Rockville shaping into a contender

Rockville 48, Watkins Mill 42

Friday’s victory marked Rockville’s seventh in nine games. It’s now 10-6 (6-4 in the 3A⁄2A⁄1A West), amid its best season since 1999-2000, when it compiled a 14-9 record en route to winning the Montgomery 2A⁄1A Division title.

‘‘I think these girls are trying to make me go gray before I’m 28,” Rockville coach Mark Crichton said. ‘‘They showed a lot of character [Friday]. They could’ve just folded up their tent. But they’re veterans now. And they kept fighting.”

Rockville was certainly favored to win Friday’s contest handily. The Wolverines (2-16, 0-10 in the 3A⁄2A⁄1A West) have won just two games the last three years, but had beaten Rockville by 15 points in the teams’ previous matchup this season. But while scoring has been a challenge for the Wolverines this season, their defense has been reliable. And Rockville struggled against the pressure early.

Normally a guard-oriented squad, the Rams were unable to find many open shots early Friday. And even the ones they did get weren’t falling — they fell behind 20-14 at halftime. But when the third quarter began, they started to look inside, something they’ve done regularly on the last couple games. And it worked.

Senior forwards Mary Gorman (14 points) and Marissa Armour (11 points) dominated the paint to lead Rockville in scoring for the second straight game. Their play inside helped open up the floor for Rockville and it took advantage. The Rams’ season-leading scorers, senior Shaday Doyley and sophomore Zamica Gage both scored seven of their 10 points in the second half Friday.

Rockville outscored Watkins Mill, 17-10, in the third quarter to gain control of Friday’s contest, leading 31-30 at the end of the period. It never trailed again.

‘‘Most of us have been playing for three years together now, we know how we all play and what we have to do to go off of that and be successful,” Armour said. ‘‘I’ve known Mary [Gorman] since middle school. We both know what we’re good at it and we use that. I know she likes the high post and I’m better down low. So, we look for each other and play off each other’s strengths.”

Many questioned why first-year Watkins Mill coach Ivan Hicks took over the Wolverines girls basketball program in 2007-08 — it had been winless since 2005-06 and he’d had a marvelous five-year run (94-27 record) at cross-town Gaithersburg. But he saw the potential to build something special in Montgomery Village. And while their record may not reflect it, though the Wolverines have already won more games this season than the last two combined, they’ve taken large strides since November.

Led by freshmen Jasmine McRoy (19 points) and Jartu Town (10 points), Watkins Mill controlled Friday’s game early. It displayed a newfound understanding of the game. The Wolverines have settled into their positions. They know where they’re supposed to be and what they’re supposed to do. But, evident in Friday’s streaky performance, have been unable maintain a consistent level for 32 consecutive minutes. If they acquire that consistency, they’ll be a team to contend with.

‘‘We played very well in that first half,” Hicks said. ‘‘We were patient on offense and moved the ball around well. We start two freshmen and a sophomore. They’re just getting used to playing at that next level and it’ll take time. But as a coach looking at an extremely young team, I’m very pleased with these girls’ performances.”