Royals girls’ basketball flies past the Herons, shoots down Mallards
The Delmarva Christian girls’ basketball squad moved to 4-0 on the season with a 37-24 victory over Worcester Prep Dec. 10 in Berlin, Md.
Royals senior Layni Dukes led the scoring with 19 points, seven rebounds and nine steals. Bella Marinelli tallied eight points and dished off two assists. Taylor Lowe put up five points, yanked three rebounds and had four steals. Eve Bohinski played big in the paint, grabbing eight rebounds. She also snagged two steals and blocked a shot.
Never behind on the scoreboard in the game, the high-pressure defense of the Royals caused 24 steals. They also grabbed 19 rebounds.
“It was a very hard-fought game,” said Royals head coach Frank Roach. “Worcester came out to play in the first half, keeping it close and only down four at the halftime break. Both teams played good defense. In the second half, our defense created some turnovers as well as Layni Dukes cashing in a couple three-point shots to help grow the lead. She continued to be aggressive in the second half, getting points, steals and rebounds for the team and helping the team to secure the 13-point victory.”
“After losing so many seniors last year, I knew that I needed to step up big time and give senior leadership,” said Dukes. “I’m planning to keep working hard and playing the best I can.”
Just 24 hours earlier, the Royals played host to Gunston School and dropped a 23-point loss on the Herons 53-30.
Dukes was the top scorer again, putting up 19 to along with 14 rebounds and 11 steals for a triple-double. Bohinski and Marinelli scored 13 and 11 points, respectively. Lowe played tough under the boards, snagging 10 rebounds.
MaryKate Dougherty, Abigail Totten and Eva Elliott played consistent defense for the Royals.
Roach praised his freshman Avery McCoy for providing a spark to the high-pressure defense.
“Avery is everywhere,” said Roach. “That’s what I like to see. She helps our high-pressure defense and caused some turnovers. She is also one of our more consistent shooters.”
“I feel like as a freshman I am there to support my seniors and my other teammates,” said McCoy. “I try my hardest while I’m in.”
“Defense is our thing,” said Roach. “The girls are going to hustle every game. Early in the season, we have a little lack of scoring, so we depend on our defense and getting transition points.”
The Royals will host Salisbury Christian Friday, Dec. 13.
