Warren shows up and throws down in 69-64 Cape win over Smyrna

Jon Warren showed up and threw down Feb. 12 inside the Home Dome at Cape Henlopen, scoring 26 points and grabbing 15 rebounds as Cape got away from a young Smyrna team for a 69-64 victory.

The win moves Cape to 10-8 on the season with games remaining at home Friday versus rival Sussex Tech then at Polytech at 6 p.m., Tuesday.

“We battled tonight the entire game against a very good Smyrna team," coach Steve Re said. “It’s tough out here every night. You can’t afford to fall asleep on anyone.”

There were a total of 15 threes made in the game including eight from Cape. Tyreik Burton had four of them, Ryan Thornbug with two and Kai Vitella's two account for 24 points from downtown.

The signature moment of the game came at under two minutes to play when Jon Warren drove down the lane and dunked in everyone’s face including the state police and custodians. Cape surged and seemed secure leading 63-56 but before you could say “multiple focuses," Smyrna ran five unanswered points in 30 seconds to trail 63-61 as scorekeeper J.C. Burton bellowed, “One minute left to play in this ball game!”

“We have had trouble with multiple focuses all season," Re said after the game. “The dunk was great, should have sealed the win, but then we don’t get back on defense, then they get a layup and get fouled, then another basket, and we have to wake up and refocus."

There will be no trouble with focus Friday night for either Sussex Tech or Cape as a packed house is anticipated for this neighborhood rivalry. The Ravens have lost consecutive games to Caesar Rodney and Polytech and trail Caesar Rodney by one game in a battle for the Henlopen North title. If the Riders beat Smyrna Friday night, they are Northern Division champions.

Warren was asked how to dial in the monster who showed up for Smyrna. “Coach Re got on me at halftime about taking over and going to the basket. It really got me going,” he said.

Warren with 26 and Tyreik Burton with 16 points led the Vikings.

Smyrna was paced by Latrelle Lee with 22 and Ja’Vier Worthy with 18 points.