Boone Central took care of business in the sub-district round of postseason play this past week, putting the Cardinals within one step of the final step to every team’s preseason dream.
Boone Central, as host for the C1-6 Sub-District tournament, defeated Madison and Scotus Feb. 23 and 25 and advanced to Monday’s C1-1 District final at Crete High School to face undefeated C1 #1 Auburn (22-0).
B. Central 69, Madison 37
Boone Central was sharp in the opening quarter of the 2020-21 postseason, breaking to a 23-3 lead over outmatched Madison (2-18). The Cardinals’ attention may have wavered a bit in the second period before BC boosted a 39-19 halftime lead with an 18-11 third quarter run.
“We had a great start to the game. We didn’t continue to pile it on in the second quarter, but finally started putting the game out of reach in the third,” acknowledged Cardinal Coach Justin Harris. “Our press and constant pressure led to 42 Madison turnovers. I thought we did a good job of attacking, and it was our third game in a row holding a team under 40 points.”
B. Central 55, Scotus 41
With the spotlight just a bit brighter in the do-or-die C1-6 final Thursday, Boone Central began slowly, then used a torrid third quarter to propel a 55-41 victory over plucky Scotus (8-15).
Scotus parleyed four 3-point baskets into an early 12-3 lead and maintained a one-point edge following a 7-0 Boone Central run to close the first quarter. The visiting Shamrocks forged a 25-21 lead at halftime as the Cardinals struggled offensively.
Boone Central matched its first half output in the third period along, blitzing the Shamrocks 21-6 and taking a 42-31 lead into the fourth quarter. Trailing 30-26 two minutes into the second half, the Cardinals scored 18 of the game’s next 19 points. Scotus was forced to foul in a final rally attempt and Boone Central iced the win by sinking 10-of-16 free throws in the final stanza.
“Scotus came out firing, but we had a great run to end the quarter. Alex Christo played a great game, as he attacked and shot really well,” Harris commented. “The third quarter was the difference in the game. Calvin (Webster) and Duistin (Andreasen) really gave us a spark to get the team rolling and we went on a 17-1 run. We did a great job of making free throws down the stretch and taking care of the ball, finishing with a season-low seven turnovers.
“I loved how the team focused on the things we needed to do to win that game. Our bench and underclassmen behind the bench did an excellent job showing enthusiasm and being part of the game.”
Further details in Print & Online editions of Albion News/Boone County Tribune
