The Centralia boys basketball team came close to a win in its league opener Thursday but couldn’t come back to close the deal, losing 57-53 to Aberdeen.
The Tigers (1-5, 0-1 2A EvCo) were led in scoring by Cohen Ballard, who had 17 points and also logged seven rebounds and three assists. Landen Jenkins added 16 points and seven boards, while David Daarud scored eight points.
Aidan Haines led the Tigers on the glass with nine rebounds.
Centralia trailed by two at halftime, and the deficit became six by the end of the third quarter. The Tigers tried to mount a comeback late, outscoring their hosts in the final frame, but came up just short.
The Tigers will host Rochester next Wednesday.
