Burlington Central finds reason to celebrate, snaps losing skid in win against Jacobs

ALGONQUIN – With 10 losses in its past 11 games, Burlington Central was looking for a reason to celebrate.

Central’s last win came in spectacular fashion, a two-point victory over St. Francis at the Montini Christmas Tournament only after forcing overtime on an improbable 35-foot buzzer-beater.

Central didn’t need those same kind of dramatics this time around but it felt just as good.

The Rockets led from start to finish Tuesday for a convincing 67-48 win against Jacobs in their Fox Valley Conference game, snapping a six-game skid.

“We were just waiting for [coach Mike] Carani to get in the locker room. We were all banging the lockers,” said sophomore guard Audrey LaFleur, who had a game-high 21 points and made five 3-pointers, also adding five assists and six steals.

“I think we all played a great game individually and as a team. It feels good to celebrate again.”

Sophomore guard Julia Scheuer got the Rockets (5-15, 3-7 FVC) rolling with 10 first-quarter points, including a layup with time running out. Scheuer is a first-year varsity player and has looked forward to playing with LaFleur, who is in her second year on varsity.

The two have been good friends most of their basketball playing careers.

“We’ve got good telepathy,” Scheuer said of her on-court connection with LaFleur. “It’s a lot different environment playing [varsity]. It’s a lot more competitive, and you have to work a lot harder. But you can’t let that bother you.”

Joining LaFleur and Scheuer in double digits on Central was sophomore center Ainsley Wilson, who came off the bench and scored 11 points and grabbed six rebounds.

LaFleur said she was looking to get her teammates like Wilson involved early.

“I feel like I have to lead more this year,” said LaFleur, who helped spark a 10-0 run to start the third quarter with two 3s. “Last season we had more experience and more people playing bigger roles.

“I was really proud of Ainsley tonight because she kept making all her shots and free throws. Everyone gave their best effort.”

Carani said LaFluer’s game is still evolving.

“We’ve been talking, trying to get the game to come to her versus her forcing it,” Carani said. “I think at times she feels like she’s got to do as much as she can out there. This was a great display of her trying to change that mindset and looking at what the defense is giving her and looking where those opportunities are.

“Knowing if I give a couple of assists here, it’s going to ultimately work its way back. The more she gets her teammates involved, it helps keep us better balanced and prevents defenses from trying to double- or triple-team her.”

Junior guard Zara Lewis led Jacobs (6-13, 3-6) with 14 points and six rebounds, Brianna Ramsey came off the bench and scored nine points, and Sienna Ryan chipped in five points. Olivia Schuster recorded four points and nine rebounds.

The Golden Eagles were unable to solve the full-court press of the Rockets, leading to 10 turnovers in the first quarter. Central led 19-7 after one.

“Their press, kind of like a lot of teams this year, gave us the most trouble,” Eagles coach Jonathon Reibel said. “We came out the second half, had a couple of deflections and poor passes that led to some quick scoring – and that kind of just deflated us.

“Seeing it get away from us in short minutes is a confidence killer.”

Central, meanwhile, hopes Tuesday’s victory leads to many more celebrations.

“This gives us a lot of motivation,” Scheuer said. “It gives us something to work for.”