Delmarva Christian girls’ basketball wins ESIAC title
The Delmarva Christian girls’ basketball team defended its 2019 and 2020 ESIAC Championships with a 57-35 win over Sts. Peter & Paul Feb. 19 in the conference title game at the Royals’ home gym. There wasn’t an ESIAC schedule in 2021 due to COVID restrictions.
It was a knock-down, drag-out affair with bodies hitting the floor off screens, blocks and nosedives after loose balls, without either team giving quarter.
“We knew that Sts. Peter & Paul were going to be physical,” said Royals coach Jedidiah Roach. “We just had to keep our composure. We had to make a few adjustments to what they were doing. We were down one starter, but we have developed our bench to be able to give us spare minutes. We have a tough nonconference schedule and we were prepared for what they were going to throw at us.”
Royals junior guard Ainsley Bell, who received the ESIAC Player of the Year Award for 2022, led her team with 21 points, three rebounds, two assists, five steals and a block.
“We played hard throughout the whole game,” said Bell. “I’m really proud of the way we played, and I’m very proud of my teammates and how they pushed through. It’s a great honor to be named Player of the Year. It’s great to be recognized by the coaches in the conference.”
All-ESIAC senior Sierra Troyer hit for 14 points, six rebounds, four assists, four steals and a block.
“The feeling on this team is incredible,” said Troyer. “This is the closest team I’ve ever played on. The chemistry we all have together is great.”
Senior Kaela Mitchell was named all-ESIAC and scored 11 points, eight assists, three rebounds and six steals.
“Basketball is a mental game too,” said Mitchell. “We’ve had history with them, so we knew it was going to be a scrappy game. Our mindset was to control ourselves and concentrate on our own game.”
Honorable mention all-ESIAC sophomore Mia Elliott added seven points, four rebounds and four steals. Evelyn Jensen garnered four points, five rebounds and a block. She was named all-ESIAC for her season’s efforts.
Hattie Messick led the Sabres with 14 points, Evelyn Murphy added 11, and Morgan Quade hit for three, while Samantha Murphy, Emily McDaniel and Katie Bryan each scored two. Kathryn Murphy hit a foul shot for one point.
The Royals host Woodbridge Monday, Feb. 21, then travel to Laurel Wednesday, Feb. 23.
Boys’ team falls in finals
The Delmarva Christian boys’ basketball team fell 88-86 in overtime in the ESIAC championship game at The Salisbury School. Salisbury won two out of three games against the Royals this season.
The Royals advanced to the finals with a 65-58 win over Worcester Prep in the semifinals.
