Rockdale’s young basketball team suffered their second district loss on Tuesday night, falling 55-40 to Rogers at home.
The home team found themselves in a game of catch up after the Eagles hit a series of early three-pointers which led to the Blue-and-Gold trailing 13-2 at the close of the first quarter.
The remainder of the game was much more even, but the Tigers could never make up for the deficit created in the opening quarter.
Senior Raymond McBride led the way with 13 points. Sophomore Ivan Bonner had nine and classmate Braden Thomas had seven.
Despite the loss, head coach Marcus McNeil had a lot of positive things to say about his squad, that only had one senior and junior take the floor in Tuesday night’s district matchup.
“Right now, I’m very hopeful with this young group and one of our seniors that’s playing really tough,” McNeil said. “Once we get a little consistency of people being at practice, people not quiting or staying focused, we’re going to take off.”
The second-year coach is also optimistic about the direction this group is headed in.
“I think we’re starting to have faith in what we can do,” McNeil said. “Once we start playing with love for each other, that’s when we’re going to make it happen.”
LAST WEEK—A f ter Christmas, Rockdale had three days in a row of games scheduled last week.
However, due to COVID-19 concerns, teams from Bartlett and Bellville canceled their games with RHS on Dec. 29 and ultimately, the Tigers played one game last Wednesday when they hosted Iola.
The Tigers lost to the Bulldogs 50-32 after being unable to make up for a 20-2 Iola run in the first.
Thomas led with 10 while Wyatt Windham had eight and McBride had seven.
COMING UP—With an 0-2 record in district play, RHS heads to Lexington on Friday looking to get their first victory.
The Tigers took down the Eagles both times last season including a 67-63 victory in Lee County where now starters Braden Thomas and Colten Bradshaw made their varsity debut as freshmen.
They face an Eagle team that also 0-2 with a 81-32 loss in Academy on Monday, Dec. 29, and a 68-67 loss to Cameron on Tuesday.
Tip-off is scheduled for 7:15 p.m., following the conclusion of the Lady Tigers’ game.
JUNIOR VARSITY— Even though the varsity struggled against Iola, the JV came out on top 45-44 prior with sophomore Devon Hicks scoring 13.
Other key contributors to Rockdale’s win were Windham with eight, Mario Casarez and Jake Hasselbach scoring six points each.
Christopher Miles and Mason Willard both had five.
Due to a shortage of officials in the area related to COVID-19 safety measures, their game with Rogers was canceled.
The JV is scheduled to be resume district on Friday in Lexington.
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