jhancock@journalnet.com

The Century boys' basketball team dominated Twin Falls during the first half, taking a double-digit lead into the locker room.

But by the time the 4A Diamondbacks found their bearing in the second half, the entire lead had evaporated, and the 5A Bruins had the momentum on their way to a 58-52 win.

"It was a letdown in the second half," said Century coach Cody Shelley. "It was a lack of offense from us, and Twin picked up their defense."

Storm Shelley, Century's leading scorer, was in foul trouble most of the night and played just under 22 minutes.

But his fellow Diamondbacks picked up the slack in the first half, during which Century shot 57 percent from the field. Guard Caz Alley had eight points in the first quarter, leading the Diamondbacks into the second quarter with a 17-11 lead.

The shots continued to drop for Century, and the defensive stops against Twin were frequent. The Diamondbacks seemingly could do no wrong during the first half and led 37-25 going into the intermission.

"The first half, we were hitting shots and having fun," said Century guard Koby Campbell. "We got too comfortable at halftime and didn't come out to play in the second half."

Twin did come out to play, on offense and defense. While the Bruins put 16 points on the board during the third quarter - the team's second-best quarter of the night - they held Century to just four points.

The Diamondbacks' lead was gone, and the final quarter began with both teams locked at 41-41.

Century hit the first basket of the fourth quarter, but it was all Twin Falls for the next three minutes. The Bruins went on an 8-1 run to take a 49-44 lead.

The Diamondbacks battled back, however, going on a 6-0 run of their own to take a 50-49 lead.

It was a short-lived comeback, though. The Bruins closed the game on a 9-2 run.

"We played as a team," said Twin Falls coach Matt Harr of his team's play in the second half. "In the first half, we didn't pass enough. We were playing greedy."

Harr said moving the ball around more led to better opportunities inside. The difference showed in the scoring of Bruins post Jon Pulsifer, who had just eight points in the first half. Pulsifer scored 14 in the second half, including a number of open looks under the basket.

Shelley said the game has to be a learning experience, especially considering Century's schedule next week.

"That's what I told them - it's a lesson to be learned," Shelley said. "With two big district games coming up next week, we have to play two halves."

Shelley's right. At 2-0 in 4A Fifth District play, his team is now in the driver's seat after Pocatello defeated Preston on Friday. Both Preston and Poky are now 1-2 in district play, and Century hosts each team next week.

The Diamondbacks take on Preston on Wednesday and then Pocatello on Friday. A win in either game would clinch the top spot in the district for Century. Losses in both games would result in a three-way tie at 2-2 and tie-breakers would then come into play.