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Burlington Central downs Huntley, completes 2nd straight undefeated FVC season

Burlington Central saved its best for last.

Nursing a slim 42-41 advantage after 3 quarters, the Rockets outscored Huntley 17-9 in the final quarter to register a 59-50 win in Fox Valley Conference action in Burlington Friday night.

The Rockets, who clinched their second consecutive FVC title Tuesday night, won their 30th straight league game.

The Rockets end the regular season with a 28-3 overall record and a perfect 18-0 slate.

"We feel we are ready for the postseason," said Central coach Brett Porto. "This was a good game for us. Huntley came ready to play and was very physical. Our experience certainly helps in the fourth quarter. We showed a lot of guts and effort tonight. It was a good high school basketball game."

With a narrow lead entering the fourth quarter, the Rockets extended their 1-point lead to 8 with a 7-0 run. Trestan Wagner's layup, Andrew Scharnowski's conventional 3-point play and Zac Schmidt's layup propelled the Rockets to a 49-41 lead with 5:33 remaining.

The Red Raiders (26-5, 15-3) responded with a 4-0 run keyed by 2 free throws from Ben Ahmer and a 5-footer in the lane by Adam Guazzo. Central's lead was sliced to 49-45 with 3:52 left.

The experienced Rockets connected on 6-of-7 free throws in the final 2 minutes to put the game on ice.

Carson Seyller was 4-of-5 from the charity stripe while Schmidt was a perfect 2-for-2.

Seyller and Gavin Sarvis paced the FVC champs with 18 points apiece,

Seyller was 6-of-9 from the field and 2-of-3 from beyond the arc.

"Tonight was a great atmosphere and we have a deep lineup," said Seyller, "We have so many offensive threats."

Sarvis, 7-of-12 from the field and 2-of-4 from 3-point land, grabbed 9 rebounds.

"We have been together for 3 years so we have to lock down defensively in the fourth quarter and make free throws," said Sarvis. "Huntley is a very good team. We are ready for the postseason and have high expectations."

Schmidt added 11 points for the Rockets.

Ahmer paced the Raiders with 15 points with 3 treys while Guazzo scored 13.

"Our kids played so hard," said Huntley coach Will Benson. "I can't fault our effort, It was a good high school basketball game."

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