Concordia Boys Use Strong Fourth Quarter to Defeat Clay Center, 53-47

Behind a fourth quarter performance where the Concordia High School Boys Basketball team outscored Clay Center 18-10, the Panthers were able to secure its first win in North Central Kansas League play Tuesday, December 20th with a 53-47 road win over the Tigers.

Both teams traded runs through the first quarter but back-to-back three-pointers by Sophomore Jace Weller and Junior Justin Wright put Clay Center ahead 11-6 heading to the second frame.

The Panthers were also comfortable from long-range.  Concordia connected on six shots from behind the arc in the first-half, including four three-point makes by Junior Guard Payton Breese, to grab a 28-24 advantage at the intermission.

Clay Center responded with a 7-0 run to open the third quarter.  The Tigers led by as much as four points in the period before settling for a two-point lead, 37-35, to start the fourth quarter.

The turning point came at the start of the fourth when the Panthers sparked a 15-5 run to develop an eight point lead.  Concordia, which has either been tied or trailed going into the fourth quarter in each of their last four games, stayed locked in on defense and found key momentum-shifting baskets to pull away for the six point win.

Breese hit six shots from deep to lead Concordia with a game-high 18 points.  He was named our Nex-Tech Wireless MVP of the Game.

He was joined in double-figures by Junior Guard Joey Henderson and Sophomore Guard Peyton Retter who had 13 points and 11 points, respectively.  Senior Guard Alan Garcia had 8 points and 7 rebounds, receiving our H&R Block of the Game.  Senior Wing Aceyn Cash overcame early foul trouble to corral a team-high 9 rebounds.

Weller led the Tigers with 15 points.  Senior Mark Hoffman added 14 points.

Concordia is now 4-2 on the season and 1-2 in NCKL play.  Following a two-week layoff for the holiday break, the Panthers will return to the hardwood on Tuesday, January 3rd to begin a three-game homestand with a matchup against the 1-4 Republic County Buffaloes.  Republic County captured its first win of the season on December 16th with a 56-51 road win over the Minneapolis Lions.

Listen to audio highlights from Concordia's 53-47 road win over Clay Center: