The Rochester Rockets traveled to Pleasant Plains to take on one of the top teams from Southern Illinois, the Staunton Bulldogs, in a high-stakes sectional semifinal matchup. With a trip to the sectional championship on the line, the Rockets community showed up in full force, packing the stands and turning the gym into a sea of white. The Rocket student section was loud and proud all night long in a “WHITE OUT,” doing their part to push their team toward state.
From the opening tip, Rochester came out soaring.
Senior sharpshooter Kai Bruce caught fire early, knocking down multiple three-pointers in the first half and setting the tone offensively. The Rockets were confident, composed, and aggressive, jumping out to a 16-9 lead after the first quarter. Bruce’s quick trigger from beyond the arc made it clear Rochester meant business.
The second quarter turned into a defensive battle. Both teams tightened up, forcing tough shots and limiting transition opportunities. Rochester knew this wouldn’t come easy. Several players were battling through not feeling 100%, forcing adjustments in rotations and lineups. Still, the Rockets responded. Khorbin Gregory stepped up in a big way, delivering crucial passes and finishing strong in the paint to keep the offense steady.
Rochester carried a 39-30 lead into the fourth quarter, but the Bulldogs weren’t done yet.
Staunton’s Bryce Coalson, wearing No. 20, went on a heater from beyond the arc. Every look seemed to fall as he buried clutch three after clutch three, cutting the Rockets’ lead to 52-49 with just seven seconds remaining. The momentum had shifted, and the pressure was on.
That’s when Rochester locked in.
Head coach Tony Gavin drew up a defensive trap on the right side corner of the court, determined to take the ball out of Coalson’s hands. The Rockets executed it perfectly. Staunton never even got a clean look at the rim.
Final score: Rochester 52, Staunton 49.
The Rockets are moving on.
Kai Bruce led the way with 18 points — all from downtown — draining six three-pointers in a lights-out performance. It was a night defined by resilience, execution, and a community that traveled loud and proud.
Rochester now turns its focus to a showdown with the Quincy Notre Dame on Friday night in the Sectional Final, with a trip to state on the line.
Kai Bruce talks 18 point game hitting 6 3-pointers.
Tanner Beal scores a TOUGH AND ONE for the Rockets
Khordell Gregory drills it from DEEP for Rochester
Kai Bruce from DOWNTOWN In the first half for the Rockets