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Ballers Classic Showcase hits the hardwood at Cape

The Delaware girls took the Ballers Classic trophy for their win over the Maryland squad. Shown in back are (l-r) assistant coach Gabby Almonte, Reghan Robinson (Woodbridge), head coach Jordan Thomas, Kimyra Cornish-Baine (Seaford), Ja’Onna Lee (Cape), Delaney Larrimore (Woodbridge), Kallie Hopkins (Polytech), Mya Whittington (Indian River) and De’Asya Jones (Woodbridge). In front are Akira Perry (Sussex Tech), Amira Tingle (Seaford) and Maleyah Bell (Sussex Tech). DAN COOK PHOTOS
Dan Cook
March 30, 2023

The fourth annual Ballers Classic Showcase was held at the Cape Henlopen High School gymnasium March 25, when the best players in Delaware and Maryland high schools battled for a trophy and bragging rights for the upcoming year. The event was put on by the Making a Difference Coalition, with assistance from Pathways to Success.

“It was great event,” said Making a Difference Vice President and Event Coordinator Rob West. “Proceeds from the event defray the cost of laptops, printers, transportation for students and other academic support to make students successful.”

Making A Difference Coalition is a group of educators, pastors and entrepreneurs who have joined together for the purpose to aid in the support of continuing education for local income-challenged students via scholarships and monetary donations. This is accomplished through various fundraising events, sponsorships and donations. It advocates for youth and young adults to pursue post-grad education.

Pathways to Success’ mission is to prepare youth, adults and their families for successful lives. They utilize innovative and creative approaches in mentoring and education to help individuals develop to be healthy, productive, contributing and responsible citizens. Working in service to the at-risk communities in a spirit of offering hope through empowerment, education and information.

“I’m super passionate about the program,” said West. “We help children champion the classroom before they champion between the lines.”

For more info go to: www.pathways-2-success.org and www.facebook.com/madcoalitionde/.

 

The Ballers Classic board and principle workers in back are (l-r) Haywood Burton, Derek Savage and Robert West. In front are Arthur Jones, Taylor Pritchett, Talon Taylor and Devin Mann.
Debbie Cinquemani and Marissa Guijarro are presented with a Humanitarian Award for exemplifying the courage to champion the mission to serve kids and community. Shown are (l-r) Event Coordinator Rob West, Guijarro, Devon Winborne; Making A Difference Coalition networking and fundraising team member Cinquemani; and Fred Thomas, general manager of the Hampton Inn Rehoboth.
Pathways to Success presented an award of recognition of leadership and support to Bill Collick. Shown are (l-r) Collick; Jaybreon Mifflin; Faye Blake, Pathways to Success executive director; Pathways to Success board member Sara Gilmour; and Ballers Classic Event Coordinator Robert West.
Kallie Hopkins from Polytech drives to the hoop in the Delaware win over the Maryland squad.
Delaney Larrimore from Woodbridge hits a jumper.
The fans enjoy the music during a break in the action.
Mya Whittington of Indian River looks to go up strong to the hoop.
Maleyah Bell from Sussex Tech drives to the paint.
Cape’s Ja’Onna Lee goes in strong to the hoop.
Cape’s Drew Zimmerman represented the Delaware squad.
Polytech’s Kyle Gamber hits a shot for the Delaware squad.
Caesar Rodney sophomore Khalil Kemp hits a jumper in the Delaware win over Maryland.

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Dan has worked for the Cape Gazette for more than 30 years as a photographer and reporter, covering high school sports and happenings around eastern Sussex County. He won a photography award from the National Newspaper Association, and numerous awards from the Maryland, Delaware, D.C. Press Association. A Delaware native, Dan graduated from Cape in 1972 and returned as a teacher and coach in the 1980s. He retired from the classroom in 2016. He was inducted into Cape High’s Legends Stadium in 2016. In his spare time, Dan enjoys spending time with his wife, two sons, grandchildren and dogs. 

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