Rogers boys hold off Start after building early lead

Sophomore OJ Waller's 27 points helped the Rogers boys basketball team hold off a second-half comeback surge from Start.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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The Rogers boys basketball team built an early 16-point lead over Start on Saturday, but had to hold off a second-half comeback surge to win 59-56. Sophomore OJ Waller led the Rams with 27 points, including four 3-pointers in the first quarter to spark the early lead. Start closed the gap in the second half, even taking a brief lead in the fourth quarter, but Rogers was able to regain the lead and hang on for the victory.

Why it matters

This was the first of two consecutive meetings between the Toledo City Athletic League foes, with the teams set to face off again in the TCAL Semifinals on Tuesday. The win keeps Rogers in the hunt for the TCAL title, while Start will look to rebound in the rematch.

The details

Rogers jumped out to a 24-11 lead in the first quarter, fueled by Waller's hot shooting. The Rams maintained a double-digit lead for much of the game, but Start chipped away at the deficit in the second half. The Spartans even took a 51-49 lead in the fourth quarter, but Rogers quickly regained control and held on for the victory. Trayden Booker added 15 points for the Rams, while Jayden Bobo contributed 10.

  • The game was played on Saturday, February 8, 2026.
  • The teams will meet again in the TCAL Semifinals at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, February 11, 2026.

The players

OJ Waller

A sophomore on the Rogers boys basketball team who led all scorers with 27 points, including four 3-pointers in the first quarter to spark the Rams' early lead.

Trayden Booker

A player for the Rogers boys basketball team who finished with 15 points, including 7 of 13 from the free-throw line in the second half to help the Rams maintain their lead.

Jayden Bobo

A player for the Rogers boys basketball team who contributed 10 points to the Rams' victory.

Cailin Hornbeak

A player for the Start boys basketball team who led the Spartans with 17 points in the loss.

Aiven Porter

A player for the Start boys basketball team who scored 13 points.

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What they’re saying

“We had a practice this morning, with coach Martin telling us the plays and everything that we needed to do. I just felt like it was us trusting God first, and then just listening to our coaches. With my teammates also, I feel like we can beat anybody.”

— OJ Waller (toledoblade.com)

“It was our third game this week, we had one day to prepare, and it showed. It showed early. Our legs were tired, and not making excuses, they did a good job... when it's a tough loss like that, I'm excited for the opportunity on Tuesday.”

— BJ Raymond, Start coach (toledoblade.com)

What’s next

The teams will meet again in the TCAL Semifinals at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, February 11, 2026.

The takeaway

This hard-fought game between two Toledo City Athletic League rivals sets the stage for an exciting rematch in the TCAL Semifinals, as both teams look to advance in the postseason.