Charles' triple-double propels Burlington Central to win
Burlington Central's Taylor Charles has the capability to dominate a game at both ends of the floor.
All the senior's skills were on display Wednesday night.
Posting a triple-double with 12 points, 10 rebounds and 10 blocked shots, Charles was a main cog in Burlington Central's 48-28 win over Crystal Lake South in Fox Valley Conference action in Burlington.
"Taylor had a great all around game," said Central coach Collin Kalamatas. "She was very efficient on offense and played well on the defensive end. It was a good night for Taylor."
Charles, who was 5-of-9 from the floor, grabbed 6 defensive rebounds and 4 off the offensive glass. She had 2 putback baskets.
"I really want to play well on defense and be a leader on this team," said Charles. "I know I have to step up. We have some kinks to work out but we are headed in the right direction."
The Rockets, who were 6-of-13 from 3-point range, were 19-of-35 from the field for 54 percent.
Both Samantha Origel and Rylie DuVal connected on a pair of 3-pointers for 6 points.
Off the bench, Lauren Knief connected on a shot from beyond the arc in scoring 7 points.
"Being a senior it is tough for Lauren to come off the bench," said Kalamatas. "She gives us aggressiveness and energy off the bench. She has accepted her role and done a great job."
Emma Payton made a 3-pointer for 3 points for the winners.
In a losing cause, Krees Nunnaly put on an incredible performance for the Gators. In scoring 23 of South's 28 points, Nunnally was 9-of-15 from the field and 1-of-2 from 3-point range. She grabbed 11 rebounds with 3 blocked shots.
"(Krees) played a great game," said Kalamatas. "It was certainly her night."
Connecting on 6-of-12 from the field and 3-of-6 from point range, the Rockets propelled to a 15-4 lead after 8 minutes.
Missing 6 layups, the Gators made only 2-of-12 from the field in the initial quarter.
With Central leading 22-10 at halftime, the Gators, with Nunnally scoring all 7 points, started the second half on a 7-0 run. South sliced the Rockets' lead to 22-17 with 5:55 left in the third quarter. The Gators didn't get any closer.
The Rockets put the game on ice with a 9-0 run. DuVal made a 3 and Charles connected on 3-of-3 from the field including 2 putbacks. Central extended a 5-point lead to 31-19 with 1:46 left in the third.
The Rockets' biggest lead was 48-26 with 1:44 remaining on a 3-pointer by Origel.