Fourth-quarter push not enough as Bay Boys Basketball falls to Normandy, 67-52

Bay Boys Basketball’s comeback bid on Senior Night fell short as the Rockets cut a double-digit deficit to one possession early in the fourth quarter before ultimately dropping a 67-52 decision to Normandy at home.

Trailing 45-38 entering the fourth quarter, Bay opened the final eight minutes with a surge sparked by sophomore guard Henry Schriner. Schriner buried back-to-back 3-pointers to slice the Normandy lead to 47-44, giving the Rockets new life and swinging momentum toward the hosts. Each time, however, Normandy answered immediately, responding to Schriner’s makes with either a second-chance putback or a 3-pointer of its own to keep Bay at arm’s length.

The Rockets faced an uphill climb most of the night after a slow start. Normandy built a 20-12 advantage by the end of the first quarter and extended the margin to 39-29 at halftime as Bay struggled to string together stops. The Rockets tightened defensively in the third quarter, limiting Normandy’s open looks and holding them to just six points in the frame while trimming the deficit to 45-38 heading into the final quarter.

Bay’s best stretch came in that third and early-fourth-quarter window. After chipping away to get within seven by the end of the third, the Rockets continued to attack. Following Schriner’s early fourth-quarter barrage from beyond the arc, a strong drive and finish from Beggs pulled Bay within four points. Once again, Normandy had the answer, knocking down another 3-pointer on the ensuing possession to push the lead back to three possessions and effectively halt the Rockets’ momentum.

Ryan Miller led Bay with 13 points, providing consistent scoring throughout the night. Ethan George added 11 points, giving the Rockets another reliable option on the perimeter. Schriner finished with 10 points, with his two fourth-quarter 3-pointers highlighting the Rockets’ late push to get back into the game.

Bay also received key contributions in the all-around game. Kelan Rose filled the stat sheet with four rebounds and four assists, helping to facilitate the offense and extend possessions. Emmitt Naughton handed out three assists, contributing to ball movement against Normandy’s defense, while Jack Bly battled on the glass for five rebounds to help the Rockets stay competitive on the boards.

Despite the loss, the Rockets showed resilience in battling back from early deficits of 20-12 after the first quarter and 39-29 at halftime. The improved defensive effort after the break and the balanced scoring display offer building blocks as Bay looks ahead to the next stretch of the season and seeks to turn late-game pushes into complete, four-quarter performances.

Before the game, Seniors Jack Bly and Ethan George were celebrated and recognized. Bay Basketball again wants to say THANK YOU to these two young men for all they have done for Rocket Basketball. We wish you all the best on your future endeavors.