By Leo Corman ’15

The boys’ basketball team defeated Rockville (9-12) 69-57 on Monday in their final game of the regular season. The team provided a balanced and steady effort throughout the game, outscoring the Rams in every quarter. The Warriors had four players score in double figures, led by senior guard Xavier McCants with 19. Junior guard Tyrese Williams put up another 17 points, and senior centers Geremiah Charles and Hunter Moore scored 12 and 10 respectively. The Warriors’ stifling defense also held Rockville’s leading scorer to just 7 points.

The win brings the team’s record to an even 11-11, an equilibrium that belies the team’s struggle to find consistency over the course of the year. The Warriors have experienced exciting victories as well as disappointing defeats: wins early in the season over rivals and county powerhouses Magruder and Springbrook, followed by losses against each team in the second match-up. The Warriors have also lost a number of close games, with five losses decided by 3 points or less or in overtime. “The season so far has been a roller coaster, but as a team we’ve done well in staying together and staying focused … The season has been a successful one because we’ve grown from both the wins and the losses,” said senior forward Neven Sussman, who contributed 5 points against Rockville.

The Warriors will face Blake at home on Tuesday in their first playoff game. The Warriors have beaten Blake in each of their two meetings this season. In order to beat Blake a third time and earn a game in the next round on Thursday, the Warriors “just have to play our game and play Warrior basketball,” said Sussman.