Flu Bug Brings Down Dragons

The Central Dragons’ boys’ basketball team had a tough and busy schedule last week so it was bad timing for the flu bug to ravage the lineup.

Central visited Hollidaysburg, Tyrone and Penns Valley and escaped with one victory and solid performances from some men off the bench. The Dragons’ record stands at 10-5 with three weeks of the regular season remaining.

Hollidaysburg 60

CHS 45

On Jan. 13 at Hollidaysburg, the Dragons took a 15-8 first-quarter lead before falling behind 28-21 at halftime. The Tigers’ press caused havoc for the Dragons, which turned into a number of easy opportunities for Hollidaysburg.

The Tigers lead swelled to 54-29 entering the fourth quarter before the Dragons responded with a 16-6 advantage to cut the final deficit to 60-45.

Devon Boyles had 13 points to pace the offense followed by Braden Kitt with nine. Kitt also had a team-high 10 rebounds. Hollidaysburg connected on nine 3-point shots and was a perfect 9 of 9 from the charity stripe.

Tyrone 57, CHS 41

On Jan. 15 the team traveled to Tyrone (10-1) without three starters to battle the Mountain League leader. Tyrone took a 14-6 first-quarter advantage and led 30-18 at intermission.

The Dragons battled gamely in the second half, outscoring their hosts 9-6 and cutting the deficit into single digits. The Golden Eagles responded with a 21-14 fourth quarter to claim the 57-41 victory.

The Dragons were led in scoring by Devon Boyles (12) and Hunter Klotz (10). Eli Lingenfelter chipped in with seven and Colby Liebal with five.

CHS 47, Penns Valley 26

On Jan. 17 the Dragons traveled to Spring Mills to battle Penns Valley. The teams were as cold as the weather with PV leading 3-2 after one quarter. Central played a dominating second frame, outscoring the Rams 19-1 to take a 21-4 halftime lead.

The Dragons won the second half 26-22 to claim a solid 47-26 victory.

Tyrell Rolle had a season-high 15 points, including both of the Dragons’ 3-point shots. Braden Kitt added 10 points, Jacob Eberlin eight and Devon Boyles seven.

“It was a tough week all-around,” Central coach Paul Frederick said. “We played three solid teams, all on the road and we were missing players in the last two games. But I was pleased with how some of the younger players stepped in and gave us solid performances. “This will actually make practices a little more competitive as these guys will be battling for more playing time when the others return.”