Basketball Recap: Barrett Fries' Big Game Can't Quite Lead Centura over Centennial

Centura was not able to break out of their rough patch on Friday as the team picked up their fourth straight loss. They took a 44-37 hit to the loss column at the hands of the Centennial Broncos. The Centurions were probably out for revenge after losing 59-36 to them when the teams met back in January of 2024, then they'll just have to keep looking.

Centura lost despite a true team effort on offense, the best among them being Barrett Fries, who dropped a double-double on ten points and 11 boards. Fries is on a roll when it comes to rebounds, as he's now pulled down eight or more in the last eight games he's played. Mason Gorecki was another key player, putting up five points and six boards.

Centennial's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Devin Slawnyk led the charge by dropping a double-double on 11 points and 14 rebounds. The team also got some help courtesy of Camden Winkelman, who posted 13 points and five boards.

Centura's defeat dropped their record down to 5-7. As for Centennial, the victory (which was their third in a row) raised their record to 9-3.

Centura won't have much time to rest: their next game is against Cozad at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday. One thing working in Cozad's favor is that they have posted at least 55 points in their last seven matchups. As for Centennial, they will also get right back to it: they'll square off against Central City at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday. Central City will roll in looking for their fourth straight win, something Centennial surely won't give up without a fight.