CENTERVILLE — Friday’s 70-38 win over Abbott was exciting in more ways than one, as the Bulldogs became Area Champions and have gone deeper into the postseason than any other team in the school’s history.
Playing in the home of the Centerville Tigers, the Bulldogs outscored Abbott, a team that has been in the area round for the past four years, almost 2 to 1 to advance to the regional semifinal game for the first time.
Centerville never trailed on the way to the win, Coach Geoff Hollis said.
Hardy Brown had 21 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal on the night; Jake Slaten had 18 points, 16 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 blocks and 1 steal; Kolt Larsen had 16 points, 11 rebounds, 12 assists and 1 steal; Wyatt Clede had 8 points, 8 rebounds and 3 steals; Iain Kendrick had 5 points, 5 rebounds and 2 steals; and Braden White had 2 points and 1 rebound.
On Feb. 18, Centerville faced off against the Leggett Pirates for the Bulldogs’ first playoff appearance since 2005.
The Bulldogs controlled the game from the opening tip, cruising to a 87-46 win over Leggett. This win was the first Centerville boys playoff win since 1997, Hollis said.
Jake Slaten had 32 points, 23 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals in the effort; Iain Kendrick had 23 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals and 1 block; Hardy Brown had 11 points, 3 rebounds, 6 assists and 1 steal; Kolt Larsen had 5 points, 6 rebounds, 11 assists, 2 steals; Braden White had 9 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal and 1 block; and Wyatt Clede had 7 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists.
