Bay Rockets Boys Basketball Falls 61-44 at Westlake Despite Second Half Push

The Bay Rockets dropped a conference road matchup at Westlake on Tuesday night, 61-44, despite a strong third-quarter surge that briefly cut the Demon lead to single digits.

Bay stayed within striking distance through much of the first half, but late Demon baskets before the break created a two-possession deficit heading into the locker room, giving Westlake a 29-22 advantage.

The Rockets mounted their best run midway through the third quarter. Increasing defensive pressure and cleaner offensive possessions allowed Bay to chip away at the margin, trimming the Westlake lead to five. Stops on the perimeter and more active rebounding shifted momentum, giving the Rockets an opportunity to turn the conference game into a two-possession contest.

Westlake responded with a decisive counterpunch, stringing together key baskets to halt the Rockets’ run. A combination of timely shooting and second-chance points rebuilt the Demon lead to double digits by the end of the third period. From there, Bay was forced to chase the game, and Westlake’s ability to manage the clock and convert in the half court kept the Rockets from mounting another sustained push.

Offensively, Bay was led by Ethan George, who finished with a team-high 13 points. Emmitt Naughton scored 9 points and Brody Beggs added 8. Ryan Miller and Jack Bly would each bring in 5 rebounds. Kelan Rose would lead the team in assists, and be tied in the lead for assists with George and Beggs. Despite the final margin, the Rockets’ effort out of halftime showcased the team’s ability to respond to adversity on the road.

Bay closed the night at 44 points, unable to fully overcome Westlake’s early cushion and late answer to the third-quarter surge. The Rockets’ performance, highlighted by The Light the Fuse Player of the Game: Junior Brody Beggs' season-high 75% effective field goal percentage, offers building points as Bay continues through its regular-season conference schedule.