Burlington rolls over Marengo

The Burlington Central boys basketball team has been able to get out quickly and dictate play early in games this season.

The issue has been maintaining the momentum.

Central started quick Friday night, continued to dominate all game and cruised to an 84-62 Big Northern East victory over Marengo in Burlington.

“It's always nice to get a fast start. One of our problems has been sustaining it,” Central coach Brett Porto said. “That four-quarter battle, understanding that it's 32 minutes of basketball.”

The Rockets (4-3, 2-0), who have won three straight, scored 5 points in the opening minute and shot 9 for 14 in the first quarter to take a 21-7 lead after 8 minutes. The Indians (1-7, 0-1) appeared frustrated by Central's pressure defense, turning the ball over four times and shooting only 3 for 12 in the first quarter.

“That's the main focus for us,” said Central senior Sam Klein, who had 7 first-quarter points. “The better we come out, the better we are for the long run in the game.”

Central increased the lead to as many as 19 in the second quarter and 25 in the third. The 84 points is a season high for the Rockets, who scored at least 20 points in every quarter.

Klein scored 20 points to lead four Central players in double figures. Ray Hunnicutt added 16 points. Tim Sullivan hit three 3-pointers, in the first 12 ½ minutes and finished with 15 points. Thomas Fitzgerald added 10. Ryan Ritchie also had 8 off the bench.

“We're starting to get the idea offensively of how we want to play, how we want to share the basketball,” Porto said. “I think tonight you saw how we like to play.”

Zack Lundquist led Marengo with 22 points, 14 coming in the second half.