Sussex Academy girls earn wins over Holly Grove, Sussex Central

Planes taking off and landing at Delaware Coastal Airport might want to be on the lookout for Seahawks spotted flying high in the area.

The Sussex Academy girls’ basketball team won two games in a row Feb. 1-2, defeating rival Sussex Central 33-30 in nail-biting fashion in the second contest. 

“It feels good to get two in the bag on a back-to-back,” Seahawks coach Rayona Benson said.

Senior Rachel Carey got the party started with a 19-point performance in the Seahawks' 50-24 victory Feb. 1 over Holly Grove Christian School. Scoring 14 in the first half, Carey and her teammates led 28-12 at the half on the strength of a 13-3 second quarter. They closed the contest with a 13-2 final frame thanks in part to a five-point fourth quarter from freshman Bella Zorn.

Carey said the Senior Night pregame ceremony Feb. 2 was sentimental for her as her parents escorted her. Carey and Samira Zahraoui both said they’ll never forget the family atmosphere Benson and the program have cultivated. With the momentum from the first game and Senior Night, the Seahawks jumped out to an early lead against Sussex Central. 

“Rachel and Samira both stepped up tremendously,” Benson said. “Rachel steps up like crazy on the court; Samira steps up off the floor in the way she communicates and gets everybody hyped, ready to go. Rachel communicates on the court and does her part going inside knowing she has a big advantage.”

Junior Falisha Amisial connected twice from deep, including in the closing seconds to keep Sussex Academy’s mojo flowing. Their 12-5 lead shrank by two following a six-point second quarter from Sussex Central freshman Ava Brock, and the teams entered the break with the Seahawks leading 18-13. 

“I think the key to the win was playing with confidence and playing as a team. Communication is our biggest asset right now,” Carey said.

After three, Sussex Academy led 26-21 before Carey came through in the clutch, fighting through hard contact to score four on the floor in the fourth and give the Seahawks a 30-24 lead after Brock connected from deep. The Sussex Central freshman added another trey for the Golden Knights after fellow freshman Laniah Wright hit from deep to pull even with the Seahawks. 

“Coach Will Edwards says it best, ‘We protect our home and we win the games we are supposed to when we are home,” a grateful Zahraoui said.

A trio of Sussex Academy players – Carey, Emiley Bisaha and Amisial – each converted one free-throw attempt to protect the game for the home team.

“For Senior Night, it’s great to have a win, especially our last home game. It’s great to end my senior year here with a home win,” Carey said.