Central Rebels come out on top in high-scoring contest

By JASON VIOX\Daily Journal Sports Writer

IRONTON -- Tuesday's game was a high-scoring one between the Central Rebels and the Arcadia Valley Tigers. The two squads had a combined total of 123 points. In the end, the Rebels emerged victorious over the Tigers by the score of 68-55.

Dustin Royer didn't waste any time as he hit a three-pointer to give Arcadia Valley a quick lead. Central went on a 6-2 scoring run for a one-point lead. Although a basket by Jake Yarbrough gave the Tigers the lead again, the Rebels scored eight straight points. Arcadia Valley's Nick Benz made a lay-up to close the first quarter as Central led 14-9.

A pair of free throws by Central's Brice Boren opened the second quarter. Arcadia Valley outscored the Rebels 5-4 which also included a three by Abe Warren. The Tigers didn't stop there as they went on a 7-1 scoring drive to tie the game at 21 points apiece.

Central retaliated with an 8-2 run as the Rebels took the lead for the last time. Central led 34-24 as both teams headed for the locker rooms.

After an exchange of two points, Warren drained his second three-pointer for a 36-29 game. Both teams went on an 8-2 drive as Central maintained a 46-39 lead. The two teams traded baskets, but Warren sank his third triple of the game before the end of the third quarter. The Rebels led 56-48 at the end of the third quarter.

A put-back by Brock Boren and a lay-up by Grayson Clark gave the Rebels a 60-48 lead. Warren nailed his last three-pointer of the game and Blaine Dunivan made a field goal to narrow the gap.

Central later scored seven straight points. Ryan McFarland scored three of those points, while both Brock and Brice Boren came through with two baskets. Two free throws by Arcadia Valley's Jack Franklin and a free throw by Keith Huff for the Rebels ended the contest.

The Tigers were 8-12 from the free-throw line. Central struggled a little bit with free throws. The Rebels made 10 out of 23 attempts from the charity stripe.

"Whenever we were able to force a few turnovers, our offense kind of fed off of our defense," commented Central head coach Zack Mills. "I'm really proud of our kids the way they ran the floor. We got a few transition baskets and I thought it was a good overall effort."

"I'm glad we could get this win," added Mills. "We're getting ready to prepare for the district tournament and we've got two tough games next week, so maybe we can pick up a little momentum."

Central, now 14-11, will host Valley on Friday. Arcadia Valley (12-11) will host Fredericktown for the "Battle of 72" on Thursday.

Central - 14 20 22 12 - 68

Arcadia Valley - 9 15 24 7 - 55

SCORING:

Central - Bro Boren 18, Bri Boren 15, G Clark 8, K Huff 8, C Beard 6, M Watkins 4, J Carlyon 4, R McFarland 3, D Jones 2

3-Pointers - 0

Arcadia Valley - A Warren 14, D Royer 13, N Benz 7, J Yarbrough 7, J Franklin 6, B Dunivan 4, W Spitzmiller 4

3-Pointers - A Warren 4, D Royer 1