Royals boys’ basketball ends season with win
The Delmarva Christian boys’ basketball team finished its regular-season schedule at 12-9 with a 69-50 victory over Aspira High School Feb. 21 on the Royals’ Senior Night. The Newark-based Wolves end the 2023-24 campaign at 7-13.
Four Royals hit in double figures in the victory. Senior guard Xavier Efford scored 19 points, including 12 in the fourth quarter. Ed Higgins and DJ Liles each tallied 15 points, and Mason Bohinski added 11.
“It’s definitely a bittersweet feeling,” said Efford. “Tonight was a great all-around game and it was exciting, but I also felt sad as the clock was winding down in the end. We had a great run, and I don’t regret anything. It was definitely the most fun game for me by far because we felt no pressure as a team and just enjoyed ourselves.”
“Tonight was a good way to go out with the win,” said Bohinski, who hit three three-pointers. “But it was nonetheless a sad moment at the end knowing this is it. It’s been a good run and a very enjoyable few years that I’ve been able to share with my teammates.”
The Royals began their last regular-season game with a 17-5 lead after the first quarter and continued into the halftime break up 42-25. From there, they cruised to a 19-point victory.
“I thought our guys played hard and well tonight,” said Royals coach Marc Hannah. “We played good defense from the beginning, and we attacked the basket. I really loved our energy. Our three seniors set the tone today on both sides of the ball. They’ve been great all season.”
The Royals are hoping their 12-9 record is good enough to get in the DIAA state tournament.
Dan has worked for the Cape Gazette for more than 30 years as a photographer and reporter, covering high school sports and happenings around eastern Sussex County. He won a photography award from the National Newspaper Association, and numerous awards from the Maryland, Delaware, D.C. Press Association. A Delaware native, Dan graduated from Cape in 1972 and returned as a teacher and coach in the 1980s. He retired from the classroom in 2016. He was inducted into Cape High’s Legends Stadium in 2016. In his spare time, Dan enjoys spending time with his wife, two sons, grandchildren and dogs.
