There's an added jolt of energy that is seeping out from the basketball court at Oakland Mills and it's spilling into the hallways where the student body has rallied around its boys basketball team.

The Scorpions are 10-2 this season -- 8-1 and atop the Howard County standings -- off to their best start since 2001 when they advanced to the state championship game.

Coming off a 14-10 season, this year's team has taken the next step with a balanced and unselfish offense. Five players are averaging double figures, led by senior Evan Hopkins' 16 points per game.

Juniors Greg Whittington (12 points, eight rebounds) and Joe Keily (11 points, 5.4 assists) are both in their third varsity season.

"We didn't have a lot of success athletically in the fall season, so this has been good for the school," athletic director Troy Stevenson said. "The kids are starting to show a lot of interest, attending games and there's a lot of confidence going around at the school."