Billings Central's starters experienced something a little different on Saturday afternoon.

A break.

Midway through the third quarter, Central had built up a 30-point lead and coach Jim Stergar decided it was time to let his starters rest. From there, the players who don't normally see the floor took over as Central cruised to a 77-36 victory over the Glendive Red Devils at Nelles Activities Center. 

Photos: Billings Central vs. Glendive boys varsity Saturday

Images from Billings Central vs. Glendive boys varsity at Billings Central High School on Saturday, January 14. 

"It's always fun watching those guys go in and seeing them compete," Peyton Hanser, who had 14 points for Central, said. "Tonight they did really well. They were running the offense well, getting layups and getting shots and that's always fun to watch.

"It's always nice watching those young guys go out and play. We just have fun on the bench and cheer them on and see what they can do on the court."

Central jumped to a 29-9 first quarter lead and never looked back. Johnny Elliott, Chrishon Dixon and Shay Dantic, all of whom are starters, had 10, 8 and 7 points respectively for the Rams (6-2, 3-1). Reserves Andrew Nelson, Joe Byorth and Jae Hugs added 7, 8, and 6 points as well. 

 

The Rams' season of late has been defined by close games. They defeated Glendive 62-41 to open the season, and beat Sidney 65-50 on Friday. In between those games however, Central saw three of its games, one win and two losses, decided by 12 points. Their victory over Senior was by one point while they defeated Miles City by nine.

Saturday's 41-point victory over Glendive was a stark contrast to that close game trend. The Rams knocked down 11 3-pointers, four of which came from Hanser, who said this game was the most complete game Central has played so far this year.

"We played great today but there's always room for improvement for us," he said. "It's always nice when you can hit the three-ball and the whole team was making shots tonight which was great."

Stergar said his team was due to have a shooting night like they did against Glendive. He thought his reserve players did a good job of keeping the pressure on the Red Devils and avoiding sloppy play.

"It's nice (to give to the starters a break). It was good to have these other guys, that are talented as well," Stergar said about his bench. "On a lot of other teams across the state they might be playing more or starting even on some teams so it's nice to have them get some minutes and a good look at what the future might be like next year."

Central's next test will be at Eastern A rival Laurel (5-2, 3-1) on Thursday.