The Bishop O'Connell High School Knights in Arlington are expecting big results this season. The Knights, coached by Joe Wootten (seventh season), currently have an overall record of 3-1.

During the non-league season opening stretch, O'Connell suffered its only loss of the season in their second game versus Northern Virginia powerhouse Hayfield Secondary School in Alexandria 59-55. In their season opener, the Knights defeated Coolidge High School in Washington 61-42.

In their two most recent home games (played Dec. 7 and 12 respectively), the Knights defeated two talented Maryland squads — Forestville from Prince George’s County (63-50) and Harford County’s Aberdeen (65-52).

In the Forestville game, the visitors led 17-10 after the completion of the first quarter. Coincidentally, both teams are nicknamed the Knights. "I didn't even realize that they were nicknamed the Knights until we started the game," said Wootten.

Forestville led 32-31 at halftime. "I thought that Forestville was out rebounding us and beating us down the floor in the first half," said Wootten. "I told the guys at halftime that that had to change."

The visiting Knights continued to lead early in the third quarter, but when O'Connell senior center Rockwell Moody knocked down a hook shot, the home team surged ahead 38-37 and never trailed again in the contest.

"We went to a zone defense in the second half and that really helped to shore things up," said Wootten.

Another successful hook shot by Moody put O'Connell ahead 42-37 with 2:53 remaining in the third quarter. Following an O’Connell missed shot, senior forward Tyler Young successfully converted a "put back" basket and the Knights led 44-38 with 1:46 remaining in the third. O’Connell consequently led the visiting Knights 44-40 after the pivotal third quarter was in the books.

Early in the fourth quarter, O'Connell senior guard Will Johnson knocked down a medium range jumper to buoy O'Connell to a 46-40 advantage. Young followed up with a long jumper to give O'Connell a 48-40 lead.

Moments later, Johnson converted O’Connell’s only 3-point shot of the game to give the Knights a 51-42 advantage. Forestville narrowed the deficit to 51-46. However, moments later, Moody's two free throws extended O'Connell’s lead to 57-46.

Moody's charity stripe conversions gave the Knights their first double digit margin of the contest. Down the stretch, O'Connell outscored Forestville 6-4 to prevail 63-50.

"Defensive rebounding made a big difference in the second half," said Johnson. "If we play as a team the way we are capable of, I believe we can win the remainder of our games this season."

There is obviously a long way to go in the competitive WCAC season. Time will tell whether Johnson's optimism is well-founded.

Regarding the Forestville game, Young said, "We pulled through in the second half. We didn't stop playing hard tonight."

"Give Forestville credit," said Wootten. "They played hard and they are well coached. We learned tonight that we have to play harder for a longer period of time than we did versus Hayfield. This game tonight is a step in the right direction for us. We rebounded well and we shared the ball."

Pacing O’Connell versus Forestville was Moody (15), sophomore guard Jason Clark (15), Young (12), senior forward Adam Baumgartner (nine), Johnson (five), freshman guard Doug Howard (four), senior guard Jason Colenda (two) and sophomore guard Jason Burns (one).

Junior Daniel Donnelly, sophomores Aaquil Atkins and Jervon Wright and freshman Keith Mitchell did not score. Junior transfer Zack Crimmins will be eligible to play after the fifth game.

In the Dec. 12 victory versus Aberdeen, O'Connell trailed 32-29 at halftime. The Knights outscored Aberdeen 14-7 in the third quarter to lead 43-39. O'Connell also outscored Aberdeen 22-13 in the fourth stanza to eventually prevail 65-52.

Baumgartner (19), Colenda (17), Clark (14) and Moody (nine) led the team in scoring.

The Knights are scheduled to host Paul VI Catholic High School in Fairfax on Dec. 15, St. Mary's Ryken High School in Maryland on Dec. 20 and will visit St. John’s College High School in Washington on Dec. 22.

In Wootten's seventh season, the former DeMatha Catholic High School in Maryland player is assisted on the bench by Ron Ginyard, Paul Easton and Stu Wilson.

Last season, O'Connell finished as WCAC Runners-up to DeMatha, but turned things around one week later and won the prestigious Alhambra Championship.

Regarding this seasons prospects, Coach Wootten said, "If we can keep growing and getting better, I feel that we can challenge at the end of this season."