Everything lined up perfectly for the Centertown Lady Warriors. The awesome elementary team won the preseason District 2 tourney, went unblemished through the regular season and even got to claim a championship on its own floor.
In front of a packed house of fans in black and red, Centertown completed its dominant campaign in District 2 Tuesday night with a 30-16 win over Morrison in the championship game. Kinslee Jarvis, who was named tournament MVP, led the way with 10 points as the Lady Warriors flew out to a 16-2 advantage and never looked back.
“Coach Kim (Woods) and I have enjoyed this season a lot. They are so much fun to coach,” said head coach Brittany McGee after the championship. “We were able to come out and finish strong this year. We have an amazing group of girls that work well as a team and have improved from start to finish.”
The Lady Eagles, who feature just two sixth-graders on their roster, got a big night from their towering center Baylee Vincion. She was a monster in the middle, scoring a game-high 12 points, pulling down a slew of rebounds and making every Centertown shot in the paint in the challenge.
Morrison just couldn’t overcome the Lady Warriors’ quick start, though Lady Eagle coach Kylie Vincion was proud her team didn’t threw up the white flag. “We played really well and never quit. We’re a young team and I think we can contend for the title next year too,” said Vincion.
Jarvis, a fearsome defender who never slows down, had six early points as Centertown built a double-digit cushion early. Charley Wilson and Karsyn Mathis, rangy forwards that allow the Lady Warriors to blanket every inch of the court, had four points apiece in the first.
Kate Williams did all her scoring for Centertown in the second quarter, pouring in six points as the Lady Warriors were up 24-8 by the break. Rylee Young got in the act in the third with a pair of buckets, while Jarvis got to the basket one final time to finish off her double-digit performance in the championship.
It was a wild ride for the Lady Warriors, especially for the newcomer on the bench who was filled with nostalgia while being able to preside over all the success this season.
"For my first year being coach, it was definitely a great feeling. It brings back memories of playing," said McGee, who was standout locally in her high school days. "When you get out of the game, you forget how much you miss it until you get back in."
Addison Allen and Faith Sadlon each had a bucket for Morrison in the finals.
Centertown will get its chance to play for the county championship Friday night. The Lady Warriors will go on the road to face the District 1 champion, which wasn’t crowned by press time. Check Sunday’s edition of the Standard for more information on the 4-6 grade county champion.
