The Macomb and Rockridge High School boys basketball teams have been involved in some epic battles through the years.
Tuesday night was not one of those times.
The visiting Bombers seized control in the second quarter and dominated thereafter in notching a 56-21 non-conference road victory.
Macomb notched its sixth straight victory, improving to 17-7 on the season.
Rockridge dropped to 3-17 in suffering its 15th consecutive loss dating back to Dec. 5.
“It was an outstanding team effort,” said MHS coach Jeremy Anderson.
The first period saw Nolan Hoge and Drew Watson score five points each as the Bombers took a 12-6 lead.
The second quarter saw the Bombers take over, outscoring the Rockets 19-2.
Kellen Martin scored nine points in the frame, while Carter Havens added a pair of 3-pointers as Macomb glided into halftime with a 31-8 lead.
“Defensively we were engaged and aware from the outset,” said Anderson. “We did a good job of limiting their leading scorer (Wade Richhart) and allowing one shot per trip.”
Macomb outscored the host 15-10 in the third stanza, upping the lead to 46-18 entering the final eight minutes.
Hoge led the offensive charge for the Bombers scoring eight points in the period.
The MHS defense allowed just one basket in the final period on the way to closing out the victory.
Macomb had three players reach double figures in scoring.
Hoge led the way with 13 points, followed by Martin with 12 and Watson with 11.
Havens added eight points, followed by Nick Elbe with five and Isaac Leinbach with three.
Cooper Hobson and Zacarion Conley chipped in two points apiece for MHS, who finished the contest with eight 3-pointers.
“Offensively, we moved the ball well and found the open man,” said Anderson. “It was a good, balanced effort.”
Rylan Day, Bell and Cade Fuhr scored six points each for Rockridge while Richhart added three points for the Rockets, who finished the game with just seven baskets.
The sophomore contest saw Macomb hold Rockridge scoreless in the final period on the way to recording a 39-28 victory.
The initial three quarters were back and forth.
Rockridge led 10-8 after the first frame before the Bombers pulled even at 18-18 by halftime.
The Rockets regained a 28-26 lead entering the final stanza, but were outscored by MHS 13-0 in the final minutes.
Macomb had three players finish in double figures, led by Corey Robinson’s 13 points that included four treys.
Luke Chapla and Levi Helling added 11 points each for the Bombers with Cameron Keene and Kollin Knupp chipping in two points apiece for the victors.
Robinson and Helling combined for 11 points in the fourth frame.
Bell topped Rockridge with 10 points.
The Bombers return to the road and Prairieland Conference South Division play Friday night at Astoria against South Fulton (4-17, 1-2 Prairieland South).
On Saturday, the Bombers head to Chillicothe for a non-conference contest against Illinois Valley Central (12-11).
