Athletes of the Week Feb. 22
Ja’Vaughn Burton
“J-Roc” used his trademark high-arcing jumper to great effect in Cape’s runaway victory over Appoquinimink Feb. 19, coming off the bench to knock down four three-pointers on the way to 17 points. Just a sophomore, Burton has already established himself as one of the Vikings’ most dangerous weapons, leading the team in scoring (10.7 points per game) and three-pointers made (43) this season. He poured in 15 points or more in six of the Vikings’ final 11 games, averaging 13.2 points during that stretch. Fearless and full of energy, this kid is a joy to watch on the court and a star in the making. “Shooters shoot,” Burton said after the Appo win. You can’t argue with that.
Luke D’Ambrogi
“The White Mamba” played like his namesake on Senior Night at the Big House, going off for career highs of 18 points and five assists in Cape’s win over Appoquinimink Feb. 19. The senior guard went 7-for-10 from the floor and drained four three-pointers on the night, three of them in the first quarter, to electrify the Big House. A student of the game, Luke is the Vikings’ coach on the floor, constantly calling out defensive assignments and directing traffic on the offensive end. “It couldn’t happen to a better kid,” coach Steve Re said afterward. “He deserved that.” This spring, you can find Luke on the lacrosse field, where he was an all-state pick last year.
Zack Gelof
Zack, a University of Virginia freshman, is the starting third baseman for the 1-3 Cavaliers. He is batting .333 after four games, going 5-for-15 at the plate, which includes three doubles and a slugging percentage of .533, the highest on the team. Zack had a monster game in the opener Feb. 15 against No. 2 Vanderbilt, the game played in Arizona. Zack was 4-for-5 with four RBIs and two runs scored, and had a bases-clearing double. The game was broadcast on ESPN. Virginia has a three-game home weekend series scheduled against Villanova. Games can be watched live on the ACC Network. Zack was the top-rated soccer player in the Henlopen Conference last year, a first-team all-state pick and regional All-American.
Kandice Schlabach
A three-sport standout at Delmarva Christian High School, this honor roll student is the epitome of a team player, according to head basketball coach Jedidiah Roach. "She's a very positive person, a great team player who supports and loves her teammates," said Roach. "She has a lot of commitment. She will sometimes leave after basketball practice to go to another two-hour softball practice.” Kandice has averaged 10 points in the last five games, and she tallied 15 against Salisbury Christian in the ESIAC semifinal Feb. 19. When not on the hardwood during basketball season, she plays middle-front on the volleyball squad and centerfield for the Royals’ softball team and the Diamond State Swoop travel team.
