Fighting 'Cats come close

SA Times - The Central High School boys' magic at home ran out Friday.

In its two previous District 3-5A home games, the Bobcat basketball team had snagged dramatic wins, but Midland High put an end to that string with a 62-56 victory.

Marc Campos led the way for Central with 18 points, and David Robinson added 17 as the Bobcats' record fell to 9-15 overall and 2-4 in district.

Midland High (14-11, 5-1) was led by 19 points from Montrey Anders and 17 from Lirkian Jackson.

Even in defeat, Central head coach Tim Bozarth found a lot to be excited about as his team lost by only six to a team considered among the district's elite.

"That's one of our better efforts of the season. I told them that if we come out and play like that from here on out, I think we'll be fine," Bozarth said. "Can we put that effort together again? We'll see."

Midland High came out early wanting to run on offense and defense.

"It took us about a quarter and half to get used to the pressure that was there and the pace of the game, and then I thought we settled down and played well," Bozarth said.

Midland led by three at halftime and by as many as 11 in the third quarter before Central stormed back.

A Stevie Peasant 3-pointer with 5:19 left in the game cut the MHS lead to 50-47, but Central couldn't complete the comeback.

"It's disappointing to lose, but to come out and play with that team and only lose by six, it's a big step of improvement," Robinson said.

"Overall, I was really pleased with our effort," Bozarth said. "I thought my guys really left it out there on the floor."

This game completed the first round of district play for the Bobcats. Starting next Friday, Central will play each of the 3-5A teams one more time before the end of the season.

The Bobcats are tied for fifth place, one game out of a playoff spot.

"We need to play better on the road," said Robinson of the upcoming second trip through district. "We need to take this kind of intensity on the road, and if we will, we'll make the playoffs."