Dover defeats Delmarva Christian in DIAA tournament
No. 10 Dover jumped out to a 13-2 lead on the way to a 49-37 win over No. 7 Delmarva Christian March 1 in the second round of the DIAA Girls’ Basketball Tournament.
The Royals finish their season at 18-2, while Dover moves on to play No. 2 Ursuline in the quarterfinals Monday, March 4.
Players from the little school with a big heart couldn’t find their range, as they fell behind 15-8 at the end of the first quarter and dropped to a 31-12 halftime deficit. Ultimately, Delmarva Christian couldn’t match the rebounding height of Dover down the stretch.
The Royals were led by senior Mia Elliott with 10 points. Junior Layni Dukes added nine. ESIAC Player of the Year Journey Handy tallied six.
“I’m a little emotional right now,” said Elliott. “This was a great team. We played really well together. We hustled to the end, right to the buzzer. It was an honor to play with them. Next year, the team needs to make good friendships and work together like we did.”
“I’m proud of this team,” said Handy. “I love all of the seniors. I’m going to miss them.”
“I have deep connections with these seniors,” said tearful senior Josie Peranteau. “I love them all. They have helped me through ups and downs, and I’m going to miss them a lot. They are going to go on to do great things.”
“I know it sounds so cliché, but these girls mean the world to me,” said senior Ryley McCluskey. “If you’re having a rough day, they help you through. Josie, Journey, Lily [Hutt] and Mia are my absolute best friends. We did our best tonight. I have the utmost respect for Dover. They are a great team. We did our best against them.”
“I’m extremely proud of my girls,” said coach Frank Roach. “The season we’ve had was great. To fight through adversity in the close games, hit the big shot and make the big play. They continued to fight tonight every time we got down. They came from 12 to 14 down a couple of times and brought it back to six and then to two. We just couldn’t get over that hill. I told them that when you play, if this is your last game, you don’t want to have any regrets about playing. They kept fighting and did a great job. I’m proud of them.”
Sara Benson led the Senators with 14 points. Ashtyn Torbert and Myasia Holloway added 11 and 10 points, respectively.
