Delmarva Christian girls’ basketball wins ESIAC title
The Delmarva Christian girls’ basketball team came from seven points behind in the final two minutes to defeat Sts. Peter & Paul 41-40 to win the Eastern Shore Independent Athletic Conference championship Feb. 16 in Georgetown. The Royals’ win caps off an undefeated ESIAC season.
The Sabres took a 19-17 lead into the halftime break, but when the chips were down in the fourth, the Royals outscored the visitors 22-21 to garner the win.
Delmarva Christian senior Journey Handy, who was voted ESIAC Player of the Year, led the Royals with 21 points and five rebounds, including five three-pointers. Nine of those points came in the fourth quarter.
“It means a lot to win this game and be Player of the Year,” said Handy. “[Sts. Peter & Paul] took it from us last year by double digits, and I didn’t like that. Beating them three times this season means a lot.”
Royals senior forward Josie Peranteau tallied six points, three rebounds and three steals. Mia Elliott recorded five points and three steals.
Layni Dukes pulled four rebounds to go along with three points.
Evelyn Bohinski played big in the paint, altering numerous Sabres’ shot attempts.
“I was really nervous,” said an emotional Peranteau. “I had four fouls and was getting down on myself, but coach [Jeff] Bell told me that I was needed and I just locked down.”
“I fell like I had a lot to make up for when I hit the last shot and Jesus was with me,” said senior Ryley McCluskey. “We played so well in the last minute. Josie locked down on defense on the last 30 seconds and we did it. I’m proud of my team.”
“I try to stay locked in and focus,” said Elliott. “The encouragement I got from my teammates was wonderful.”
“We’re the closest group of seniors ever,” said junior Lily Hutt.
“I told the players in the locker room at halftime that they were going to have times when we get down,” said coach Frank Roach. “But you’ve got to stick together and you can come back. Never stop believing in yourself. We made a few changes in the last few minutes and they worked, and we put one last change in during the last 30 seconds. It helped us pull it out. Big stuff at the end.”
The Royals now await their DIAA postseason schedule.
Morgan Quade led the Sabres with 23 points.
