This season hasn't been kind to the Fillmore Central Panthers, who are still winless after their fifth contest. They received a tough blow on Tuesday as they fell 45-26 to Thayer Central. While losing is never fun, Fillmore Central can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Nebraska basketball rankings (they are ranked 243rd, while Thayer Central is ranked 114th).
Fillmore Central's defeat came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Ali Nichols, who scored six points. Nichols is on a roll when it comes to steals, as she's now grabbed two or more in the last three games she's played. Another player making a difference was Jordyn Stassines, who scored three points along with 12 rebounds.
Thayer Central's win was the result of several impressive offensive performances. One of the most notable came from Olivia Wiedel, who dropped a double-double on 17 points and 12 rebounds. Those 12 rebounds set a new season-high mark for her. The team also got some help courtesy of Paige Tietjen, who scored 11 points along with six rebounds and three steals.
Fillmore Central bumped their record down to 0-5 with that loss, which was their seventh straight on the road dating back to last season. As for Thayer Central, the win makes it two in a row for them and bumps their season record up to 3-2.
Fillmore Central will be home for the holidays to greet Adams Central at 6:00 p.m. on Friday. Adams Central is currently enjoying a perfect season and no doubt want to keep things rolling. As for Thayer Central, they will head out on the road to face off against Heartland at 6:00 p.m. on Friday. Heartland has been getting the ball to fall more lately as they've increased their point totals each of their last four games.
