Basketball Recap: Lakin Mathews Key Part of a Team Effort in Jaguars Win

Jaguars

Margin (Wins)

12/12/24 vs Flomaton	43
12/14/24 vs Freeport	21
12/10/24 @ Baker	11
12/07/24 vs T.R. Miller	-10
12/06/24 vs Paxton	-14

Central lost to Freeport back in December of 2019, but they didn't allow them the same satisfaction on Saturday. The Central Jaguars blew past the Freeport Bulldogs 56-35. The Jaguars have made a habit of sweeping their opponents off the court, having now won five games by 21 points or more this season.

Central got their victory on the backs of several key players, but it was Lakin Mathews out in front who posted 20 points in addition to five boards and four steals. The team also got some help courtesy of Sophia Harold, who put up 13 points along with five assists and three steals.

Central smashed the offensive glass and finished the game with 16 offensive boards. The team's really been improving in that area: they've now improved their offensive board total in three consecutive matchups.

Freeport's loss came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Emma Ludwig, who had ten points. That's the most points Ludwig has posted since back in November of 2023. Kayla Stephens was another key player, putting up nine points.

Central has been performing well recently as they've won six of their last eight contests, which provided a nice bump to their 7-4 record this season. The wins came thanks to their offensive performance across that stretch, as they averaged 50.3 points per game. As for Freeport, they are on a three-game losing streak that has dropped them down to 3-8.

Central will welcome West Florida Baptist Academy at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Central has been getting the ball to fall more lately as they've increased their point totals each of their last four games. As for Freeport, they will head out to take on Paxton at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday. Paxton will roll in looking for their fifth straight win, something Freeport surely won't give up without a fight.