The 2023-24 RM boys basketball season will be hard to repeat. A regional championship and state semifinal birth were historical moments for the program. But even though only one starter from last season returns, the expectations remain high for this team. Here are five key takeaways from after the Rockets’ 65-62 win over Walter Johnson on Friday night, which extended their 15-year win streak against the Wildcats in the regular season,
1. Is RM a guard-producing powerhouse?
Over the past few seasons, the guard play of the Rockets has been the foundation of their offense. Between junior Boogie Vaughan-Cooper, sophomore Joseph “JJ” Davis Jr. and senior Gedeon Mukuna, RM has a deep bench of guards yet again they can use space out the floor. Against WJ, Head Coach David Breslaw utilized this asset to create mismatches on the perimeter and allow his quick guards to attack the basket. The Rockets were also able to push the floor in transition, and with a 10-deep bench, could sub in fresh legs to maintain their pace. How long RM’s season lasts will ride on their guard play on both sides of the court.
2. The season will come down to defense and free throws
With an undersized lineup, RM’s perimeter defense will be pivotal throughout the season. However, the quick hands and overwhelming ball pressure from the Rockets were fully displayed against the Wildcats. Their patented full-court press was highly effective on Friday and one of the reasons the Rockets pulled away in the second half. Mukuna had multiple steals in the fourth quarter that helped put the game away for RM. Aside from forcing turnovers on defense, RM will also need to be physical and committed on the defensive boards. They were mildly effective with that last night, but against a team with more height, greater attention will need to be on preventing second-chance points.
On the offensive side, free throws were a bit of a struggle for the Rockets against WJ. With an emphasis on putting the ball on the ground and attacking the basket, free throws will be an essential aspect of RM’s scoring. In competitive games later in the season, the Rockets don’t want to be looking back and wishing they had made a few more from the charity stripe.
3. Boogie Vaughan-Cooper will have to take on a different role this year
Last season, ’24 alum Dante Mayo received the most focus from opposing defenses, allowing Vaughan-Cooper more space outside the arc. This season, it will be Vaughan-Cooper who teams like Churchill and Whitman will look to neutralize. Likely facing some double teams and high ball pressure, Vaughan-Cooper should focus on being more of a playmaker this season, forcing defenses to collapse on him and kicking the ball out to teammates on the three-point line. There were signs of this from Vaughan-Cooper against the Wildcats. But when the shots aren’t falling for him, such as in moments on Friday, his ability to dish can keep defenses on their heels.
4. The jersey number three might have special powers
It’s not confirmed whether or not Mayo chose the number three because of this effectiveness behind the arc, but for Joseph Davis Jr., that might be the case. Mayo was the best three-point shooter for the Rockets last season, and in just one game this season, Davis Jr. showed how he could be that guy for RM this year. Completing a four-point play in the second half that extended the Rockets’ lead and swishing in three others throughout the game, Davis Jr. was hot against the Wildcats. His ability and confidence to knock down shots will be pivotal for the RM offense, and in spacing the floor for Vaughan-Cooper.
5. Rocket Nation is back and better
After a historic and memorable season last year for the boys, Rocket Nation traveled to WJ full of energy and hype for the first game of the 2024-25 season. Throughout the game, Rocket fans constantly supported their team, and had a few words for the Wildcats too. The support from students and staff can be an asset for the team, especially with the size of RM’s gym. Could we see a Sixth-Man like effect for the Rockets? Only time will tell.
