FREDERICK – Aberdeen Roncalli could not have scripted a better start Thursday night.

The Cavaliers outscored Leola-Frederick 25-3 in the opening quarter en route to a 62-51 non-conference boys’ basketball victory.

“It was a strong start,” said Roncalli coach Dan Gallagher.

While the 25-point period was an impressive offensive output, Gallagher said it was defense that led to that production.

“Our defense really stepped up. I think a lot of our points in the first quarter came off of transition and forced turnovers,” Gallagher said. “Defense was kind of where we wanted to step up this game and emphasize pressure the basketball. It worked and we were able to get out to a fast start with it.”

Seven different players scored for Roncalli in the pivotal period, including reserves Zane Backous and Brody Weinmeister.

Backous had six points and Weinmeister four in the first quarter, and also helped key the defensive effort.

“Zane and Brody both came in and did a great job of getting on the ball, staying in help side and forcing some turnovers there, too,” Gallagher said.

The coach also praised the defensive play of Darwin Gambler and Cade Shelton on Leola-Frederick’s Brayden Sumption and Noah Kippley.

“We game-planned around a couple of guys,” Gallagher said. “We knew that Sumption could do a lot of things really well, and we knew that Kippley could shoot lights out if he got open.”

While each of those players each scored a dozen points to lead the Titans, Gallagher said they had to work to get them.

Gallagher noted that center Maddox May also played a key role as the Cavaliers were opening up their commanding lead.

“He just made sure in that first half they were limited to one shot and one shot only,” Gallagher said.

Maddox Miller led all scorers with 19 points to pace the Cavaliers. Backous finished with 11, and Shelton added nine.

The victory evened Roncalli’s record at 2-2 on the season and provided a road win over a quality foe.

“Obviously, don’t want to celebrate too much,” Gallagher said, “but the guys know this is a great game for us.”

The Cavaliers head to Onida to take on Sully Buttes in another non-conference game on Monday.

ABERDEEN RONCALLI (2-2): Maddox Miller 7 1-1 19, Caden Shelton 4 1-1 9, Darwin Gambler 2 0-0 4, Aiden Fisher 2 1-2 7, Maddox May 3 0-0 6, Brody Weinmeister 1 2-2 4, Zane Backous 3 3-4 11, Parker Grieben 1 0-0 2. Totals 23 8-10 62.

LEOLA-FREDERICK (1-2): Brayden Sumption 4 4-6 12, Noah Kippley 5 1-2 12, Sam Vetter 2 0-2 4, Hans Lapka 2 1-2 5, Connor Spitzer 1 0-0 3, Stephen Achen 1 0-2 3, Taylor Himanga 1 0-0 2, Milo Sumption 2 0-0 4, Ethan Petrich 2 2-3 6. Totals 20 8-19 51.

Aberdeen Roncalli 25 36 51 62

Leola-Frederick 3 24 32 51

3-point field goals – Miller 4, Fisher 2, Backous 2; Kippley, Spitzer, Achen. Total fouls – Aberdeen Roncalli 15; Leola-Frederick 11.