Ritchie, Burlington C. light up new scoreboard

A host of dignitaries helped Burlington Central unveil its new scoreboard Friday night, but Ryan Ritchie really lit it up.

Ritchie hit five 3-pointers and scored 21 first-half points to lead the Rockets past Johnsburg, 68-65, in nonconference action.

Ritchie finished with 23 points, Ray Hunnicutt added 15, and Reed Hunnicutt chipped in 10 for the Rockets (4-3).

Mike Ward matched Ritchie, scoring 23 points for Johnsburg.

Ritchie scored 11 points in a 12-0 run late in the first half that put the Rockets in front at the break. With the Skyhawks' defense blanketing Ritchie, Ray Hunnicutt took over in the second half, scoring 12 points.

"My 3-point shot was on," said Ritchie. "After I made those first two, my confidence in my shot skyrocketed. I was really feeling my stroke today. When you're hot, keep shooting them."

Still, the Skyhawks overcame an 8-point deficit to take a 2-point lead late. Then it was Bryce Wagner's turn. Wagner converted a 3-point play to put Central back in front, 62-61. After Ward got the lead back for Johnsburg with a bucket, Wagner scored on a rebound to put the Rockets ahead to stay. Ray Hunnicutt then hit 4 straight free throws to seal it.

"I just wanted to get a rebound," said Wagner. "That was in the game plan. Coach had rebounding down as a key. That's all I did, and it was a team win tonight."

Central also introduced its new sound system, but the biggest noise came from the crowd, which had plenty to cheer about.

There were 8 lead changes in the fourth quarter alone.

"We battled," said Central coach Brett Porto. "That was one of those games that was back and forth. We got down a little bit in the second half and showed some grit in coming back."

Warner and Ray Hunnicutt each had 8 rebounds for the Rockets, who outrebounded the visitors, 36-32.

Central also got a bit lift from its bench.

The Rockets had 9 players score, and Moter Deng contributed 5 points and 4 rebounds off the bench.