The Central Christian boys basketball team did it again.
For the second straight season, the Cougars spurred a major Class 1A Division 2 substate upset, as the fifth-seeded Cougars took down substate host, third-ranked and top-seed Hartford 69-59.
Last season, Central Christian took down Weskan and Dighton en route to the state tournament.
It was also the second straight season Central Christian traveled far for substate play. Last year, the Cougars traveled more than 1,000 miles for three substate games. This year, after a first-round home game, the Cougars traveled nearly 600 miles to beat Maramaton Valley and Hartford.
Friday, the Cougars trailed 29-24 at halftime and were beset with foul trouble. But the Cougars were at their finest in the second half, outscoring Hartford 45-30. The Cougars sank 11 of 22 from 3-point range, including going 7 of 12 in the second half.
Piercen Huff led the Cougars with 28 points. Cal Barnett added 13 points.
The Cougars will be the No. 8 seed at the 1A Division 2 state tournament and take on top seed Axtell in Tuesday’s quarterfinals at a to-be-determined site. The winner will advance to the semifinals in Emporia.
