Boys varsity basketball (0-1) fell to the Sherwood Warriors (1-0) in their season opener 55-40 at Sherwood Tuesday, Dec. 5 despite causing many turnovers for their opponents.

The Rams opened the game with a high intensity that was reflected in the imposing defensive presence. The defense forced 14 Warrior turnovers and held the Warriors’ shooting guard Davis Long, who was third overall in scoring in Montgomery County last year, to four points in the first half. By the end of the second quarter, the Rams were within two points of the Warriors with a score of 24-22.

“We were able to get after it defensively and I think that sparked our offense,” senior forward Joshua Deville said.

Two minutes into the second half freshman forward Jimmy Sorunke was ejected for striking the Warriors’ Khari Johnson after the two players were fighting for a rebound. The loss of Sorunke left the Rams without their leading blocker and rebounder for the remainder of the game. Because of his ejection, Sorunke will be unable to play next game.

The Warriors held the Rams to 16 points in the second half, winning 55-40. The Rams will take on the Gaithersburg Trojans Friday, Dec. 8 at home at 7:15 p.m.