Share: 

Cape unified basketball falls to CR, but makes lasting friendships

Patel scores six in Vikings win
Cape sophomore Jwalit Patel celebrates with teammate Bennett Steinmann after making two of his team-leading six points. DAN COOK PHOTOS
Dan Cook
January 12, 2026

The Cape unified team faced what most basketball aficionados would think was an impossible deficit to overcome. That was the farthest thought from the Vikings’ minds as they fought their way back, achieving a close 49-59 loss to a talented Caesar Rodney squad. 

They pulled themselves from a 2-23 first-quarter score to end the first half at 10-35. They pulled closer in the third period, closing the quarter at 26-42. The Vikings ended the game with a 10-point loss to move the team to 0-2 on the early season. 

Cape sophomore Jwalit Patel led the Vikings with six points in the contest. 

“It was a great game,” said Patel. “I had a really good time, and I like scoring points to help my team win. I really like it when the announcer says my name after I score a basket, Cape No. 53 Jwalit Patel.”  

The Vikings highlighted talents on both ends of the court. 

Robert Harman-Strike hit for five points. Scoring four points were Aiden Curran, Julian Puente and Norman Rust. Tallying a basket each were Jaylin Tingle, Xavier Zimmer, Zackary Valles, Zane Richardson, Cullen Oliver, Daniel Gartman, Michael Anthony and Austin Hastings. 

Valles dazzled the crowd with his under-the-legs ball-handling skills and his last-second shot in the game.

“I think making that last shot was amazing,” said Valles. “The crowd went crazy. It was nice that everyone cheered for me. I love playing on this team.”  

“We were down big, but we settled in and we played a great game,” said Cape head coach Katie Collick. “Everyone was out there for the spirit of the game. Our athletes were really successful. The partners were awesome and really helpful getting the assists.” 

Caesar Rodney was led by Cameron Hewish with 12 points. Brayden Robinson scored 11. 

The 0-2 Vikings travel to Milford Thursday, Jan. 15, to take on the 0-2 Bucs. The Bucs are coached by former Cape standout Robert Croce. 

Cape sophomore Xavier (The X-Man) Zimmer takes a three-point shot early in the contest.
Junior Aidan Wyatt leads a Vikings fast break up the sideline.
Cape sophomore Norman Rust goes triple threat before a shot.
Junior Jaxon Benton drives to the paint for the Vikings.
Cape junior Robert Harman-Strike plays close defense on Caesar Rodney’s Jacob Kamara.
Cape junior Austin Hastings brings the ball up the sideline.
Cape junior Elizabeth Sprague, right, assists on a shot by teammate Daniel Gartman.
Cape freshman Cullen Oliver hits a jumper.
Cape sophomore Michael Anthony takes a shot in the paint.
Cape freshman Darren Fraiman, right, and teammate Austin Hastings get a block on Caesar Rodney’s Noah Wenteler-Bunch.
Cape freshman Jaylin Tingle celebrates a made basket.
Cape senior Erichson McMahon controls the offense in the first half.
Sophomore guard Luke Archer takes a shot for the Vikings.
Cape freshman Julian Puente lines up a shot.
Cape No. 53 Jwalit Patel.
Cape junior Brynne Fox runs an offensive play.
Cape sophomore Michael Anthony hits a deuce.
Cape’s Norman Rust takes a shot in the paint as teammate Grace Heers crashes the boards.
Cape freshman Cullen Oliver takes a shot while his teammates look to get the boards.
The Cape bench reacts to a made basket.
Sophomore Zackary Valles takes a shot in the paint for the Vikings.
Cape junior Robert Harman-Strike hits a jumper.
Cape sophomore Jwalit Patel hits two of his six points.
Cape sophomore Aiden Curran drives on CR’s Aiden Nilson.
Cape sophomore Xavier Zimmer finishes a Vikings fast break.
Cape senior Zane Richardson shoots the rock.
Both teams appreciated the ball-handling skills of Cape sophomore Zackary Valles.
Cape sophomore Zackary Valles takes a shot.
Both teams celebrate Cape sophomore Zackary Valles’ last-second shot.
Both teams get together for a photo after the game.
The Cape and Caesar Rodney cheerleaders pose together after the game.

Most Popular

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. 

Most Popular