It may have been three weeks in the making, but Aberdeen Roncalli kept its winning streak in tact Monday night.

The Cavaliers overcame a sluggish start to grab a 60-45 non-conference boys’ basketball victory over Leola-Frederick at Roncalli Gym. Roncalli has now won three straight after losing three in a row to start the season.

Early on, the Cavaliers looked like they hadn’t played since before the Christmas break, trailing 11-8 after the opening quarter.

“The start was rough. There was no energy to our team. It seemed like we were still on that three-week break,” said Roncalli coach Dan Gallagher. “Zee (Mounga) really did a good job of getting things going in the second quarter and it just set the tempo for the rest of the game. Three wins is three wins. It’s something to be proud of.”

The Titans were able to get the ball inside to fuel their opening run, but Roncalli then made a few adjustments, got into the passing lanes and began to change the momentum.

“We were getting beat on back doors or middle drives and they were dumping it to their post inside,” Gallagher said. “There was one time we got beat middle, but Zane Backous did a great job of stepping in, tipping one away and it created a fast break for us. That kind of just set the tempo for the rest of the way, on the defensive end at least.”

Roncalli led by three points at the halftime before taking control in the third quarter. The Cavaliers outscored the visitors 19-8 and played with more energy and intensity.

Keegan Stewart said Gallagher sent the team a message during intermission.

“Coming off the (three-week) break, Coach Gallagher really emphasized that we had to work hard, and through that first quarter we really didn’t do that too well,” Stewart said. “At halftime he wasn’t too happy. That gave us some energy to come out in that third quarter. That’s what gave us the lead.”

Stewart set the tone for the third quarter by hitting the first of his four three-point field goals in the second half. The sophomore finished with 21 points in the contest.

“My teammates did a great job of moving it around and getting me the ball when I needed it,” Stewart said. “They knew I was hot, so they were just going to keep giving it to me.”

Gallagher said Stewart’s outburst came within the flow of the offense.

“He’s been looking for his opportunities a little bit more and he found them tonight,” Gallagher said. “And by opportunities, I mean good shots. He did a good job of waiting, being patient and not forcing a lot. He’s a talented player.”

Mounga added 10 points to the Roncalli total, and Maddox Miller and Maddox May each contributed eight.

Noah Kippley had eight points and Brayden Sumption seven to lead the Titans, who were never able to find a rhythm offensively.

“We had a lot of bunnies that we missed, rolled of our hands, rolled off the rim,” said Leola-Frederick coach Brock Paschen. “It would be different if we weren’t getting those opportunties and we are, but we’re just not doing anything with them. That’s one of the more frustrating parts right now.”

Leola-Frederick plays North Central in Eureka this evening.

Roncalli will put its winning streak on the line Thursday when it hosts long-time rival Groton. The Tigers are 6-0 on the season.

Gallagher knows all about the long history between the two Northeast Conference foes.

“I remember my senior year when we had Lucas Lorenz hit a banked in game-winning shot against them,” Gallagher said. “That’s just the rivalry that lives on. It’s going to be a fun atmosphere.”

LEOLA-FREDERICK (0-5): Hans Lapka 1 2-2 4, Mason Hinz 0 0-1 0, Sam Vetter 2 0-0 4, Ethan Morlock 3 0-0 6, Colton Spitzer 2 1-2 5, Brayden Sumption 3 0-0 7, Stephen Achen 1 0-0 2, Noah Kippley 3 1-2 8, Vincent Petrich 2 1-2 5, Connor Spitzer 2 0-0 4. Totals 19-47 5-9 45.

ABERDEEN RONCALLI (3-3): Maddox Miller 3 2-3 8, Zee Mounga 3 4-6 10, Caden Shelton 2 1-1 5, Keegan Stewart 7 3-6 21, Maddox May 4 0-2 8, Darwin Gambler 0 1-2 1, Aiden Fisher 2 0-0 5, Jayden Monroe 1 0-0 2. Totals 22-50 11-20 65.

Leola-Frederick 11 22 30 45

Aberdeen Roncalli 8 25 44 60

3-point field goals – Sumption, Kippley, Stewart, Fisher. Total fouls – Leola-Frederick 17; Aberdeen Roncalli 13. Rebounds – Leola-Frederick 40 (Hans Lapka 7, Petrich 6); Aberdeen Roncalli 29 (May 6). Turnovers – Leola-Frederick 20; Aberdeen Roncalli 7.