The Scotland 2012-13 ninth-grade boys basketball season has been defined by fits and starts, and prior to Jan. 24’s game against Purnell Swett, the team endured another lengthy hiatus.

10 days in-between games, to be exact.

Refusing to allow his team to become complacent over that extended break, coach Robert Brown ensured that the freshman Scots would keep their foot on the gas throughout.

“We went hard at it each and every one of those days,” Brown said. “We scrimmaged each other, conditioned and watched the JV and varsity games to see if we could improve our own team. It’s all about getting these 13 and 14 year-olds ready for the next level.”

When the freshman Scots finally returned to the court, Scotland appeared to not have lost a single step, earning double-digit points in all four quarter to put away the Rams 53-41.

The win gave Scotland a .500 record on the year (3-3). But more importantly, it placed them in a second-place conference tie behind rival Richmond with just four games remaining on the schedule.

Scotland’s Willie Douglas provided most of his team’s offensive muscle by notching a team-high 20 points on the evening, while guard Donavon Utley kept his teammates involved by dishing out seven assists to go with his nine points.

And leading the defensive charge for Scotland was center Cedric Walker-Everette, who logged a monster performance by collecting 20 rebounds and five blocks.

“He played nearly every minute for us and was all over the court,” said Brown of Walker-Everette. “But as a whole, I was pleased with our outstanding defensive effort tonight.”

The freshman Scots will be at home Jan. 28 as they host Pinecrest, with game time slated to begin at 5:30 p.m. weather permitting. The winner of the game will hold sole possession of second place in the conference.