ANNA — The Rockets opened their season with all the drama they could handle, surviving a late push from New Knoxville to secure a 51–50 win at home.

The Rangers, already 2–1 entering the night, made their move in the third quarter. Evan Fledderjohann finished in traffic to pull New Knoxville within one at 33–32, and moments later Parker Jones intercepted a pass and scored the other way to tie the game.

Anna answered just as quickly. A cross-court find set up Carter Wenning in the corner, and the lefty buried the three to swing the momentum back to the Rockets. Logan Ziegenbusch added a smooth up-and-under layup to keep Anna in front heading into the fourth.

Senior AJ Barhorst delivered a key basket off the glass in the final period, helping Anna withstand one last Rangers surge.

The Rockets held on in the closing seconds, escaping with a 51–50 victory to open their season in thrilling fashion.

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