LA JARA — The final game  before the break for both clubs,  Centauri (8-1) and Sanford (3-3), went to the host Falcons by a score of 60-29.

Prior to Friday’s contest Centauri just watched a seven game winning streak go up in smoke in a loss to No. 13 Delta on Dec. 15th and were likely eager to find someone to take it out on come Friday.

Sanford went from 3-0 to start the season  but back to back losses had them looking at Friday as an opportunity to stop the bleeding. 

The boys wasted no time putting up points, Centauri running out to a 12-6 lead with three minutes remaining in the first. The Falcon’s Martin Garcia looked unstoppable with 12 points in the first quarter to lead Centauri to a 21-9 lead at the end of the first quarter.

While Centauri’s Noah Sowards’ 9 points on the night were nothing to scoff at, but his contribution was evident elsewhere. No one felt his presence more than Sanford’s offense, as he was stifling in the paint. Sowards’ most prominent block took place in the second quarter. The swat stuck to his hand long enough for him to ditch it out to a waiting Garcia who turned it into a breakaway lay-up to put Centauri up 28-13. Centauri would claim a 33-16 lead at the half thanks in large part to 18 points in the first half from Garcia. Garcia would put in one more bucket before the end of regulation to lead Centauri with 20 points on the night.

The reserves would come in for both teams after the break, Centauri outscoring Sanford in the third frame 9-2. The Falcons would coast with the comfortable lead to the games 60-29 finale. Sanford was lead in scoring by Jakob Peterson who registered nine points on the night, all in the first half.

Sanford will come back from the break Friday Jan. 4th to host non-conference opponent Ellicot (1-3). The win puts Centauri back in the left column, Centauri will look to build on their lead when they play host to Monte Vista (3-3) Jan. 11th.