Athletes of the Week Jan. 25

Dania Cannon

The biggest game of the year was held Jan. 18, as Cape hosted Sussex Central. The bleachers were pulled out on both sides because a showdown was about to go down at the Big House. Designated point guard and floor general Dania Cannon lived up to her contract, pacing the Vikings with 21 points, including three baskets from downtown. The Vikings sailed away for a 52-29 victory after losing at Central 43-40 Dec. 4. Dania scored only seven in that game, having spent much of the first half on the bench in foul trouble. “We are still coming together in terms of chemistry and playing under pressure,” Dania said. “We have so many big games left to play.”

Taylor Johnson

Straight-up 684, sophomore Taylor Johnson had the meet of her life last weekend at the New Balance Games at the historic Armory Track & Field Center in New York City, coming home with three medals. Taylor broke the indoor school record in the 1,000 meters, set in 2017 by Meredith Lockwood, with a time of 3:18.65, finishing in fourth place. She returned to close the evening with the Cape mile relay team, where she ran the second leg in a personal best of 1:06.5. Taylor returned the following day to finish sixth in the championship section of the one-mile steeplechase in 6:22.50, including clearing 15 barriers in the race. “I am so grateful my coaches put me in these situations and gave me the opportunity against some really good runners. It was a very fun and exciting race,” she said.

Darryl Sykes

Cut from the basketball team his freshman year, Darryl found his way to the wrestling mats at Cape, eventually winning the starting role at 106 pounds, where he won three matches. “Darryl committed time to off-season training and improved,” said coach Chris Mattioni. Darryl is now a sophomore wrestling at 113 pounds. “Darryl had the best weekend of his young career last weekend, finishing third at the Grapple at the Brook.” He lost his first match of the tournament, but worked on his stance and positioning Saturday morning during the warm-up. He then went undefeated Saturday, earning four wins – two by pin and one by major decision. He is currently 8-8 on the season. Darryl is a good student, taking honors social studies classes. 

Lexy Watkins

The Cape girls’ basketball team is well balanced. They have seven players worthy of starting, but only five get introduced before the game. Lexy, a senior, hasn’t started every game, but her strengths are her versatility and game toughness. She can get it done on both ends of the court, capable of getting hot with her sweet jumper or playing lockdown defense. Versus Central Jan. 18, she was given the assignment of slowing down high-scoring Raeonna Stratton, who is toughest when she possesses the basketball. Stratton had 10 points. When Central beat Cape earlier this season, she had 18, including four three-pointers. Lexy is part of the mixture of a Cape team that is showing better chemistry every game.