Troy, Rochester, Rochester Hills

Rochester High boys basketball still tops in OAA Blue

By Christian Davis
C & G Sports Writer

» Click on image to view full size « Photo by Deb Jacques Rochester High senior Taylor Perry goes up for a shot against Troy Athens Jan. 27 at Athens. The Falcons won 49-42. Photo by Deb Jacques Rochester High senior Taylor Perry goes up for a shot against Troy Athens Jan. 27 at Athens. The Falcons won 49-42.

Rochester High boys basketball continued its roll in the Oakland Activities Association Blue Division.

The Falcons beat Troy Athens 49-42 Jan. 27 at Athens.

Rochester led by nine points after the first, but the Red Hawks began to cut into the lead in the second and third quarters, holding a 35-33 advantage heading into the fourth.

“We knew they were going to make a run. It’s their home gym, we just had to respond to it,” Rochester coach John Pleasant said.

The Falcons took over in the final frame, going on an 8-1 run to start the quarter. Senior guard Paris Pereria then put the game away with eight straight points in the final five minutes.

Pereria said the team didn’t panic when its lead evaporated.

“It’s their home crowd and tough to stop good teams,” he said.

Athens showed glimpses of a championship team, but coach Dave Scott said it wasn’t consistent enough.

“Rochester has a great team, and it’s something we’re still learning, but the play hard for 32 minutes. We’re getting there,” he said.

Rochester senior Taylor Perry led the Falcons with 17 points. Athens senior Caleb McIntosh led all scorers with 19.

Athens falls to 9-3 overall and 1-2 in the Blue. Rochester improves to 11-1 overall and 3-0 in the division.

You can reach C & G Sports Writer Christian Davis at cdavis@candgnews.com or at (586)498-1062.