Central's student section made their presence known throughout the game as they backed the Falcons. /David Thoss photo
The Central Falcon boys basketball team visited Verona Saturday in the regional final Saturday.
Central got off to a slow start due to the physical defense employed by the Wildcats. Verona jumped out to a 15-4 first quarter start on precision passing and three-point shooting. The Falcons did get untracked and held the lead down to 11 with Mike Michelau and Austin Damaschke, along with Spencer McCoy scoring in the second quarter. Also, the Falcons started to get to the free throw line with Erik Richter hitting from the stripe.
Despite being down the entire game the Falcons kept scrapping and cut the lead to 6 in the third quarter. The vocal Falcon student section really helped the Falcons get some momentum. Again on Damaschke, McCoy and Michelau hitting from outside. Richter also got to the line again and hit the free throws.
The Falcons could not get any closer and the Wildcats, led by Sam Karls and Kaden Nauman getting key layups and short jumpers, closed out the Falcons 62-55.
The Wildcats enjoyed a large advantage at the free throw line going 22 of 33 against Central’s 15-18.
The Falcons closed their season at 9-15. Saturday they were led by Austin Damaschke with 17 points. Michelau and McCoy both contributed 9 with Richter chipping in 8 and Dustin Milz with 7.
The Wildcats were led by Karls 14, Nauman 14 with Brandt scoring 11.
Mike Michelau drives. /David Thoss photo
Mike Michelau dribbles against a defender. David Thoss photo
Austin Damaschke goes up for two of his game high 17 points. /David Thoss photo
Erik Richter gets ready to hit one of his free throws. /David Thoss photo
- Spencer McCoy and Dustin Milz apply pressure.
/David Thoss photo
