Both Central basketball squads ended their seasons with a loss on Saturday; dropping their regular season finales to Simpson. The women had a halftime lead over the ranked Simpson squad, but the Storm’s Kate Nielsen took control of the game to give her team a 70 – 68 win. Central had a chance to tie with 0.3 seconds left on the clock, but a tip-in by Bry Pierce was just short. Senior Alyssa Schwartz led the way with 16 points, Rachel Evans had 15, and another senior, Nicole Strasko, added 12. The Dutch say goodbye to three players on their varsity squad; Schwartz, Strasko, and Katie Kepford all depart after graduation. Central’s women finish their season at 10 – 15. The Dutch men were down 16 at one point and rallied to give themselves a chance to tie or take the lead on their final possession, but an offensive foul dampened any hopes of a complete comeback, and Simpson prevailed 73 – 69. Central was able to crawl back in the game with the help of 18 offensive rebounds and several second and third chance opportunities. Senior Nick Marinkovich found his touch in the second half, leading the way for his team with 21 points. Central needed a win to extend their season, and will end their year at 10 – 14. The Dutch men say goodbye to six seniors: Marinkovich, Jacob Winkler, KJ Cool, Andy Waugh, Eric Scott, and Jordan Cruse.
Cruse.