streak.

Central Plains will head out to take on Sterling on Tuesday. As for Macksville, they will welcome Chase at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Macksville is strutting in with some offensive muscle as they've averaged 64.4 points per game this season.