Central boys basketball eyes another trip to state

It’s time for another gold ball.

A state title has been a realistic possibility for the Central High School boys basketball team in the last two years.

Both seasons ended with disappointment at the hands of Milwaukee Washington, including last year’s 72-71 overtime loss.

Central coach Todd Fergot says they can’t simply erase those bitter memories, but instead learn from them.

“Kids set the goals early on, so we know what those are,” Fergot said. “We know the work that they have to put in, continue to put in, to achieve those goals.

“We came close last year. Hopefully we can learn from lessons from, not only last year but the year before, and just kind of get better and see, in the end, where it takes us.”

The Red Raiders enter this season having to replace starters David Hayden and Noah Parcher, along with roleplayers DeAndre Davis and Clayton Phillips.

Fergot says they’ll figure out a way to get by without them.

“Different players, but they have to be the best they can be and we’ll have to kind of fit them in as we go,” Fergot said. ” I really like the kids we have. I think we’ll be a different team than last year. But I’m excited just to see how far we can take it.”

Central will be led by Johnny and Jordan Davis, who both have committed to play for Wisconsin, and Terrance Thompson, a center who has multiple offers in his own right.

The Davis twins have dominated the court the last two seasons, and continue to impress and surprise their coach.

“They kind have a sixth sense that they know where each other is at certain moments,” Fergot said. “Whether it’s a pass. Whether they know when one guy’s going to make a play, they can kind of sense it. Those guys have that chemistry that really only twins can have, I think.”

Jordan Davis broke his collarbone during the football season but will be medically cleared shortly.

The Red Raiders open up their season at home against Marshfield.