Royals hang on to beat Delmar 57-51 in season opener
The Delmarva Christian boys’ basketball team opened its 2024-25 season with a 57-51 win over Delmar Dec. 4.
DJ Liles started the scoring for the Royals as part of a 14-point first half for the junior.
“I was really proud of our guys, our effort and energy,” said Royals coach Marc Hannah. “I think that's just our strength; we got a lot of young guys, so we started strong, and then you see some of our youth kicked in a little bit.”
Delmarva Christian dominated the Wildcats and led 34-26 heading into halftime.
“I was really proud of how they played defense; they were contesting every shot and they were going straight up,” Hannah said.
An electric third quarter for the Royals was exemplified by Liles collecting his first career dunk, charging up the crowd and his teammates.
“That was my first in-game dunk,” Liles said. “It was exciting!”
Liles ended the game with a team- and career-high 23 points. He seemed like a new player.
“I just gained more confidence over the summer,” Liles said. “Now, I just play hard, work hard, so it's showing now.”
He also shared the court with his younger brother, Darrius.
“It was a great experience for our first time,” DJ said. “I have never played with him before.”
The younger Liles tied senior Kasey Bell with nine points, good for third on the team. Senior Malachi Light was second with 10.
Despite having nearly four starters in double digits, most of those points were scored in the first three quarters. Leading 47-33 to start the fourth, it seemed like the Royals were poised to cruise to a win. The Wildcats, however, had other plans and got to within five during their 18-point fourth quarter.
Delmarva Christian regrouped on defense after Light broke a 13-5 run. Although both teams fought hard to the last second, the Royals came away with the 57-51 victory.
For their next game, Delmarva Christian will travel up the road and take on Sussex Academy at 5:30 p.m., Friday Dec. 6.
