High School Sports

DES MOINES — After a fast start to the season, something wasn't working at Mount Rainier.

Players were frustrated, fighting among themselves instead of embracing the chemistry that sparked a 9-2 start. After losing five consecutive games, the Rams needed to do something to save the season.

They went bowling.

"We set up three different lanes and had different competitions," Mount Rainier coach Brian Johnson said. "Everybody was having fun."

They remembered what it was like to enjoy the company of teammates. After the 79-66 victory Tuesday over No. 9 Kentwood, the Rams have won three in a row since going bowling and feel like they're back on track at the right time.

"At the beginning of the season, we were a team," sophomore guard Adrian Davis said. "Then that kind of died down, because we were winning so many games. Then we went on a losing streak and everybody was pointing the finger at everyone else. Then we came back together as a team."

The Rams (12-7, 9-5 SPSL) needed that renewed sense of chemistry against the Conquerors.

Kentwood (11-6, 9-4) jumped out to a 10-2 lead in the first quarter. Mount Rainier didn't have an answer for Taylor Jones inside, and the 6-foot-6 forward scored 16 of his 18 points in the first half.

Trailing by nine at halftime, the Rams regrouped, pushed the tempo and started sharing the basketball. They were led by Davis, who finished with a game-high 19 points, seven assists, three steals and three rebounds.

"That's the key right there," Johnson said. "There are some points in the game, and some points in the season, where his motor's not running properly. When it is, we're a lot better. When he's going and got his spirits up, then everybody does."

Mount Rainier took its first lead of the game during a 12-0 run in the fourth quarter that included a pair of three-pointers from Caden Rowland.

"We've got our swagger back," Davis said. "We've got to go get the win every time."

Mason Kelley: 206-464-8277 or mkelley@seattletimes.com