Cape’s leaders step up in 65-49 victory over Milford

Vikings surge early, finish strong on strength of seniors, captains and Tingle

Following Cape’s 65-49 victory over Milford Jan. 12, coach Steve Re said the Vikings are a different team when junior Jayden Dukes is driving his Lamborghini. AARON MUSHRUSH PHOTOS

Aaron R. Mushrush

January 15, 2024

The Cape boys’ basketball team treated the Vikings faithful at the Big House to a 9-0 run to start their game against northern rival Milford Jan. 12.

“We played with energy, and while we were bending at times, we didn't break,” said coach Steve Re. “We adjusted some things with the way we're running our offense. I know we're young and we're inexperienced, but there was a maturity level tonight, and we need games like that.”

The Vikings snapped a five-game skid with a 65-49 win.

Senior Kam Trammell, who grew up competing with Milford players, helped fuel the Vikings' early run. The captain said he knows as one of the only seniors on the team that his team relies on him for energy.

“I thought we had to come out here and prove ourselves back in front of our home fans,” he said. “It made me boost to another level so we could get back in our flow.”

The senior scored seven first-half points, with many coming in a first quarter won by the Vikings 18-8. Connecting on a three and aggressively driving the lane, Trammell’s play was infectious. Fellow captain Jayden Dukes nabbed three steals in the first half, six overall, and operated the offense with conviction to go along with his tenacious defense.

“I always say when Jayden is driving his Lamborghini, we are a different team,” Re said.

Senior Jack Schell, shooting 60% on the year, netted six points in the first half and grabbed a team-high 11 rebounds in the first two quarters. Schell led the team with 17 boards and finished with 14 points.

Freshman Jameson Tingle scored 11 of his team-high 20 points and 11 rebounds. Re said he believes the play of his captains and seniors had a ripple effect on young guys like Tingle.

“It’s huge because it takes pressure off the freshman and opens up the floor,” Re said.

After the Vikings claimed a 31-19 lead at the half, the Bucs stormed back to trim the lead to single digits in the third quarter. Cape senior Manny Ortiz Villaman inserted himself into the offense with tremendous determination and made sure the comeback was ill-fated.

“This is a very important win,” Ortiz Villaman said. “We are trying to get into the playoffs, and we've been struggling, so we were just trying to get the win and get some momentum going.”

The senior scored all 11 of his points in the second half and took over the game for a stretch in the fourth, knocking down a three and grabbing three offensive boards.

Ortiz Villaman said his coaches wanted him to play harder, and he had the dog in him to make the tough plays. He believes his team is building momentum.

Cape will welcome Sussex Tech at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 16.

A steady presence inside, senior Jack Schell gets on the board early during the 9-0 start to the contest.

Cape freshman Jameson Tingle fires up a three.

Vikings freshman Geordan Downing taps the ball away.

Cape senior Kam Trammell was all over the court in the first and connected on a three as a reward for those efforts. The ball never lies.

Executing on both ends with a sense of urgency, captain Kam Trammell knew his team needed a dub. He made hustle plays like this steal frequently in the game.

Much to the delight of some Milford fans, while waiting to shoot a technical foul, freshman Geordan Downing spun an imaginary ball and slapped hands with imaginary teammates during his sequence. A routine is a routine.

A little contact is nothing for a player as dedicated to his craft as junior Jayden Dukes.

Cape freshman Jameson Tingle soars up just before making an adjustment and getting fouled.

Vikings senior Jack Schell elevates with the Larry Bird number and Michael Jordan tongue.

Cape freshman Jameson Tingle enjoys launching from midrange and scored 10 of his 20 from inside the arc.

Vikings junior Jayden Dukes collects a pair.

Cape freshman Jameson Tingle is fouled on a lay-up.

Vikings coach Steve Re discusses closing out the Bucs in the fourth quarter with his team and assistants.

Cape captain Jayden Dukes converts a free-throw attempt.

Vikings senior Manny Ortiz Villaman grabs one of his three offensive rebounds in the second half and scores two of his 11 second-half points, providing a major spark for Cape.