Central hoopsters prove too much for Spartans

Esteban Chavez and Andrew Eames combined for 31 points to power the Panthers basketball team past the Spartans, 59-54, in Mid-Willamette Conference play from Thursday.

Chavez came up big in the first and fourth periods, netting six and five points, respectively. He also did damage from the free-throw line, where he went 9/10. He scored a team-high 17 points.

Matt Quinn added five points in the first period to help push Central to a 21-12 advantage.

Kai Bennett topped the Panthers with 13 rebounds. Quinn added eight.

The Panthers never trailed, even though they netted just five points in the second period. But still led 26-21 at half.

For Corvallis, Truman Brasfield, with 21 points, was his team’s only player in double-figures. Jackson Trimmer added six rebounds, and Brasfield five.

The Panthers (3-2, 5-6 overall) are now on the road. Monday, they’re at Crescent Valley (1-4, 2-9). Thursday, they’re at  McKay (1-4, 3-8).

Both games begin at 7 p.m.