Burlington Central's 23rd win a thriller

Burlington Central and Johnsburg went back and forth, but the Rockets had the ball last. And they took full advantage.

Ethan Mayfield hit the game-winning jumper as time expired to give the Rockets a 58-56 win in Big Northern East boys basketball action in Burlington Friday night.

Mayfield, who had been scoreless in the game, scored the Rockets' last 5 points. He made a steal under his own basket and got fouled, making 1 free throw to pull the Rockets even at 54. Then he scored on a breakaway layup to put Central (23-2, 11-0) ahead. After Nick Whiting tied it for Johnsburg with just over a minute left, BC held for 1 shot. With time running out, Mayfield found himself open and knocked down the game-winner as the Rockets tied the school record for wins in a season.

"I was right in between Ta (Harris) and Zach (Schutta) and nobody was on me, so I stayed right there and Luke gave it to me," said Mayfield. "I drove, Zach was coming around, I gave it to him, and quickly guys came on him. I got it back and went right to my shot."

Harris (18 points) and Schutta (16) had been the Rockets' big guns up to that point, so it was natural that they drew the attention of the Skyhawks' defense.

"We felt pretty good about getting the last shot," said Central coach Brett Porto. "We had Zach cutting and Ryan (Fitzgerald) cutting. The first drive wasn't there for Ethan, but then on the kickback, he could get into his shot. It was just a 15-footer that he makes all the time."

Neither team led by more than 5 points and the game saw 8 lead changes. Johnsburg's zone defense wouldn't let the Rockets establish anything inside, but Harris and Schutta combined for 6 3-pointers to keep Central in it.

The taller Skyhawks also dominated the glass with a 27-16 advantage.

"Johnsburg played with a lot of fight and toughness," Porto said. "They're a tall, physical team. They gave us everything they've got, but we were able to respond and make just enough plays to pull out a tight one here."

Fitzgerald added 12 points for Central.

Whiting finished with 17 points for Johnsburg. Michael Shelton added 14, and Joe Bein had 13 points and 9 rebounds for the visitors.