By Toni L. Sandys
Washington Post Staff Photographer
Monday, January 12, 2009

The gymnasium is full to capacity. Fans for both schools cheer loudly as their teams are introduced. There is a palpable energy in the air. The last starter from Blake is introduced and the national anthem is about to start.

There is one final ritual to be performed. The Blake Bengals gather in a circle at center court. They crouch low and a quiet "Yeahhhhh" starts to emanate as the players rock back and forth. Senior Darnell Wilson jumps up from the middle. He throws his head back and screams at the top of his lungs as he leads the team in a pregame chant.

Wilson describes the energy in the circle as "overwhelming."

"It's almost like going into battle. Like you are getting ready to play the best game of your life," he said. The players feed off of each other, getting louder and louder with each passing moment. "It's the best thing knowing that you're not getting hyped up alone. Your teammates are right there with you."

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