The Rochester boys basketball team played well at times on Wednesday, but the Warriors couldn’t do enough to keep up with high-powered Franklin Pierce and eventually fell 85-38.

Rochester coach Caleb Sells said that while the Warriors did allow 85 points, he was pleased with the defense’s overall effort.

What cost the Warriors against the Cardinals was a similar issue that they had against W.F. West; Rochester allowed plenty of second-chance points.

“They’re a really good team,” Sells said. “Even if you have a block out on some of these kids, it doesn’t matter. They’re all super athletic … Sometimes you just have to tip your caps.”

Sells was also optimistic about the Warriors night on the offensive end, noting that he is seeing substantial growth, even if it's not been reflected on the scoreboard yet.

“They’re buying in, and they’re getting better,” Sells said. “It’s not easy to do when you’re losing games, but it’s starting to show … They’re starting to play fun basketball.”

Kole Smith led the Warriors with 17 points, and Colton Weiss finished second on the team with eight.

“Smith, he just brings a confidence with him that’s contagious, and the other kids feed off it,” Sells said. “And Colton (Weiss), he’s doing so many things on the defensive side that impact the ball game. He’s made leaps and bounds in his growth.”

The Warriors (0-11, 0-1 1A Evergreen) will return to league play at home against Montesano on Friday.