“We needed this,” admitted Adam Shelton, Rochester’s second-year head coach. “It’s a win and it’s a win in the tournament. We get a chance to play (in the finals). We’ll see how we do against West Bloomfield.”
The Flacons will play West Bloomfield in the finals at 6 p.m. Thursday at Rochester. West Bloomfield defeated Madison Heights Madison in the other semifinal Tuesday.
Rochester trailed 10-9 after the first quarter but used a 1o-3 run in the second period to earn a 19-13 advantage at the halftime in the defensive struggle. Both teams traded off 13 points in the third frame, as the Falcons held a 32-26 lead entering the final eight minutes.
Mount Clemons (1-4) outscored Rochester 8-6 in the fourth quarter, but the Falcons’ defense withstood the comeback bid.
Sophomore Zhana Randolph scored eight points and Kristin Garr added six points for Rochester (1-5). The Falcons had lost seven in a row dating back to last season, including a loss to Lake Orion in last year’s Class A district semifinals.
“This will help us, especially with our confidence,” said Sheldon. “The girls have been working really hard. We just haven’t been able to win until now.”
Deshaunna Turner scored a game-high 13 and Sheanna Davis added 10 points for the Bathers, who had just four players score points.
