The Central Tigers were a win away from making the Class 2A State Tournament in 2024 and got to the area tournament consolation semifinals a season ago.

This year, the Tigers, who were 18-9 last season, will look to get past the area tournament and on to the Class 2A State Tournament.

The Tigers return five players from a season ago — senior guard Braxin Goodson (6.6 points and 2.5 rebounds a game last season), junior guard Gavin Randolph (5.2 points and 2.3 rebounds), senior guard Paitton Merrill (four points and 3.5 rebounds), senior guard Noah Buzzard (6.1 points and 1.9 rebounds) and senior forward Josh Brunk (13.7 points and 11.8 rebounds).

The Tigers also return seniors Odell Parker and Cale Stewart, juniors Jake Woods and Brycen Chandler-Eisner and sophomores Kiefer Bailey, Aiden Cawhorn and Kage Poindexter.

Rounding out the roster are senior Braxton Prewett along with underclassmen Ryder Justice, Jace Money, Kaw-Liga Lewis, Bradley Waltermire, Brayden McLemore, Robin Sabharwal, Grady Taylor, Dakota Gregory and Wyatt Parker.

“We’re excited for this group of young men,” said third-year Central coach Caleb Cawhown, whose Tigers were slated to open the season Tuesday night at Vian. “They are hard workers and are looking forward to the start of the season.”

Cawhown said his team’s strengths are defense, speed and athleticism, while he said the biggest thing his team will need to do this season is improve its shooting.

The Tigers are being road warriors during this month due to their gym being renovated.

The Tigers, who had their original season opener at Vian on Dec. 2 canceled due to the Wolverines still being in the Class 2A, Division II football players, will begin their season at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5 at Warner.