Cape basketball gets A for effort but loses to CR 62-54

The effort was there, but the result was not. The Cape boys' basketball team coming off a “live dud” performance and loss at Sussex Central played amped and inspired over four quarters against visiting Caesar Rodney Jan. 31, but a two-point game drifted away to a 62-54 loss.

“They are as good as we are, so it’s not a matter of losing to a team we are better than, and obviously they are well coached [by Freeman Williams]. I think it’s mental toughness at crunch time, and we’ve lost at least four games because we didn’t have it," said coach Steve Re.

Meanwhile, the Riders (13-2) have been surviving near losses for a month, having beaten Sussex Central 61-56 and 43-42, Polytech 59-58 and Cape twice, once in overtime.

The Riders are one game behind Sussex Tech and play at the Ravens' gym Thursday, Feb. 6.  Get there early to assure getting in the door.

Cape trailed the Riders 29-23 at halftime and just never caught up. The Vikings had a chance after Ryan Thornburg hit a three-pointer to cut the lead to 52-50.

“I played at Newark then coached against Cape at the Little Big House, but this is my first time in this gym," Williams said. ”The thing you know is that players and fans are bringing their game. This has always been a great place to play and a tough place to win.”

Cape was led in scoring by seniors Jon Warren with 16, Toney Floyd 13 and Tyreik Burton 11.

The Riders' scoring leaders were Collin Moore with 15 and James Palmer 13.

The Vikings have six games remaining in the regular season, all winnable and losable, beginning with Seaford at home Tuesday, Feb. 4, followed by a home game versus Dover Thursday, Feb. 6.