Basketball Game Preview: Center Vikings vs. Del Norte Tigers

The Center Vikings will take on the Del Norte Tigers at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Both were dealt some close losses in their previous games and are determined not to let this one get away.

Center is headed into the contest having just suffered their closest loss since December 15, 2023 on Saturday. They fell just short of Custer County by a score of 46-43. The Vikings have struggled against the Bobcats recently, as the game was their fourth consecutive lost matchup.

Meanwhile, Del Norte didn't have quite enough to beat Crested Butte on Saturday and fell 37-34.

Center will need focus on slowing down Calvin Quintana, one of several Del Norte players who made an impact when they last played. He dropped a double-double on 11 points and 11 rebounds. Those 11 points gave Quintana a new career-high. Lashawn Trujillo was another key player, putting up six points in addition to ten boards and three blocks.

Even though they lost, Del Norte smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 15 offensive rebounds. That's the most offensive boards they've managed all season.

Del Norte's defeat was their first in the league, dropping their league record down to 2-1 and their overall record down to 5-8. As for Center, their loss dropped their record down to 10-6.

Center came up short against Del Norte in their previous meeting back in January of 2024, falling 43-32. Will Center have more luck at home instead of on the road? Check MaxPreps after the action for a full breakdown of the game and more basketball content.