Central Lee still looking for first win

DONNELLSON - The Central Lee boys basketball team continues to look for its first win of the year.

The Hawks suffered a 59-40 setback to Burlington Notre Dame at Central Lee High School.

Central Lee got off to a slow start scoring just nine points led by Aidan Ross' four points. But the Hawks got things turned around in the second half and kept pace with the Nikes in scoring 15-14 for an 11-point halftime deficit.

Keagan Damico went 4-of-4 from the free throw line in the second quarter and hit a three to lead the Hawks with seven.

The Hawks' shooting went cold in the second half, converting just six shots from the field and going 4-of-8 from the free throw line as Notre Dame pulled away in the third quarter, stretching the lead to 45-27 at the end of the third.

The Nikes would hold that lead through the fourth quarter with the Hawks never getting closer than 15 the rest of the way.

"We played really well at times, but failed to make shots at crucial moments in the game. It has been the same in all our games so far early this season," said Head Coach Kritter Hayes.

"We are really improving at some things we have struggled with in the past and continue to take positive steps forward. We want to win. We have to start better as we seem to always be fighting from behind and that takes a ton of effort and energy. "

Brayden Wyrick led the Hawks with 11 points and Damico finished with eight points. Cory Jones finished with five points for Central Lee.

Central Lee (0-4) travels to Van Buren for a double header Friday night.