Central Catholic remained undefeated in Corn Belt Conference play with a win Tuesday night vs Prairie Central (Photo Courtesy Larry Duling/WJBC)
By Nick McClintock
BLOOMINGTON – Less than a week ago, the Prairie Central Hawks lost a laugher to University High School in Corn Belt Conference play.
The Hawks made it closer this time, but were still no match for Central Catholic, as the Saints prevailed Tuesday, 58-42.
The first quarter saw a low-scoring affair early, with Central Catholic holding a slight lead throughout the period. The Saints were helped out by some untimely fouls by the Hawks. The slight lead evaporated on the buzzer for the home team, as Hayden Wenger for Prairie Central knocked down a three to give the Hawks a 11-10 lead at the end of the first.
The contest remained close throughout the half, with the lead continuing to fluctuate for both teams. Toward the midway point, three pointers went in for both Jon Rave and Jake Reinhardt gave the Saints their first bit of breathing room. Prairie Central would roar back though, as the last two minutes saw the lead change hands more than three times.
A buzzer-beating three pointer from just past half court by Reinhardt made the crowd erupt at Cvengros Gymnasium, and gave the Saints a 27-23 lead at the half.
The second half began with some separation from the Saints, as their four-point lead quickly turned to eight at the midway point of the third quarter. Turnovers hurt the Hawks throughout the quarter, with the Saints continually capitalizing on Prairie Central mistakes. When all was said and done, the Saints outscored the Hawks 17-7 in the third, jumping out to a 44-30 lead.
The final quarter saw the Saints cruise to the victory, simply running out the clock and heading home with the win.
Reinhardt, who only had a few points at the half, ended up leading all scorers with 13 points.
Central Catholic is now 4-2, with a 3-0 mark in conference play, while Prairie Central falls to 4-2, with an 0-2 mark in the Corn Belt.
Nick McClintock can be reached at nick.mcclintock@cumulus.com
