The East Rochester boys basketball team battled through a slow start and a late deficit to edge Avon, 57-56, in the Class B2 Championship on Saturday morning at Blue Cross Arena, securing their first sectional title since 2012 and the 11th in program history.
The second-seeded Bombers (20-3) trailed by eight after the first quarter and four at halftime but surged ahead with a strong third-quarter run, taking a four-point lead into the final period. The top-seeded Braves fought back despite being down by eight with 6:21 left to play. Avon’s Trevor Stroud hit a go-ahead three-pointer with 54 seconds remaining, but East Rochester responded when Elijah Tanner was fouled with 13.4 seconds left. Tanner sank both free throws to put the Bombers back on top. Avon had two chances for a game-winning shot in the final moments, but both missed, sealing East Rochester’s thrilling victory.
Elijah Tanner led the Bombers with a game-high 19 points and earned the Class B2 Most Valuable Player award. Tyler Leisten added nine, while Raydavion Allen and Jordan Nunn contributed eight apiece. Justice Allen scored seven, and Judan Tanner chipped in six.
Trevor Stroud paced Avon with 18 points, while Josh Harter finished with 10.
With the victory, East Rochester moves on to face World of Inquiry on Tuesday at 5:45 p.m. in the Class B Far West Regional Qualifier.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to [email protected].