Central Cruises Past Odessa High, Claims Outright District Championship

SAN ANGELO, TX — For the first time in 14 years, the Central Bobcats stand alone atop District 2-6A as champions. The Bobcats had one final step to claim the district title, and did so decisively. Central flattened Odessa High on Tuesday night, 61-32.

"We put our faith in God," head coach Arsenio Geter said after the game about the season as a whole. "We worked so hard for this...we just asked for God to bless us with the opportunity to do what we worked so hard for. We've worked really, really hard since the day we lost the Bi-District game last year. In the weight room, on the court, traveling to different tournaments every week, and doing what we do."

With the commanding victory, Central successfully defended its home court for the final time, finishing undefeated at home for the entirety of district play.

"It feels amazing," point guard Ean McNeill said. "It feels really good to make a statement in this town."

The Bobcats led from start to finish in this one. Odessa High kept things relatively close in the first half; the Bronchos only trailed by nine at the break, but could not handle the Bobcats down the stretch. Central only allowed 11 points in the entire second half to claim the 29-point win.

McNeill led the Bobcats with 18 points. Jaylen Franklin added 11 points, while TK Taylor finished with 10 points.

It was a special moment after the final whistle. Former Central Bobcat and district champion from the 2012 Bobcats' team, Reggie Sutton, congratulated the 'Cats and spoke to the packed home crowd about the significance of the moment.

"It feels good to finally win it," Taylor said. "We haven't won a district championship in 14 years. So, it just feels great to be a part of this."

Then, each member of the team took turns climbing up and cutting down the net to celebrate the victory. The Bobcats were presented with the district championship trophy, and the celebration began.

A big reason for the Bobcats' success at home this season was the support from the community. It seemed like each and every home game that the Bobcats played, the city showed up and showed out. Packed gyms, loud crowds and an electric atmosphere helped push Central to each and every victory.

"All season it has been 110%," McNeill continued. "It's one of the big reasons we win by a lot [at home]."

Central now looks to the playoffs. Another opportunity to claim something that doesn't happen very often for the Bobcats' basketball program: playoff trophies. But this team is different. They play with a speed on defense and in transition that is hard for opposing teams to handle and match. It seems like every member on the roster can hit a shot from beyond the arc, and the commanding presence of Taylor and Franklin inside locks down the paint.

The Bobcats still do not know exactly who they will face in the playoffs, but Taylor says Central is ready for whoever steps up to meet them.

"Y'all be ready," Taylor finished. "We are coming, and we are ready."

The Central Bocbats finish the regular season with a 28-5 overall record and in first place in the district with a 9-1 finish. The playoffs will begin next Monday, Feb. 23.