McCurdy guides Rockets to final

Published in the Kane County Chronicle on
February 27th, 2008


McCurdy guides Rockets to final
By KEVIN JENISON - editorial@kcchronicle.com
Comments (2 comment(s))-->SYCAMORE – Mike McCurdy is sure to be on the mind of the Kaneland boys basketball team for a long while.The Burlington Central senior made move after move and hit shot after shot in a complete performance against the Knights, leading his team to a 56-55 win in Tuesday’s IHSA Class 3A Sycamore Regional semifinals.McCurdy scored a game-high 24 points before fouling out in the final minute.“[Being in foul trouble] I had to settle for shots,” McCurdy said. “In the end, I had faith in our guys to make the shots and win it.”The Rockets advance to play the winner of today’s Oswego-Sycamore game in the regional finals Friday.“This time of year it doesn’t matter how you win,” Central coach Chris Payne said. “Just as long as you win.”With Central seemingly in control throughout, Kaneland (10-17) fought back in the fourth quarter to bring the game within a basket four different times, but never could catch the Rockets.With 15 seconds left and Kaneland down, 56-55, the Knights drove the length of the court. Sophomore Ryley Bailey put up a soft baseline jumper that rimmed out, and Central knocked the ball across the court as time expired.“We knew [Kaneland] was going to spread out and go to the basket,” Payne said. “[Bailey] got a decent look and I guess we’re lucky he didn’t make it.”The rematch of a regular-season game, which Central won by two, did not disappoint, with both teams showcasing fast-paced offensive attacks and stingy defenses.Kaneland, the underdogs to top-seeded Central (21-6), used a balanced offense to combat Central’s perimeter air raid and keep within a 26-23 deficit at the half.Rockets sophomore Shane Larkin came alive in the third quarter, scoring eight points in the quarter as Central built a nine-point lead.The Knights needed a fourth-quarter comeback, and who better to lead them than senior guard Nick Wagner. Wagner, who hit the game-winner against Sandwich the previous night, took control. A steal and a quick layup brought the Knights within 46-41 with 5:30 to go.Kaneland’s final point came when Kevin Green split two free throws with 23 seconds left. The Knights then fouled Matt McCurdy, who missed the front end of a one-and-one, setting up Bailey’s final shot.Free-throw shooting loomed large. While Central made 11 of 12 for the night, Kaneland struggled, shooting 7 for 15.“I thought we did everything we could do,” Knights coach Dennis Hansen said. “We just couldn’t knock down the free throws.”