Words: Michael Moore

On Friday, Jan. 10, the Centennial boys’ basketball team hosted Hammond High School. The Eagles stayed hot in the first quarter, jumping out to an early lead, led by senior Chase Conley. They continued the intensity all the way through the first quarter to take the lead going into the second.

Hammond, however, came out firing in the second quarter, and surged past the Eagles. Centennial was able to cut the lead down at halftime, seemingly regaining some of their earlier momentum.

The third quarter was back and forth, both teams were continuing to play physical, and every basket had to be earned. The Eagles, however, found their stride and got their momentum back. Conley, sophomore Tom Brown, and junior Isaiah While were all major contributors.

The fourth was all Centennial. Two back-to-back dunks by White sent the crowd, players and coaches into a frenzy. It was clear that all the momentum was with the Eagles. Conley took over the game and looked like he could not be stopped. The Eagles won 70-62. Conley finished with 20 points, White had 12, junior Chad Strothers had 10, and Brown had 9.