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Players and coaches from the Bladensburg and Fairmont Heights high school boys' basketball teams have learned a lot about the effect that attitude can have on a season.

Last season, with a youthful roster, Bladensburg coach Jim Butler said his team lacked a mean streak, which can translate into a more intense approach on the court. Butler referred to his team's defense as "porous" and felt last season's 12-12 record could have been improved by as many as three or four victories.

Meanwhile, Fairmont Heights coach George Wake said bad attitudes caused the team to fizzle down the stretch. Wake said five Hornets players were forced to leave the team last winter as a result of academic probation.

Fast-forward to Tuesday's game at the Falconer's Summer League at Riverdale Baptist High School between the Mustangs and Hornets: Both teams were in the midst of attitude overhauls, as Butler is emphasizing a mental edge for his players this summer, while Wake has stressed that the Hornets players improve their decorum.

The Mustangs won the contest, 61-38, which earned them a berth in the Falconer's playoffs.

"This year my guards believe and understand that defense wins games," Butler said. "The players are starting to understand the game, whereas once upon a time, they thought it was out on the playground. They have a little more court sense and I noticeably see that their attitude is better."

Much of the Mustangs' success will hinge upon the play of rising senior power forward Pat Bridges, guard Timmy Shields, Javon Jordan and junior Diego Williams.

"We're a lot more focused," said Bridges, who will aim to assert himself as one of the best frontcourt players in the county next season. "We've come out and worked hard in the gym and as long as we play together we should do well. At this point we look like a state tournament team."

Shields can see the improvement.

"We're a smart team," Shields said. "We play smart and I think we can make a state championship run because of the talent we have on this team. Last year, for us, playing time was really valuable."

On the other side, Wake said the coaches at Fairmont Heights desire no more than "a team of good citizens."

"I feel like we're going to be a better team because we have better student-athletes on it," said Wake, adding that five current Hornets' players are on the honor roll. "Guys take criticism better and try to build on it. I've seen tremendous progress in them this summer. Everybody wants to win, but we're more concerned with them winning in the classroom."

Wake said during the later part of last season, he never started the same lineup in more than two consecutive games, due to inconsistent play and academic problems.

With key returnees Thomas Logan, Lamont Adair and Marlin Robinson approaching the game with a new sense of focus, Wake hopes to have a more reliable group.

"I think our attitude is very important," Logan said "Coach is always saying that we need to be better than the team last year attitude-wise. At Fairmont Heights they try to teach us life skills and they want us to do the right thing. They will do anything for us. They treat us like their sons."

"We just need to keep being good people," said Hornets' rising senior Tony Howard. "It's very important because my team is counting on me and people are counting on me to be successful. It's really important because when everybody is on the same page, everything comes together on the floor."

E-mail Terron Hampton at thampton@gazette.net.