Sussex Academy threatens in first half, loses to IR
The Sussex Academy boys’ basketball team continued the growing pains of building a new program in the Henlopen South with a Jan. 18 game against Indian River. Glimmers of hope showed through in the first half, and pair of bombers may be developing for the squad.
“The first half, specifically, we wanted to come out and compete. A lot of times, our opponents ... see us as a game they can win, and they come out a little flat. We wanted to try to get a good, strong start and let them know that we were here, we were going to compete with them all night,” said head coach Brad Leinbach as his kids greeted him after the game.
Leinbach said he believed his team executed the game plan successfully to start the game, forcing the Indians to call a timeout midway through the second when the Seahawks came within five, 16-11. Indian River closed the game with a 44-16 run to pick up the 60-27 victory over Sussex Academy. Emerging from their shells, freshmen Bryce Turner and Ryan Dostal added the element of efficient outside shooting for the Seahawks, giving them hope for the future.
“Bryce Turner’s worked very hard to get where he’s at. He’s done a great job at the JV level and in practice, coming a long way. For him, it’s about instilling confidence in him and letting him know it’s OK to shoot and recognize scenarios. The same thing for Dostal. He’s been with varsity all year and has been trying to find his role as the freshman on the team,” Leinbach said.
Turner scored a team-high 12 points in the contest, connecting twice from deep.
As the Seahawks search for their first win, the team believes they have laid the foundation to be highly competitive in some late-season games. Leinbach says he expects his team to continue competing, regardless of circumstances.
“That’s what we’re trying to work toward at the end of the season because with a young group, if they're executing, we may see a W or two, and more importantly have something to build toward for next season,” Leinbach said.
Sussex Academy will welcome Lake Forest at 5:15 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 23.
