Those wondering how Jersey Village built a 12-7 record entering District 17-5A play saw why Friday night at the Berry Center.

The Falcons did their reputation proud, bolting to a 13-point lead after the first quarter and 22 by midway through the second en route to a 60-40 victory against Cypress Ridge.

Jersey Village has won with two prominent inside forces in Patrice Parker and Ashley Shoemaker, a quick point guard in Amy Doyle and having several scorers in double figures.

The Falcons got three Friday - Parker had 11 points and 15 rebounds, and Doyle and Shoemaker each scored a game-high 16 points. Their blitzkrieg-like start virtually ensured the turning of some heads, especially against a Rams team (6-9 overall, 0-1 district) that already has exceeded by one its win total from 2006-07.

Little wonder, then, that Jersey Village coach Brenda Rose emphasizes the word "team" almost every time she says it.

"We're much more balanced than we've ever been, at least the last several years," Rose said. "We're a much better team than in the past. We've had some good individuals, but now we have a better team. ...

"Every area (has come along). Our guards are shooting better and handling pressure better. Our posts are stepping up and rebounding much better. We never would have had double-figure rebounds last year. Ever. Our leading rebounder probably had seven last year, and now Parker rebounds in the doubles and (Shoemaker) is right there close."

Four players average at or near double-figures, led by Bethany Evans' 14-plus points and Doyle's 12. Evans was lost to an apparent ankle injury with less than a minute left in the second half, but the Falcons didn't slow. It is unknown how much time Evans will miss.

Jersey Village won nine games last year and three in the district. But with the entire starting five returning, including two juniors, optimism is flowing.

Doyle scored nine points in the first half Friday and Shoemaker and Evans added six apiece. Jersey Village led 26-4 by halfway through the second quarter and 28-11 at the half.

"We started off pressing them and applied pressure the entire game," Doyle said. "I gave the ball to a lot of people to put them in scoring position so I did my job and scored."

Cy Ridge got within 34-20 in the third quarter, Doyle and Shoemaker combined to force a handful of turnovers and converted most of those into points to make it 48-25 early in the fourth.

"Ashley is 6-foot-2 and with her being so tall and lanky, we'll get the ball to her easily," Doyle said. "We'll have no problems shooting the ball because Patrice Parker will be there to rebound."

Channel Beverly and Charity Nwankpa each scored eight for Cy Ridge.

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