The Centerburg girls' basketball team concluded its regular season with a 59-46 victory over Fairbanks on Wednesday night, achieving a 19-3 record.
Senior Kayla Larimore led the Trojans with 28 points and six rebounds, shooting 11-of-18 from the field and maintaining a perfect 6-of-6 from the free-throw line. Kenlee Fairall contributed 15 points and three steals, while Tiara Sheppard added 10 points and four assists. Lauren Ellis provided three points, four rebounds, four assists, three steals, and three blocks.
According to game statistics, Centerburg shot 5-of-15 from three-point range and 10-of-15 from the free-throw line while committing 15 turnovers. Fairbanks turned the ball over 18 times, finishing 2-of-17 from beyond the arc and 10-of-13 at the foul line. Head coach Bill Abner anticipated a challenging match against Fairbanks.
"I knew this was going to be a tough game. Fairbanks is extremely well-coached and prepared," Abner said. "On top of that, we already had the tournament draw and the conference race was over, so it was really a game we had to get self-motivated for, which can be tough to do. And that’s a tough place to play. I thought Fairbanks played a fantastic game. They honestly outworked us for most of the night, and it wasn’t until the final quarter when we pulled away."
Larimore’s performance helped secure the win for Centerburg; however, Abner noted areas needing improvement as they approach postseason play.
"We missed a lot of easy ones tonight. I think we were something like 50% on shots at the rim, and that’s not going to be enough when we play in the tournament," Abner said. "When you have chances to finish plays, good teams do that. The teams that look back on missed opportunities, it’s usually about the missed layups and free throws."
Ellis contributed across multiple statistical categories despite being limited to three shot attempts.
"She stuffed the stat sheet with rebounds, assists, steals and blocks, so she definitely helped us with this one," Abner said. "But we need to get her going offensively because when she gets going, she can really, really shoot it, and we’re going to need that come tournament time."
With their regular season complete, Centerburg now turns its attention to postseason competition.
"It’s a nice win on the road, and that’s a tough place to play," Abner said. "Now it’s time for the second season."
