Boys’ Basketball Defeats Mt. Hebron in First Round of Playoffs

February 28, 2017

Words: Zach Grable
Photos: Shalini Malhotra

On Friday, February 24, the Boys’ Varsity Basketball team played their biggest rival, the Mount Hebron Vikings, for the first round of the 3A State Playoffs.

More than an hour before the game, the Centennial student section was completely filled in anticipation for the big game.

From tipoff to the final whistle, the Eagles kept a lead. The first quarter was electrified by the energy of both teams’ fans. Centennial’s transition offense and physical defense was no match for Hebron’s play. By the end of the first quarter, the Eagles were up 17-9.

In the second quarter, Centennial still had a lead, but Hebron was closing in. By the end of the quarter, Centennial was ahead, 27-21.

The Eagles came out with more intensity than ever before in the second half. Clutch offensive plays by senior Elijah White and great defensive plays by junior Andrew Hohmann kept the Eagles ahead. Also, a dunk by junior Hayden Ford impressed the spectators and further increased the Eagles’ energy. By the end of the third quarter the score was 42-26. In the final quarter, the Eagles’ win was sealed.

Centennial will play Long Reach High School on Tuesday, February 28, for the second round of the playoffs.