Hobbled Central set for shootout

After playing its first 13 games away from home, the Central boys basketball team heads into its first home game today trying to overcome an even bigger challenge: injuries.

Central lost leading scorer Eli Harris to a knee injury Monday in its unsuccessful bid to post an upset at Caruthersville, the No. 5 team in the SEMO Top 15. The next night, 6-foot-6 sophomore Darnell Wilks, the team's second-leading scorer was undercut and suffered a head injury in a win against Perryville.

Wilks spent Wednesday and Thursday in the hospital and has a fractured skull. Harris is listed with a knee strain.

While Central coach Derek McCord is not certain when either may return, he does know they won't be available today when Central plays De Soto at 4:30 p.m. in the finale of the four-game Tiger Shootout at Central.

"Every night's going to be a challenge," McCord said. "Those are our top two scorers, and we're going to miss them, but their health is our main concern.

Central, which has compiled a 6-7 record without the luxury of a home game, is not about to pack it in. Last year, when three starters were lost to season-ending suspension, the Tigers responded by beating Doniphan in their first outing following the disciplinary action.

"We're just going to continue to work hard, get better every day and compete," McCord said.

Without the services of Harris and Wilks, the Tigers will have to get more production from senior guard Alex Ray and juniors Anthony Hempstead and Garrett Ozbun.

Reserve players such as David Deisher, Tyrone Reece, Xavier Wilford and Jared Thomas will get the opportunity to increase their contributions.

"This is a chance for other players to step up," McCord said.

The Tiger Shootout tips off at noon with Scott City (7-5) facing Fredericktown. State-ranked Class 5 team Jackson, which fell to 13-1 following a loss Friday against Poplar Bluff, faced Parkway South at 1:30 p.m. Saxony Lutheran, which is 8-1 in its second varsity season, faces Notre Dame (6-7) for the first time in school history at 3 p.m.

Chaffee hits the road

The Chaffee boys basketball game has turned two scheduled home games into road trips next week due to problems with the gym floor. The Red Devils will play Tuesday at Advance and Friday at Kelly.