Cape boys’ basketball triumphs over Sussex Central 55-51
Perhaps the grass is greener on the other side. Well, in this case, the blue was a bit lighter in Cape's 55-51 victory over Sussex Central 55-51 Dec. 12.
“I've really been thinking about this game a lot, because it means a lot to me because last year they didn't treat me the best,” said former Central and current Cape player Dame Robinson. “My goal was just to come out here and do what I do.”
What Robinson does is play defense that would make Elmer’s glue feel like olive oil and remain a nightmare for opposing defenses for 32 minutes a night. He has a shooter’s touch and can crank the rock from long range, and he has no problem working to get a jumper or layup. Leading the Vikings in scoring with 17 points, the senior helped Cape power past his former team.
“Dame came home. We welcomed him back,” said Cape coach Steve Re.
The Vikings led 11-7 after the first quarter and expanded their advantage to 28-21 heading into the half. Robinson had 11 points in the first half.
With both sides of the spectator bleachers nearly filled, the intensity of an already-inflamed rivalry game picked up by the minute.
Getting a chance to prove himself in such an environment, sophomore Steve Sivels earned Re’s praise.
“I live for that environment, and so does Steve; I love Steve, he's just a warrior,” Re said. “Sometimes he's hard to corral in practice, but he's also hard to corral on the court, so you gotta let him be himself, but try to continue to grow him as a point guard and run the position.”
Sussex Central tried to mount a comeback, winning the third quarter 16-14, but still trailed 42-37 heading into the final frame. After recording eight points through three quarters, junior Braxton Figgs played an important role in the paint for Cape and picked up six points to finish second on the team with 14.
“He just kept grinding it out in there,” Re said. “Then he was hurt, and Dell [Richards] came in; Dell did the same thing, just grinding it out.”
Sussex Central didn’t make it easy, but eventually, the Golden Knights could not overcome the deficit and fell victim to a constricting defense.
“For the second game in a row, our team defense within the game plan was really good,” Re said. “For 80% of the game, we just stayed connected as much as possible with our rotations.”
Cape will head to the state’s capital to take on Dover at 7 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 17.
