Cape boys use hot start to top Milford 70-53

The Cape Henlopen boys’ basketball team used stifling defense and extended scoring runs to beat the Buccaneers of Milford 70-53 Jan. 21 in Lewes.

The Vikings (4-6, 3-5 Henlopen North) burst out of the gate to an 8-0 first-quarter lead, holding Milford scoreless for the first 6:08 of the game. In the second period, Cape opened on a 13-0 run highlighted by three-pointers from senior guard Collin Mallet and junior guard Ja'Vaughn Burton. Up by 10 at intermission, the Vikings began the third period with a 14-6 burst to all but end the game, building their lead to as many as 23 points in the fourth.

Burton led Cape with 18 points and three three-pointers. The baby-faced bomber has scored at least 18 points in four consecutive games. Senior wing Sh'Kai Chandler had 14 points, seven rebounds and five steals, while senior guard Kris Rushin scored 10 points and pulled down six rebounds. 

Rushin was happy that the Vikings hit the ground running after stumbling out of the blocks in their two previous games. 

“We came out with energy – that was key,” Rushin said. “We’ve come out flat every game, but being at home helped us play with more energy early.”

Mallet tallied nine points on three three-pointers, all in the second quarter.

Head coach Shemik Thompson was all smiles after the win.

“We played with some pace today,” Thompson said. “I was thrilled about our effort, especially our attitude going into the game. Today, we had a lead and it started to slip away for a little bit, but then we locked in and continued to hold that lead. That’s something we haven’t done all season, so that’s a positive. It seems to be our theme that we come alive in spurts. Today, the biggest note for us was that we were rejuvenated for a longer period of time [than usual].”

Senior wing Jarvis Jarvis racked up 17 points and drained five three-pointers for the Buccaneers (2-9, 1-8 Henlopen North).

The Vikings were set to host Sussex Tech at 6:15 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 23.