Tyler Stoxen takes it to the basket. /David Thoss photo
The rival programs played what seemed to be two separate games, with the Falcons running out to a huge lead 40-27 at half, to only see the Panthers claw their way back to almost pulling it out before bowing to the Falcons 66-60. The game started out with the Falcon fans imitating the white out conditions outside, while the Panther fans were hoping for the warmer climes of the tropics decked out in grass skirts other beach attire. The Falcon players had the hot hand though after winning the opening tip, they jumped out to an 8-2 lead on 3 pointers by Dalton Sjong and Mike Michelau and a layup by Jason Castona. They never relinquished the lead and ended the quarter with a 22-12 advantage with Sam Cavener hitting 3 close in shots to score 6 in the quarter. The Panthers did fight back to within 10 after falling behind 14. Wilmot seemed to be turning the momentum their way after Sam Cavener was called for his 3rd foul near the end of the half. Wilmot called a timeout to set up a final shot but the inbounds pass was intercepted by Sjong who took the ball from halfcourt in for a layup to extend the lead to 40-27. The third quarter saw the Falcons continuing to attacking the basket with Michelau taking the ball to the cup and shooting layups or passing out to an open teammate. The aggressive Falcons stretched the lead to 53-38 with under the 1 minute mark. The fourth quarter saw new life from the Panters, with their defensive intensity turned up, diving after loose balls and with Central going cold from close in, they trimmed the lead to 8 with just over 4 minutes to play in the game. The Panthers kept up their defensive mindset which created opportunities for open shots and they cut the Central lead to 2 points with just over 1 minute to play. Wilmot called a timeout to set up their defense and collected a turnover, however, they were forced to call another timeout in order to keep the ball from the Falcons. The game became a free throw contest in the last minute which Central was able to hit enough to extend the lead and close out the season series with a win at 66-60 Central was led in scoring by their Senior leaders, Mike Michelau with 20, Dalton Sjong 18 and Jason Castona with 13. Wilmot was led in scoring by Senior Matt Betz with 18, Chris Nelson 11 and Sophomore Nate Hensel 10.
Central moves its record to 8-12 6-6 in SLC, Wilmot stands at 8-10 7-5 in SLC play.
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Both Central fans (left) and WIlmot fans were pumped up and in a festive mood. /David Thoss photo
Dalton Sjong after making a free throw to bring the final to 66-60. /David Thoss photo
Jason Castona breaks away for a layup. /David Thoss photo
Wilmot's Chris Nelson boxes out Mike Michelau of Central. /David Thoss photo
Mike Michelau goes in for two vs Wilmot. /David Thoss photo
Luke Millhouse defends against Brandon Schattner. /David Thoss photo
Wilmot's Brandon Schattner ready to sink a free throw. /David Thoss photo
Dalton Sjong makes a critical layup near the end of the game. /David Thoss photo
