The Tide

Sophomore guard Katie Diao enters the game for RM. (Ari Fine)

Boys basketball advances to Final Four, girls’ title hopes dashed in quarterfinals

RM's boys' basketball team won a close game against Bowie HS in the 4A state quarterfinals. The Rockets started slow but outscored Bowie in the second half to win 64-61. Senior guard Dante Mayo led the team with 31 points, including 8 three-pointers. Bowie had a size advantage but RM used their quickness to draw charges and get to the basket. In the girls' state quarterfinals, the Richard Montgomery HS girls' basketball team lost to Clarksburg 47-37. The Rockets struggled offensively, shooting only 21 percent from the field and 1-20 from three-point range. Clarksburg's London Turner led all scorers with 19 points.
Junior De’marean Frazier walks towards the bench after a stop in play. (Photo permission granted by Catherine Nguyen)

Buzzer beat: Rockets fall to Whitman off last-second shot

Boys basketball's incredible comeback attempt in the state semifinals against Whitman was overshadowed by a last-second buzzer-beater by Whitman's Will Shapiro. RM started slow but mounted a furious comeback, fueled by steals and key baskets from Dante Mayo, Boogie Vaughan-Cooper and others. With just seconds left, RM even took the lead. Unfortunately, a late charge by Whitman and a perfectly placed buzzer-beater by Shapiro resulted in a heartbreaking 67-66 defeat for RM. Despite the loss, the article highlights RM's successful season, including a regional title and a win over powerhouse Churchill. The team's individual achievements are also mentioned, with Mayo reaching 1,000 points and Frazier leading the county in steals.
Wilson and the boys basketball team celebrate around the regional championship trophy. (Ari Fine)

Boys basketball overcomes late season woes, claims regional title

The boys basketball team defeated the Kennedy Cavaliers 58-49 to win the regional championship and secure a spot in the state quarterfinals. This is their first regional title since 2020. The game was close throughout, but the Rockets pulled away in the fourth quarter thanks to clutch free throws from Khalil Wilson and key baskets from Tavares "Boogie" Vaughan-Cooper. The Rockets have now won four games in a row. Senior guard Dante Mayo led the scoring for the Rockets with 18 points, while Wilson and Vaughan-Cooper combined for 28 points. The Rockets will now travel to Bowie HS on Friday for the state quarterfinals.
Senior Jesse Boone celebrates after nailing a three-pointer late in the Rockets’ win over Paint Branch. (Ari Fine)

Boys basketball secures spot in quarterfinals

The Rockets defeated the Wheaton Knights 88-45 in the first round of the regional playoffs. The Rockets had a rough end to their regular season, losing five of their last eight games. They will travel to Paint Branch to avenge their Senior Night loss and hopefully secure a place in the regional championship.
Sophomore Tavares “Boogie” Vaughan-Cooper elevates over a defender at a home basketball game. (Ari Fine)

Boys, girls basketball pick up big wins, set sights on playoffs

Both the RM boys and girls basketball teams are having strong seasons and are on track for high playoff seeds. They both started well, including wins over a perennial contender, Walter Johnson. The girls' team is led by sophomore Katie Diao who is averaging 15 points per game. The boys' team is led by senior Dante Mayo who has surpassed 1,000 career points. Both teams had a big win over Churchill in exciting games. The Rockets have a tough schedule ahead but have a good chance at a successful season.
The varsity boys basketball team gathers before their game against Wootton HS. (Emma Tyser)

Boys Basketball off to hot start, looks toward tough matchups ahead

The RM boys basketball team is off to a strong start this season after a productive offseason. Their focus on conditioning, summer league play, and team chemistry has them playing with a scrappy, fast-paced style that makes them competitive despite not having a size advantage. Early wins have boosted confidence and their goal is to return to their status as a top team in the region. A strong showing in the coming games is critical to keeping the student body engaged and maintaining momentum throughout the season.

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