Excuse the pun, but Rockridge rocketed out to a fast start, outscoring Canton 16-2 in the first quarter. Canton fought back, but the 3rd seed Rockridge was just too much in this one. They go on to get the win by a score of 51-27.
Rockridge (7-3) led wire-to-wire in this one. The largest score gaps were in the first and fourth quarters, when the Rockets outscored the Little Giants 29-8. The middle two quarters were much closer, as Rockridge led those two frames by a score of 22-19.
Canton dug a large hole in the first quarter, trailing 16-2 at the first horn. The pep talk was a good one and they had a much more respectable second quarter. The Little Giants’ biggest problem, however, was holding onto the ball. Canton finished with 18 turnovers compared to only 11 field goals.
Rockridge was led in scoring by Nate Henry’s 16 points. Maverick Chisholm pitched in eight points and Jenson Whiteman added seven of his own. Cole Rusk had game-highs in rebounds (seven), assists (six), and blocks (four).
Canton had two scorers in double figures (Trey Passmore with 11 and Jackson Churchill with 10). The Little Giants did have an advantage in fast break points, where they outscored Rockridge 9-8.
Rockridge advances to the second round, where they face Liberty in Game 13 (tomorrow 5:00pm). Canton moves onto the Consolation bracket, where they will play Brown County in Game 9 (tomorrow 9:00am).
Chris Derry
December 26, 2019