Smyrna boys’ basketball evens season series against Cape
The Cape boys’ basketball team is still looking to get in the winning-record column in 2024 after dropping a rematch with Smyrna Jan. 10.
In the Dec. 12 showdown in Lewes, the Vikings dominated in the paint. The tables were turned in Smyrna’s gym, as the Vikings fell 52-25.
“Credit to Smyrna, they took Jack [Schell] out of the game plan tonight,” said Cape coach Steve Re. “We just weren't able to get open looks, and when we did, we just didn't knock them down. Smyrna needed to double Jack; they did, and we didn't respond.”
Down 10-3 after one, Cape cut the deficit to 13-10. But the Eagles went on a run and staked a 28-13 lead at the half.
“I'm surprised we played so poorly given how well we played against [Caesar Rodney] the other night and how well we've been practicing,” Re said. “I've not had a team in 20-plus years of coaching shoot the ball so poorly.”
The third quarter was a bit tighter, as Smyrna was only able to expand its lead by three, 35-17. Cape waited for a run that did not happen.
“There was a good chunk of the game where I had four freshmen out on the floor at the same time,” Re said. “I don't know if people understand what we're trying to do with this. I have to do that as much as possible this season while still trying to compete.”
Freshmen Geordan Downing and Jameson Tingle have already played quite a few minutes, when healthy, and against Smyrna, they were joined by fellow freshmen Stephen Sivels and Ozmeer Daisey. Tingle had five blocks in the contest and Downing led all players in minutes. The coach is quick to point out he could rack up great records at the freshmen and JV level with those four, but he doesn’t believe that’s beneficial to them.
“You need to get them to practice hard every day, and then on game days, it’s time to perform,” Re said. “But if it doesn't go well on game day, you still have to be able to get back into the gym the next day and be able to mentally deal with the conflict that just occurred. I can't lose my mind on them, and I know people are probably looking at it as like, ‘Man, they got hammered,’ but it's just growing pains with this group. I knew that coming into the season; we're trying to keep it as close-knit as possible.”
The 3-5 Vikings will host Milford at 6:30 p.m., Friday, Jan. 12.
