Wildcats Ousted from First Round of Districts

By: Derrick Forsythe
Posted 3/3/10

The Centralia boys basketball team made an early statement during its Class 3 District 6 opener against Wright City. And it didn't necessarily come in the form of points. The Panthers smothered …

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Wildcats Ousted from First Round of Districts

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The Centralia boys basketball team made an early statement during its Class 3 District 6 opener against Wright City. And it didn't necessarily come in the form of points. The Panthers smothered Wright City with their immensely aggressive defense en route to a 63-38 victory. Unlike the 2009 meeting between these two teams, which Centralia won on a shot at the buzzer, Tuesday's contest didn't contain much suspense. It was perhaps more reminiscent of the Wright City versus Centralia football game, in terms of physicality. "They were definitely the most physical team we've seen, and the refs were letting them play," said Scacewater. "Nothing they did surprised us. They just out-executed us in every single way." The Panthers put the game out of reach with a substantial second quarter, with most of their points coming off turnovers. Centralia jumped ahead 11-7 after the first period. The Panthers used their quickness on defense and full court speed in transition, where they scored the majority of their points. "They were much athletic than us," said Scacewater. "They were quicker and more physical than us. I think they dominated every aspect of the game." Centralia's harrassing defense collapsed in the paint when Wright City tried to drive the lane. The Panthers were successful in stripping the ball and won the battle for loose possessions. "Their defense was good," said Scacewater. "We struggled to even dribble the ball against their defense outside of Shakar (Butler)." Wright City faced a 32-10 deficit by halftime. Centralia didn't boast any towering post presence, but they compensated with strength and aggression on the boards, routinely grabbing second and third chances on the offensive end. "Their post player was a force," said Scacewater. "He didn't score a lot, but I think he changed a lot of Shakar's shots. When you've got a really good on the ball defender and a 6-foot-4 guy in the middle of the paint, it makes it hard to drive and finish shots." Scacewater's team came out pressing in the second half, hoping to make Centralia give up the ball in an extremely quick paced contest. The Panthers clung to a 45-24 advantage heading into the final period. They proved their ability to play at full speed for a complete four quarters. "There was a little spurt there in the second half," said Scacewater. "We came out in our full court press and got three straight steals, but we turned it back over on two of those steals." Scacewater expected his team to give itself a better shot at winning coming in to Tuesday's game. He says the mental focus wasn't up to the level it needed to be. "We said coming in that whoever wanted it more was going to win," said Scacewater. "I think we wanted it, but they wanted it a little more. They were in position for second chances and were taking it from our guards." "Their record may not show it, but they proved why they're the No. 2 seed in our district," said Scacewater. The Wildcats finished the season at 5-19.


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