WILKESBORO — Surry Central got off to a slow start and couldn’t make it back against Wilkes Central in a 55-41 loss Tuesday.

The Golden Eagles scored just six points in the first quarter and eight in the second to fall behind 27-14 at the break.

The offense improved in the second half, but couldn’t pull the visiting team back into close range.

Post player Simeon Bracken turned his ankle late in the first half and didn’t play in the second half. He had just four points, two rebounds and two assists. The coaching staff said they wouldn’t know how serious the injury is for a few days.

Starters Colby Chilton, Luke Haymore and Zach Wilmoth went a combined 9-31, including 1-9 from long range.

Wilkes Central looked fairly athletic and can shoot it, but Surry Central also didn’t capitalize on some chances that it had as well, noted assistant coach Jeff Edmonds.

The Golden Eagles cut into the margin a little in the third quarter, closing to 37-27, but the home team put up 18 points in the fourth to hold on.

Haymore finished with eight points, while Chilton and Wilmoth had seven each.

Off the bench, Kenyon Martin was 2-3 for four points and Brett Mosley earned several trips to the foul line to rack up five points.

Surry Central won the battle on the boards 37-31, but lost the turnover battle 18-4.

For the home team, Calvin Shoemaker led the Eagles with 18, while Will Cornette added 10.

Reach Jeff Linville at jlinville@heartlandpublications.com or at 719-1920.