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Rams hope winning isn’t lost in translation

Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2006

Most of the names on the Rockville boys basketball roster this winter are the same ones that helped lead this years Rams football squad to its first winning season since 1997. And while football doesn’t have anything to do with basketball really, the confidence the players gained as they competed with some of the best athletes in the county could prove just as important as their improved basketball skills. There’s a new air in Rockville; a positive one. And the Rams are looking to do on the hardwood, what they did under the lights on the football field.

‘‘Oh I think that’ll definitely transfer over,” second-year Rams coach Jack Freeman said. ‘‘Doing what they did this year really built their confidence up and I think that’ll be a big factor. I think the kids are a lot more excited and anxious to play this year. And that’s a real good thing. We’re not just going to go out there and try and do things, we’re going to do things.”

The Rams (2-19) struggled early last season. Most of the players were not only new to varsity, but to the basketball program in general. But as the season progressed, so did their skills, knowledge and understanding of the game. And they began to reap the benefits—they defeated Paint Branch (7-16) late in the season and won a playoff game. Rockville is hoping to pick up right where it left off and continue to mature as a unit.

‘‘We only graduated one senior, so having all the kids back will definitely help,” Freeman said. ‘‘Last year we all just came together and were trying to gel. The boys were inexperienced. Now they’ve got some experience. They have 20 varsity games under their belts now. They’re not going to be as hesitant about doing things. Last year they had no confidence. This year they’ll come out with more confidence. The boys are in a lot better shape and they’re a bit more mature as far as strategy.”

Rockville isn’t a big team, physically. And the Rams don’t have one standout superstar to bank on each night. But they do have several talented players who, if they work together effectively, will be able to lead the team to some good victories. Senior forward Sean Canahuate (6-2) is strong inside and out. He led Rockville in scoring with 11.3 points per game last season and will surely be someone the Rams can look to in clutch situations. Senior forward Kevin McTighe missed the first part of last season with an injury, but averaged 7.7 points per game once he returned. At 6-foot-4, he’s one of Rockville’s best bets under the rim. The Rams will also look to senior guards Joe York (5-10) and Joe Gorman (6-1) for some offensive production.

Though the Rams aren’t going to dominate their opponents with their strength, they are faster than they have been in the past. And that’ll help their motion offense and it’ll help put pressure on their opponents on defense.

‘‘Everyone usually looks by us, but we’re pretty excited and pretty energetic,” Freeman said. ‘‘We’re going to play hard and attack and try to continue building our confidence. We’ve got some depth to work with this year. If we decide to be competitors this year instead of participants, I think we’ll be OK.”