The Rochester Rockets boys basketball team put up a strong fight Friday night but came up short against an aggressive Lanphier Lions squad, falling 64–55 in a Central State Eight Conference matchup.
Rochester came out with energy from the opening tip, as Nate Swaney and the Gregory brothers set the tone early and helped ignite the home crowd. The fast pace and physical play made for an entertaining start, with both teams pushing the tempo in a game that showcased the intensity of conference basketball.
As the game wore on, Lanphier’s speed and pressure began to show. Lions guards repeatedly attacked the paint and looked to score early in possessions, a point Rochester head coach Tony Gavin highlighted before the game when discussing Lanphier’s tenacity and quickness. That style allowed the Lions to slowly create separation.
Eli Cox was a bright spot for the Rockets, battling inside and providing a strong presence down low, particularly in the second half, as Rochester worked to keep the game within reach. Despite the effort, Lanphier maintained control down the stretch to secure the road win.
With the loss, Rochester falls to 2–5 on the season and sits tied for seventh in the Central State Eight with Normal University High. Lanphier improves to 3–1 in conference play and 3–5 overall.
The Rockets will have a brief break before returning to action Monday night, when they host a tough Springfield squad at home with tipoff scheduled for 7 p.m.