Broncos back in winning column

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It’s been a long time coming, but the Centennial girls’ basketball team got its second win of the season Jan. 29, defeating Thayer Central 41-35.

It wasn’t easy, though, Coach Jay Rosane said.

Centennial trailed 13-6 after the first quarter and 22-11 at halftime.

“We had all sorts of looks and couldn’t close,” Rosane said.

One of the issues was fouling. In the first half, Thayer Central attempted 12 free throws to just four for the Broncos.

“That was us not adjusting to how the game was being called,” Rosane said.

Another issue was the emotion of parents’ night. Rosane started all five CHS seniors, which changed the flow of the game, he said.

The Broncos regrouped at halftime and outscored TCHS 30-13 in the second half. Brooklyn Gierhan got hot in the second half from three-point range, and Sierra Epke made her presence known in the paint.

“I told them to put the pedal down and finish,” Rosane said. “We continued to be aggressive.”

Gierhan finished the game with 19 points, three assists, three steals and two blocked shots. Epke added nine points and 10 rebounds, and Tiffany Scheele scored 10 points.

This marked the first time this season the Broncos scored at least 40 points, Rosane said.

The week started with a 45-25 loss to Fillmore Central Jan. 26. The Broncos managed just five points in the first half. Gierhan scored 13 to lead the offense, and Epke had eight points and five rebounds.

Centennial (2-16) opens Southern Nebraska Conference play Thursday, Feb. 4, at David City. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. The game was moved from Monday because of impending bad weather.