Central Takes Two From Timberland

Three Francis Howell Central players scored in double digits to lead the Spartans to a 51-50 victory over the Timberland Wolves Friday night at Francis Howell Central High School.

Senior Ryan Howard, who had 15 points, made 1 of 2 free throws in the last minute of the game to put the Spartans up for good.

After Howard put the Spartans on top, Timberland had a chance for the win, but senior Adam Ingle’s 3-point shot at the buzzer hit the back of the rim and bounced out. 

Central enjoyed a comfortable 33-17 halftime lead, but Timberland did not concede anything.  In fact, in the 3rd quarter, when they seemingly could not miss anything, the Wolves outscored Central 22-3.  The only Central points in the third came from a Howard 3-pointer in the last minute.  Going into the final quarter, Timberland led 39-36. 

Derrick Puni led the Spartans with 18 points and Terel Tipton had 13. 

The victory improved Central’s record to 4-8 overall, and they are undefeated in 2 GAC South games.  Meanwhile, Timberland fell to 5-7 overall, and they are 0-1 in the GAC South.

Central’s next game is Tuesday night as they travel to Washington to take on Borgia.  The Wolves are back in action Friday night when they host Howell North.

Francis Howell Central and Timberland’s girls also squared off Friday night, with the Spartans claiming a 54-28 GAC South win. 

Timberland’s Sam Domalewski put the Wolves up 8-6 early in the 2nd quarter when she connected on a 3-pointer.  That served as a wake up call the Spartans.  Shortly thereafter, they reclaimed the lead as they improved to 2-0 in the GAC South, and they are 4-7 overall.  Meanwhile, Timberland dropped to 1-11 and 0-2 in the conference.

Francis Howell Central, who is without their leading scorer Kristen Warncke because of a torn ACL, was led in scoring by senior Grace Wade who had 22 points.  Emma Raup contributed 11.  Timberland’s leading scorer was Domalewski who had 12.

The Spartans did a terrific job at the free throw line, hitting 14 of 17 shots. 

Both teams are back in action Monday night as they play in a tournament in Warrenton.  Timberland plays Duchesne while Central takes on Zumwalt North.

In between the girls’ and boys’ games, Mike Parson was inducted into the Spartan Hall of Fame.  The 2005 graduate is the school’s all-time leading scorer in boys’ basketball, and he holds the record for most 2-point and 3-point shots.  In addition, he is the baseball program’s winningest pitcher, and he has scored the most runs in school history.  As a baseball player, he was selected to the All-State team. 

After graduating, Parson initially attended Austin Peay State University.  However, he later transferred to Lindenwood where he would earn All-Conference selections 3 times.  He was also a Gold Glove recipient at the Conference and National Levels.  Parson was a member of the Lion’s baseball team that played in the NAIA World Series for the first time, and he helped set the record for the most team wins in a single season.

On December 21st, the school’s lone State wrestling champion was inducted into the Spartan Athletic Hall of Fame.  Steve Dieckhaus, a 2008 graduate, was a wrestling and football standout at Central.  On the gridiron, he was named to the All-GAC Conference team twice as both a defensive and offensive lineman.  As a senior captain, Dieckhaus earned All-Metro and All-State honors.

In wrestling, Steve helped the Spartans to a third place team trophy in 2007, followed by a 2nd place State finish in 2008. 

Parson and Dieckhaus were among 15 finalists for the Spartan Hall of Fame.  A panel of 13 current and former Central coaches, teachers, and administrators make the selections. 

The next broadcast on the Westplex Sports Network comes Tuesday night as Francis Howell travels to Ft. Zumwalt South. Broadcast time is scheduled for 6:45 p.m., followed by a 7 p.m. tipoff.  You can hear the game at www.westplexsports.net