Trinity Catholic snaps 14-game skid with last-second win over Central Christian

Trinity Catholic High School's girls basketball team hosted Wichita Central Christian High School on Tuesday, breaking a 14-game losing streak with a thrilling 36-34 victory.

The Celtics entered the contest seeking their first win of the season against the Lions.

The teams appeared well-matched, with Trinity Catholic holding a height advantage under the basket while Central Christian countered with tenacious defense. The Celtics jumped to a five-point lead midway through the first quarter, but the Lions cut the deficit to three points by period's end.

Central Christian took its first lead midway through the second quarter, 13-11. The teams traded baskets, with the Lions holding a 20-18 halftime advantage.

Scoring proved challenging early in the second half as both squads came out determined to keep the other off the board. The third quarter ended tied at 25-25.

The intensity increased in the fourth quarter as the teams battled for every point. Sophomore Anika Paulsrud led the way for Trinity Catholic with a pair of 3-pointers in the period. The lead changed hands several times in the final three minutes, with the Celtics scoring the winning basket with five seconds remaining.

Junior Brecken Dowsey led Trinity Catholic with 13 points, including a 3-pointer and 4-of-6 shooting from the free-throw line. Junior Elaina Magana led Central Christian with 14 points. The loss dropped the Lions to 6-10.

Trinity Catholic's next game is at Sedgwick on Friday. The Celtics' next home game is against Moundridge on Feb. 19.