Lenschow leads Burlington Central past Crystal Lake South

Burlington Central and Crystal Lake South shared control of Friday's Fox Valley Conference game.

The Rockets took charge during the most important part of the contest, the last four minutes. Clinging to a 50-48 lead with 3:47 to play, the host Rockets went on a 10-4 run to win, 60-55.

The run started on a Carson Seyller basket on a well-executed inbound play. On South's next possession, Jake Lenschow, after grabbing the rebound, went the full length of the court for a layup.

Central free throws before and after a baseline layup by the Gators' Brock Jewson (14 points) put the Rockets up 58-52 with 30 seconds to play.

Lenschow, who led all scorers with 21 points, ended the run with two more free throws.

"The difference in the fourth quarter was number 22 - Lenschow," South coach Matt LePage said. "The kid played amazing. He made so many incredible plays. He was on another level."

Damir Glamoc, South's leading scorer with 15 points, hit a 3-point basket as time expired for the final score.

Central (18-8, 9-5) took charge at the game's tip, running out to 13-4 lead after the first four minutes play and led 18-8 at the end of the first quarter.

Momentum swung South's way in the second frame. Frustrating Central with different zone defenses and getting its offense on track, South (8-12, 3-8) outscored the Rockets 16-9 and narrowed the gap to 27-24 at halftime.

"We stopped turning the ball over and we were able to set our defense," said LePage about the second quarter.

"Their length in that zone is really good and they switched up zone looks," said Central coach Brett Porto. "Whether it was the 1-3-1 or the flat 3-2, once we figured out the cut or the middle entry, we were pretty good with that."

The two teams played evenly in the third quarter at a fast pace tempo, combining for 40 points in the period. The Rockets led 48-43 to start the fourth quarter.

"It was helter-skelter in the third quarter," LePage said. "I thought both teams like to play at that style."

"We played very confidently on offense with our execution and ball movement for the most part," Porto said. "They just came off a really big win on Tuesday so we knew we were going to get their best."

Zac Schmidt scored 10 points for the Rockets. Tyler Miller tallied 12 for the Gators.