Go big or go home. Burlington Central’s Nicholas Gouriotis figures out the difference. ‘He finished every time.’

When he gets the ball down low, Burlington Central’s Nicholas Gouriotis typically has a plan.

“Every game I pump fake to get the guys jumping,” Gouriotis said. “Try to get the and-one.”

Teammate Drew Scharnowski, a 6-foot-7 senior center, has been pleading with Gouriotis, a 6-4 senior forward, to be even more aggressive in those type of situations.

The Belmont recruit was on Gouriotis once again during Tuesday’s practice heading into Wednesday’s Class 3A Burlington Central Sectional semifinal against Rockford Boylan.

“We knew we had the height advantage,” Gouriotis said. “He said, ‘You better not pump fake.’ All right, I won’t.”

Gouriotis was true to his word, scoring nine points as the catalyst in a dominant 17-1 start to the game. The avalanche continued from there as the Rockets cruised to a 65-33 win.

Scharnowski led Burlington Central (29-5) with 16 points, 14 rebounds, five steals and three blocked shots. Caden West added 12 points and Gouriotis had 11.

All of Gouriotis’ points came in the first half for the Rockets, who advanced to play at 7 p.m. Friday against Marmion (22-11) for the sectional title.

Afterward, Scharnowski chimed in about why Gouriotis was good to go.

“I always tell him to stop pump-faking and go straight up,” Scharnowski said. “That’s what he did (Wednesday). He finished strong. He finished every time.

“That just shows the hard work he’s put in, and I’m proud of him.”

Stifling defense was the backbone of the hot start for the Rockets. They limited Rockford Boylan (22-13) to 0-for-7 shooting and a mere free throw in the first quarter.

Jake Johnson and Gouriotis sandwiched Scharnowski’s dunk to start the scoring. Scharnowski ended the first quarter with basket off a rebound.

Gouriotis then started the second quarter with a 3-pointer. The Titans never cut the lead to single digits again.

“It’s just special,” Gouriotis said. “I’ve watched Central basketball for years. To be able to start a game like that and get momentum right away is huge for us.

“When we come out guns blazing, it’s great.”

Scharnowski said Gouriotis is the team’s hardest worker, providing energy and heart. That’s why Burlington Central coach Brett Porto took the hot start in stride.

“He does a lot of the little things for us,” Porto said. “He’s a great rebounder. He plays with a great motor, and he’s worked really hard for moments like this.

“So it doesn’t surprise me he’s successful in these moments.”

Already up 14 points, the Rockets went on a 19-2 spurt late in the second quarter to grease the wheels. Johnson, Scharnowski and West scored four points apiece in that span.

But the difference, as it has been all season, was defense. Boylan shot 5 of 21 in the first half and the Rockets outrebounded the Titans 24-11, building a lead that reached 31 points.

“It was really smothering them — ball pressure,” Gouriotis said. “We knew who their guys were. We knew they wanted to drive more. We knew we could overwhelm them with defense.”

Scharnowski didn’t have one of his massive scoring games, but he still dominated on many levels. He also provides the leadership needed from a Division I recruit.

“It’s awesome because he makes you better every day,” Gouriotis said. “He’s not just there because of luck. He works hard, there’s no doubt about it.

“In practice every day, he makes everybody better.”

As a player at Burlington Central, Porto experienced the thrill of competing for a sectional championship. He knows the significance of this moment.

The program has never been able to break through and win a sectional title. The Rockets get another chance, this time Friday against Marmion.

“I think I watched two of the sectional final games when I was younger,” Gouriotis said. “It’s awesome to be here now and be on a team that can make history.”

Paul Johnson is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.