BCCHS Basketball Update

On December 14th, the Central Boys’ Basketball Team competed against the Dawson County Boys’ Basketball Team. The final score was 57-68, which meant an unfortunate loss for Central. The Central Girls’ Varsity Basketball Team also went against Dawson. Their final score was 68-8, meaning Central won by an impressive sixty points. With State Basketball only a week away, the teams have both already competed in the State Divisionals Tournament. Both teams competed for a spot at State, and both teams hope to collect another title for Central.

The Billings Central Girls Varsity Basketball Team has consistently come out on top, with them being ranked first in the Class A Division. With over fifteen wins going into State, and the management of Coach Jett Ailes, the team is set on taking home gold. “I mean it’s kinda an expectation nowadays. Like Central, you don’t not see them at State, but also, we’re hoping to just get to that 6:30 game on Saturday,” stated, Lyssa Peterson, a senior. “And just like for Divisionals, not to over look anyone,” stated Ryen Hadley, another senior. “I think a big change from previous seasons, is you never used to see everyone on the bench playing…that’s nice too,” stated Coral Old Bull, a senior.

The Boys Basketball Team had a much rockier path to success, however, they sill managed to place second going into State. They managed to win over ten games, and they also upped the point  average by 1-10 points. The points per game, also referred to as PPG, is the average number of points scored by a player or team per game. Essentially, it gradually makes the point average grow over a series of different games, whole seasons, and careers. Similar to girls, the boys also have their eyes set on bringing home a gold plaque to Mr. Ryan. For over 30 years, Mike Ryan has been the Athletic Director for Billings Central. He has been involved in every sport, and he is the person that makes everything run smoothly behind the scenes. In past years, the Billings Central Varsity Boys Team has been able to acquire six State titles. “We’re more of a team than we have been in the past. I mean anyone can give off 20 points each night, but it isn’t just one or two guys, it’s the whole team,” stated, Howie Martin, a junior.“As far as team compatibility and everyone working together and knowing their role, we are a lot better off. We don’t really care who gets the credit,” stated, Darcy Merchant, a junior. Another junior, Will Snell stated,“Not only on the basketball court, but also outside of school, we’re always together.” The team has been able to come back from a couple losses, and they built up their game averages, performance and point averages. Most games ended in a score ranging from the 60’s to 80’s, while the opposing team ranged between 20 and 40 points. Merchant stated, “Yes I do believe we’ll make state.” Both Snell and Martin agreed that they would make State, “100%”.

Just as Merchant predicted, the BCCHS Boys Basketball Team made State and placed third in the tournament. Along with Lyssa Peterson’s predictions, the Girls’ Basketball Team also made it to State and secured the first place trophy.