The Rochester Rockets took the floor Friday night looking to capture their first sectional championship since 2005 as they faced the Quincy Notre Dame Raiders. Rochester entered the game hungry for more postseason success, but the Raiders quickly showed why they came in with only one loss on the season.
The game opened with a physical tone as both teams battled to establish toughness early. The first quarter felt like one of the longest of the season with constant contact and intensity on both sides. Quincy Notre Dame held a narrow 19 to 15 lead at the end of the first quarter.
Rochester responded in the second quarter behind the play of Eli Cox and Khorbin Gregory. The Rockets found their rhythm offensively and took a 26 to 24 lead with 3 minutes and 41 seconds remaining in the half. However Rochester went through a cold stretch shortly after.
Just before halftime the Gregory brothers stepped up in a big way doing what they have done all season by scoring and locking down defensively. Rochester closed the half with a late run with the trio making key plays both inside the paint and from beyond the arc. The Rockets carried momentum into the locker room trailing just 32 to 31.
Quincy Notre Dame came out strong in the second half using their size advantage to dominate the paint. The Raiders shot an impressive 7 of 10 from the field during that stretch and added several second chance points with tip ins.
Rochester, known for having one of the best defenses in the state all season, needed an answer. With 3 minutes and 34 seconds left in the third quarter Tanner Beal delivered a spark by attacking the basket and finishing a tough and one. The play cut into the deficit and ignited a Rochester push while trailing 46 to 39.
The Rockets continued to surge late in the quarter and battled back to make it a one possession game at 52 to 49 heading into the fourth quarter.
The final quarter featured a back and forth battle but the Raiders capitalized on key possessions down the stretch. Rochester also struggled at the free throw line leaving crucial points unclaimed that proved costly.
When the final buzzer sounded Quincy Notre Dame secured a 72 to 64 victory and advanced to the Super Sectional.
While the season ended short of a sectional title Rochester finished with its best season in 21 years ending the year 19 to 12 overall and bringing home a regional championship.
With basketball season now complete Rochester fans will not have to wait long to support their teams again. Rocket baseball and softball are right around the corner and before long the nine time state champion Rochester football program will be back on the field.
Kai Bruce with the CLUTCH 3-pointer
Khornell Gregory drills it for the Rockets
Tanner Beal save and Khordell Gregory FINISH
Khornell Gregory from DEEP
Steal and to the HOOP Reece Gade