The Centura (Cairo, NE) varsity basketball team will be hosting a non-conference game against Cozad (NE) today at 5 p.m.

Game Details:

• Opponent: Cozad vs Centura
• Date: Saturday, January 18, 2025
• Time: 5:00 p.m.
• Live stream: Watch Here
• Live stream: Watch Here

Cozad vs. Centura Basketball Showdown: A Look at the 2024-25 Season Comparison

As the 2024-25 Nebraska high school basketball season unfolds, two teams are making headlines in the state: Cozad and Centura. These teams, with their distinct playing styles and records, have had contrasting performances so far. Let’s take a deep dive into their current season, comparing their stats, performances, and key players.

Overall Performance Breakdown

Cozad comes into the season with an impressive record of 11-2, boasting a strong win percentage of .846. Their dominance is seen in their undefeated district record of 2-0 and perfect home record of 6-0. The team has made a habit of posting big numbers, with a significant 820 points scored versus 563 points allowed. On the other hand, Centura has had a more challenging season, posting a 5-7 record. Their district record stands at 0-2, with a notable 2-3 record at home and a 1-4 record away. The team has scored 505 points, while conceding 633 points throughout the season.

Scoring and Offensive Efficiency

When it comes to scoring, Cozad leads with a remarkable average of 63.1 points per game, thanks to an efficient attack. Their scoring is spread across the game, averaging 19.2 points in the first quarter and maintaining solid production throughout the game. Centura, in contrast, struggles with scoring, averaging only 42.1 points per game. Their scoring is more evenly distributed, with a slight increase in the third quarter at 11.4 points but a significant drop in the first quarter, where they average just 8.7 points.

Team Statistics and Key Leaders

Cozad excels in several key statistical categories, with an average of 26.5 rebounds per game, 11.8 assists, and 8.5 steals. They also have 1.6 blocks per game, contributing to their strong all-around game. On the other hand, Centura slightly outperforms Cozad in rebounds, averaging 28.5 rebounds per game, but falls behind in assists (8.0 assists) and steals (5.2 steals). They also block more shots than Cozad with an average of 2.8 blocks per game.

The standout player for Cozad is Noah Shoemaker, who leads the team in multiple categories. Shoemaker averages 15.2 points per game, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.9 assists. He is also a major defensive presence, contributing 2.6 steals per game and 0.5 blocks. Meanwhile, Centura’s leader, Barrett Fries, has had a solid season, averaging 13.6 points per game, 9.4 rebounds, and 1.8 assists. Fries is also a key defensive player for Centura, contributing 2.3 blocks per game.

Common Opponents and Head-to-Head Comparison

Both teams have faced some common opponents this season, offering a glimpse into how they match up against similar competition.

• On January 7, 2025, Cozad defeated Ord 76-57, while Centura also took on Ord, but won narrowly with a 56-52 victory on December 21, 2024.
• On January 16, 2025, Cozad won a close game against Gothenburg, 62-59, whereas Centura fell to Gothenburg 62-51 on January 11, 2025.
• The upcoming February 6, 2025 matchup between Cozad and Holdrege will be one to watch, especially after Centura lost to Holdrege 78-38 earlier in the season.

These results suggest that while Cozad has been dominant in their matchups, Centura has faced more challenges against similar teams.

Home, Away, and Neutral Site Performance

Cozad’s record is particularly strong at home, where they are undefeated at 6-0. Their success on the road (4-1) and neutral courts (1-1) indicates they can win in any environment. Centura, however, struggles in these areas. Their home record is 2-3, while they are just 1-4 on the road. They have had success on neutral courts, with a perfect 2-0 record in those matchups.

Conclusion

As both teams look toward the remainder of the 2024-25 season, Cozad has established itself as a formidable force with its offensive efficiency and well-rounded performance across all aspects of the game. Centura, while showing promise, faces a tougher road with a less consistent offense and some struggles in head-to-head matchups against tougher teams. With standout performances from players like Noah Shoemaker for Cozad and Barrett Fries for Centura, fans can expect exciting games as these teams continue their season.

The upcoming games, including the showdown between Cozad and Centura, will surely offer further insights into these teams’ championship aspirations.