The Cape boys' basketball team, battling down the stretch run of the regular season in a quest for the conference championship, got yanked and yoked and tossed to the side of the road at Dover Feb. 5, giving up a game they appeared to have won and losing 72-70 in overtime.

“That was a defining moment of for this team,” coach Steve Re said between games after his team handled Sussex Central at home 66-44 and before winning at Smyrna Feb. 9, 63-46.

“I came into the locker room and the players were sitting there, they were just crushed.  It showed me how much winning meant to them, but also they had learned to accept responsibility; no one was pointing fingers. I told them, let’s go to work and use this experience to be a tougher and stronger team.”

Tyreik Burton scored 18 against Sussex Central, and running mate Toney Floyd had his best game of the season.  Jon Warren chipped in with 12 points.

The game at Smyrna promised to be scary, according to Re, because Mike Starkey does such a good job coaching and keeping the team in ballgames.

The Vikings broke open a 24-23 halftime lead, outscoring the Eagles by 17 in the second half to win the game 63-46.

Once again Burton led the offensive attack with 26 points, including 14 of 18 from the free-throw line. Floyd had his second productive game in a row, scoring 14, while Jon Warren chipped in with 13 points.

Cape will host Tatnall Tuesday, Feb. 12 with the varsity game at 6:15 p.m. before a showdown at Sussex Tech at 7:15 p.m., Friday, Feb. 15.

Cape and Sussex Tech are tied atop the Henlopen Conference Northern Division, each with two conference losses. Cape fell twice to Dover in overtime while the Ravens have lost to Cape 66-57 and Smyrna 76-69.