Rams stars show off increased skill this season
New-look Ogunfolu, Kelly lead Rockville boys over Einstein; Linebaugh sparks Titans girls against Rams
But the real story was how they did it.
At 6-foot-7, Kelly was used exclusively on the blocks last year. In his junior year with the Rams (6-8 overall, 4-3 3A/2A East Division), he plays like a guard, handling the ball on the perimeter and creating opportunities for teammates.
Length is still an advantage for him; he grabbed 13 rebounds against the Titans, and scored several of his buckets in the paint. But his biggest contribution came in his new role, breaking pressure defense time and again in the backcourt and even dishing out four assists.
"I could always handle it," said Kelly, "but coach [G.J. Kissal] needs me to do it more this year. I like doing both, being down low and on the outside, but I think I like being a guard more."
For Ogunfolu, the change has been not only in style, but appearance.
The 6-foot-4 senior lost 30 pounds in the offseason, and the shed weight has improved his agility dramatically. He always had a sweet jumper, and he stroked several from just inside the 3-point line on Wednesday. But some of his 21 points came off moves he simply could not execute last winter: Spin moves on the baseline, up-and-under finishes and transition layups from outrunning the defense.
As a result, Ogunfolu is one of the most improved players in the county. He has cracked 20 points seven times this year, and tops the squad at 17.6 per game.
"It was something I kind of decided on my own," he said. "It was hard to give up the sweets, but it's more from just eating less. I'm eating a little healthier, too ... like, eating a salad instead of a cheeseburger."
The pair combined for 15 first-quarter points as the Rams jumped out to a 20-11 lead they would never relinquish. When Kelly found Ogunfolu for a layup plus the foul early in the third quarter, Rockville had extended its lead to 17.
It was all academic after that.
Juniro guard Michael Simba pitched in a team-high 10 points for Einstein (2-11, 1-6), while classmate Blaize Thomas added nine. Sophomore Aram "Toothpick" Martin grabbed 16 rebounds.
Titans girls finding their way
Junior Hayes Linebaugh scored a season-high 17 points and grabbed 16 rebounds as the Einstein girls cruised to a 56-37 triumph over Rockville.
Hannah Moore also matched her top scoring output for the hosts with 17, but Linebaugh was the difference-maker. The junior did not play in the teams' Jan. 8 matchup in which the Titans earned their first victory of the season, 51-47 due to a knee injury.
Fully healed, the 6-1 center scored down low, in transition and out on the perimeter. Implored by the Einstein (4-10, 4-3 3A/2A East) student section to shoot the ball more proficiently, Linebaugh obliged by sinking 8 of 11 shots.
"I probably could score more; I do have a nice shot," she said. "Sometimes I'm just a little unsure of myself."
Her confidence could make the Titans dangerous. Losers of eight in a row to start the season, they have now won four of their last six, with Linebaugh averaging 11 points since her return.
Senior Sandi Sangwa put in a team-high 13 for the Rams (1-11, 1-6), and sophomore Lizzy Orman also reached her season-high with nine.