Central hasn't had much luck against Paxton recently, but that could start to change on Friday. Having just played yesterday, the Jaguars will head out on the road to face off against the Bobcats at 5:30 p.m. Central has been getting the ball to fall more lately as they've increased their point totals each of their last three games.
Central is headed in fresh off scoring the most points they have all season. They simply couldn't be stopped on Thursday as they easily beat Northview 68-20. With that victory, the Jaguars brought their scoring average up to 52.3 points per game.
Central got their win on the backs of several key players, but it was Makenna Enfinger out in front who dropped a double-double with 14 points and ten boards. Grace Jarrett was another key player, shooting 50% from the field en route to 13 points.
Central was working as a unit and finished the game with 17 assists. The team's really been improving in that area: they've now improved their assist total in three consecutive contests.
Meanwhile, Paxton came up short against Jay on Tuesday and fell 57-47. The Bobcats have struggled against the Royals recently, as the game was their eighth consecutive lost matchup.
Central will need to focus on slowing down Kenzie Lassiter, one of several Paxton players who made an impact when they last played. She went 5-for-7 on her way to 12 points along with seven rebounds and five assists. Lassiter also posted two blocks, marking her first of the season. Another player making a difference was Kenna Cook, who shot 45% from the field to rack up 14 points.
Having lost for the first time this season, Paxton fell to 4-1. As for Central, the victory got them back to even at 3-3.
Friday's game will pit two of the most dominant guards against one another: Enfinger and Lassiter. Enfinger has been dynamite this season: she has averaged 13.3 points, 1.7 steals, and 7.3 boards. For her part, Lassiter has averaged 11.4 points, 3 steals, and 3.8 assists.
Central couldn't quite finish off Paxton when the teams last played back in February and fell 48-45. Can the Jaguars avenge their loss or is history doomed to repeat itself? We'll find out soon enough.