Cape girls’ basketball falls to Central 52-48
The Lady Vikings’ victory over Sussex Central was so close they could almost taste it, but the Golden Knights dropped two shots in the last 30 seconds to preserve a 52-48 win on the Knights’ home court.
Cape led 25-23 at the halftime break thanks to a 19-point second quarter. The Knights came back with a 16-point third to take a 38-37 lead at the beginning at the fourth. The game was tied with 30 seconds left on the clock, when Central’s pressure forced two turnovers and two buckets to win the game.
Senior Mel McCloy led the Vikings with 12 points in the game. Dania Cannon and Alexis Watkins each scored 11, while Sydney Pedersen put up nine. Mallory Jones hit for four.
“The way we played Central last time and to come down here and play without two starters, I’m thrilled,” said Cape coach Lauren Carra. “I think it just came down to certain shots falling. It was a back-and-forth game all night long. I’m extremely proud of our kids. This was probably the most fun that we’ve had all year. I’m really proud of them.”
“It was fun,” said McCloy. “The last 30 seconds was craziness. I think we played really well as a team. It was the best energy we’ve had all season. Certain shots didn’t fall for us and did for them. That’s just the way it turns out.”
Central was led by Raeonna Stratton with 17. Azayah Garrison and Baleigh Lambert each contributed 10.
“We should have pressed a little more like we did in the last game,” said Central coach Ron Dukes. “It’s hindsight now.”
The Golden Knights won their first matchup 56-38 at Cape.
“Cape just keeps coming at you,” Dukes said. “It doesn’t matter who they have. I know they were missing two starters tonight, but it doesn’t matter who she puts on the floor. They play hard and aggressive. You gotta give it to them. They do a great job.”
“It’s just one of those things, a shot here and a shot there. We can walk away happy from this one,” Carra said.
The Vikings will host Indian River Thursday, Jan. 25, where they will be the first game in a doubleheader with the Cape boys.
Central will travel to Smyrna Tuesday, Jan. 23.
