Scharnowski, Rockets aiming high
Burlington Central graduated four starters from its record-breaking 31-victory season in 2021-22, which featured a regional championship.
But the return of Drew Scharnowski and some valuable role players stepping up in support were enough for a repeat regional championship.
Scharnowski, who is headed to Belmont next season, was dominant in leading the Rockets to their 28th victory and a return trip to sectionals. He finished with 35 points, 17 rebounds and eight blocked shots in a 68-54 victory against Wauconda.
Because Burlington Central plays in the Fox Valley Conference and didn’t play in high-profile shootouts or holiday tournaments, Scharnowski is arguably the best senior in the area fans haven’t seen. And that’s too bad because he is a super-skilled big man who not only is a go-to player but a security blanket for coach Brett Porto’s team.
At 6-9, he can handle the ball and initiate an offense and can provide a presence and rim protection around the basket.
Burlington Central is a program that has won a lot recently but never has won a sectional championship. But with Scharnowski and the home-court advantage, might this be the season the Rockets end that drought?
Burlington Central will face Rockford Boylan in a sectional semifinal Wednesday.
Clutch shots
There were several buzzer-beaters to enjoy in regional championship games around the area.
Geneva senior Jimmy Rasmussen made five three-pointers in the game, but his corner three — right in front of the student section — as the buzzer sounded gave the Vikings a stunning 43-42 victory against defending Class 4A champ Glenbard West.
Lincoln-Way East’s Kaiden Ross pulled up from 23 feet and sank a shot just before the buzzer to send the Griffins to the second regional title in program history with a 50-48 victory against Neuqua Valley.
And a steal by TJ Gorman in the closing seconds led to a layup by Ben Hanretty as the buzzer sounded to give Northridge Prep a 59-58 victory against Wheaton Academy.
West Suburban Silver success
If not for its aforementioned buzzer-beating loss to Geneva, Glenbard West would have been the fourth regional champion from the West Suburban Silver.
Nonetheless, it was quite an eye-opening night for a conference that has been one of the best throughout the season.
Hinsdale Central, Downers Grove North and Lyons entered Friday with a combined record of 82-11. All three played teams with 20-plus victories, including two that were ranked, in regional championship games.
Hinsdale Central and Downers Grove North took care of business with victories against Riverside-Brookfield and ranked Proviso East, respectively. But it was Lyons, which finished 8-4 in conference play, that turned in a mild stunner, beating No. 3 seed and fifth-ranked Curie.