Burlington Central reaches Plano semifinals 5th straight year

Jake Lenschow throws passes in football at quarterback, but his sturdy 6-foot-4 frame seems better suited to the post in basketball.

Just not only there.

Lenschow, a Burlington Central senior, has plenty of tools at his disposal. He flashed them as facilitator several times Friday at Plano. On one occasion, he dropped off a perfect dime from the top of the key to a cutting Edward Wells for a layup.

"I switch it up based on matchups," Lenschow said. "I felt like tonight I could dish off the ball pretty well. I'm tall so I can see the floor well."

Lenschow did a little bit of everything, and he had company, as Burlington Central advanced to the semifinals of the Plano Christmas Classic for the fifth straight year with a 68-47 win over Morris.

The Rockets (8-3), the 2017 tournament champs, advance to face Kaneland at 7 p.m. Saturday.

Lenschow, the seasoned hand on Burlington Central as a fourth-year varsity player, anticipated the build-up as he noticed more cars in the parking lot Friday.

"It's different with a different team, but hopefully it's the same atmosphere," Lenschow said. "I told them as we go on the crowds get bigger, which makes it more fun for the younger guys. I don't think they've seen anything like it."

Lenschow had 15 points, seven rebounds and four assists, Zac Schmidt had 13 points, Joshua Hudgens 10 and Gavin Sarvis nine in a balanced effort.

Morris (6-5) came out hot from distance, Jack Walker knocking down four 3-pointers and scoring 14 points in the first quarter.

But the Rockets led 14-9 by the quarter turn, and 41-19 by halftime.

"We got lost on communication a couple times and we left them wide open and they knocked down their shots early," Lenschow said. "But we got it inside, got second chances and started running."

Indeed, Burlington Central forced 21 turnovers and several translated into offense. Schmidt, picking up where he left off Thursday, hit three 3-pointers in the first half to fuel the Rockets.

"We know they're a good shooting team; we just wanted to contest it and rush them as much as we could," Rockets coach Brett Porto said. "We felt we could speed them up at times, and that got us going offensively."

Lenschow finished well around the rim, and also at times led the Rockets' fast break. That's a part of his game that's blossomed over time.

"I've always liked passing, but I didn't really have to do that earlier in my career," Lenschow said. "Now I'm facilitating more."

It provides a matchup problem regardless of how opponents defend Lenschow. Which is good news to Porto and the Rockets. Burlington Central shot 50% in the first half, with several good looks near the basket.

"Jake is just a really good athlete at his size and his ability," Porto said. "If a smaller guy is on him he can go down to the post. If a bigger guy is on him he can go outside and break them down off the dribble. When he sees the court like that it makes us go."

Lenschow is aware that the going could get tougher Saturday.

Kaneland, from just down the road, comes in winners of six straight games after beating Yorkville Christian 64-46 Friday.

"It's a way tougher game, more of a Fox Valley Conference type game," Lenschow said. "I know they'll want us. They've been playing well too I've heard. It's going to be a battle."