Burlington Central falls to Rockford Auburn in title game

The Burlington Central girls basketball team had no answer for Rockford Auburn's quickness, pressure or Tierny Austin on Wednesday night.

Auburn forced 16 first-half turnovers, many leading to easy points, to lead by 21 at the break and Austin had 18 points and 11 rebounds in the opening half as the Knights cruised past the Rockets, 63-35, to claim the Burlington Central Thanksgiving Classic title.

"We have to stay relaxed, poised and calm," Central coach Stephanie Smith said. "You've got to slow down."

The Rockets (4-1) stayed close for 4 minutes of the first quarter, trailing 6-4. But Auburn scored 9 of the final 11 points of the quarter to take a 15-6 lead. The Knights then scored the first 12 points of the second quarter to open up a 27-6 advantage. Austin scored 7 points during the run. The Rockets went 6-for-17 from the field to go along with 16 turnovers in the first half.

The Knights led 35-14 at halftime and led by 29, 48-19, midway through the third quarter.

Austin, a junior who was named to the all-tournament team, finished with 25 points, 15 rebounds and 5 steals. Nine of her rebounds were offensive.

"I think it's good that our girls play against talent like that," Smith said. "If you can compete with players like that, you can compete with anyone in the conference."

Atiya Roby, also named to the all-tournament team, and Phyllis Woodard each added 8 points for Auburn.

Taylor Colby led the Rockets with 10 points. Ali Settanni added 9 points and 6 rebounds. Brenda Thasavong had 7 points and 9 rebounds off the bench. Colby and Jordan Maisto earned all-tournament honors.

Despite the poor result in the title game, Smith likes how the Rockets have started the season in her first year.

"I told the kids, 'I'm not going to come in here and yell at you. I'm proud of you. I'm proud of what you've accomplished so far. Who would have thought you'd be 4-1,' " Smith said.