The Caldwell Bluejays lost against the Central Raiders back in December of 2023, and unfortunately they wound up with the same result on Friday. Caldwell was dealt a 70-38 defeat at the hands of Central. The loss unfortunately continues a disappointing trend for Caldwell in their matchups with Central: they've now lost five in a row.
Jackson Risley and Layten Caruthers certainly did their best on Friday to try and avoid the loss. Risley scored 18 points along with eight rebounds, while Caruthers scored six points along with eight rebounds and three steals. Risley has been hot recently, having posted eight or more rebounds the last four times he's played.
Caldwell struggled to get the ball back on offense and finished the game with only four offensive rebounds. That's the fewest offensive rebounds they've managed all season.
Caldwell has been struggling recently, as they've lost six of their last seven games, which put a noticeable dent in their 4-9 record this season. As for Central, the victory (which was their fifth in a row) raised their record to 11-2-1.
Caldwell will look to defend their home court on Tuesday against Oxford at 7:00 p.m. Oxford presents a significant challenge as they come into the match much higher ranked than Caldwell in Kansas (Oxford is ranked 133rd, while Caldwell is ranked 283rd). As for Central, they will head out on the road to face off against Argonia at 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday. Argonia is out to stop a five-game streak of losses at home.
