The Rochester High School boys basketball team whittled a 17-point deficit to single digits in the second half, but couldn’t buy the timely bucket to cut down more in a 54-43 non-league setback against Aberdeen on Saturday afternoon.

Rochester (1-16) was 3-of-19 from downtown and as is the case for much of the season, first-year head coach Caleb Sells was pleased with how those shots came to be.

“They were the right kids shooting the right shots,” Sells said. “The ball didn’t bounce our way. Proud of the kids’ effort. They fought and darn near pulled it off.”

It was a stark contrast from a 40-point blowout Aberdeen notched in mid-December. The Warriors led by four after the opening quarter and trailed by one entering the locker room. The Bobcats took control of the second half en route to the win.

Brayden O’Connor and Emmit Mancuso led Rochester with 10 points apiece. The Warriors return to 1A Evergreen league action on Tuesday against Montesano.