CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – The Clarksville Christian Centurions hosted the Currey Ingram Academy Mustangs from Brentwood for the boys’ basketball season opener on Tuesday. It was a close battle early, but a 20-2 run to start the second half pulled the Centurions away, resulting in a 60-28 win, led by 17 points from senior guard Kreid Smith.

In Austin Peay State University basketball alumnus Drake Reed’s first game as Clarksville Christian head coach, the Centurions started out hot from behind the arc, including three from sophomore guard Chase Gardner. Clarksville only led by three after the first quarter, but outscored the Mustangs 12-2 in the second quarter to hold a 29-16 lead at the half.

“We put in a lot of work these last few weeks, and it was good to see it come into fruition a little bit,” said Reed. “We still have some things to clean up, but I was really satisfied with what I saw on the floor when we got going.”

The third quarter went well for Reed’s squad, with the Centurions going on a 20-2 run to start the third quarter. It was led by Kried Smith, who had nine of the 20 in that span, including a thunderous dunk that sent the gym into a frenzy. Smith outscored the Mustangs by himself in the third quarter.

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“It felt really good to come out first game and get the jitters out,” said Smith. “Momentum is big for us; we always try to come out hot and pick each other up. I have big expectations for this team. I think we can go really far with what we have.”

The Centurions cruised to a 60-28 victory, securing a win in their season opener for Clarksville Christian. For Reed, it’s not only great to win, but a special moment for him and his family, as the former Northeast High and APSU standout celebrated a win in his first-ever game coaching in the city he loves so dearly.

“I’m proud of the guys, it was a solid win, but we have a lot of work to do and a lot of things to clean up,” said Reed. “It’s a long season, so we have to be built to be long-lasting. This is the first time that all of my family has been in the same town for one of my games in over 20 years, which makes it special.”

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