PLEASANT PLAINS - Rochester held off a late Staunton rally to win 52-49 in the second semifinal of the Class 2A sectional on Thursday at Pleasant Plains, advancing to the Sweet Sixteen.
Staunton ended its season at 29-4.
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Rochester built a 16-9 lead after the first quarter and maintained control through halftime, leading 28-21. The Rockets extended the margin to 39-30 after three quarters before Staunton mounted a comeback, outscoring Rochester 19-13 in the final period. Rochester still prevailed to move on.
Bryce Coalson led Staunton with 23 points. Isiah Laux added 10 points, Jeremiah Graham scored eight, Luke Moore had five and Lucas Dillon finished with three.
Rochester improved to 19-12 and will play Quincy Notre Dame Catholic in the sectional final Friday at 7 p.m.
In the second semifinal at Nashville, Carterville defeated Breese Central 46-43 to advance to Friday’s final against Benton, with a 7 p.m. tipoff. Carterville is now 30-3, while Breese Central’s season concluded at 23-10.
