Central shows effects of men’s basketball layoff

INDIANOLA—It was the latest season start in school history, and a layoff of more than 11 months was reflected on the scoreboard as the Central College men’s basketball team opened its abbreviated 2021 season with an 80-61 defeat at Simpson College Wednesday.

The Dutch (0-1) hit just 25.9% of their first-half shots and were staring at a 38-18 deficit at the break. They came back with 51.5% shooting in the second half and hit 40.0% for the night. But Central was outrebounded 45-39, surrendering 16 Simpson offensive rebounds and had 17 turnovers. Simpson (1-4 overall, 1-2 American Rivers) shot 41.3% from the floor.

Central was not only lacking game experience but had practiced just four times in the past 18 days due to health and safety protocols.

“I thought we got tired fast in the first half,” coach Craig Douma said. “We didn’t take care of the ball, we didn’t rebound and I thought we took a lot of rushed shots. You could just tell the chemistry wasn’t there. We had no continuity and it’s hard to develop that with our schedule, we’ll just have to develop it in games.”

Forward Keaton Rodgers (sophomore, Peoria, Ariz., Sandra Day O’Connor HS) came off the bench to score 14 points and six rebounds.

“Keaton really rebounded the ball,” Douma said. “He played well.”

Guard Adam Flinn (senior, St. Louis, Mo., Lafayette HS) had 10 points and five boards. Forward Caden Mauck (senior, Kansas City, Mo., Blue Springs South HS) had a team-high seven rebounds.

Multiple Central players got their first collegiate action, including freshman post Joshua Van Gorp (Pella, Pella Christian HS), who started his first game.

“We had a hard time trying to find a lineup,” Douma said. “A lot of kids saw their first varsity time and it’s going to take a while. These guys learned a lot.”

Central is home Saturday for a 2 p.m. game with Coe College at P.H. Kuyper Gymnasium. Coe is 2-1 after an 84-82 victory at Wartburg