by Keith Kelley–27 Feb ’15
The Cheyenne Central boys basketball team needed a win to keep their hopes alive for a top-two finish in the 4A East Conference, and the automatic trip to the state tournament that goes with that. It didn’t look good at the half, as Laramie went on a run to give them a 21-13 lead. Indians head coach Tagg Lain challenged his team at the half, and it seemed to get things going, with an early steal. But a missed lay-up and a Plainsmen three-pointer was enough for Lain, whose team was down 11.
Central responded well and came away with a 44-41 win, as they improve to 10-10 overall and 5-4 in the conference, while Laramie dropped to 12-7 and 5-4.
The Indians got big games from junior’s Grant Storebo and Nicholas Fraley, as the two had 11 points apiece. Storebo would give Central the lead for good on his lay-up late in the fourth quarter, which made the score 40-38. He hit a big three-pointer the possession before that game the Indians a 38-35 lead, but it was answered by Jake Aadland’s three-pointer. Fraley capitalized from the free-throw line, going 7-for-8 from the line in the fourth quarter. As a team, Central made 9-of-10 from the line in the final eight minutes.
Central will be at South to finish up the regular season. Tip off is set for 7 pm.
#5 Cheyenne Central girls 41 Laramie 33
The Lady Indians needed to get a win in the worst way. They had lost three straight heading into last (Thursday) night’s game at home against Laramie. And on senior night, the Central girls go what they needed, which was a 41-33 win over Laramie.
After giving up two three-pointer’s to Laramie’s Eliza Dickinson, the Lady Indians defense clamped down. Laramie scored just 13 points through three quarters, as Central built a 34-13 lead. Head coach Curtis Martindale said that was his hope, to get better defensively.
Senior Sophie Seely had a good night, with ten points, as did sophomore Abby Fearneyhough, finishing with ten points as well. Central improves to 13-8 overall and 3-6 in the conference. Laramie drops to 5-15 and 0-9. The Lady Indians are at South this evening at 5:30.
