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Cape unified basketball tips off season with battle of champions

IR starts fast in 42-24 victory, but optimistic Vikings finish strong
The Cape unified basketball team started its season with a 42-24 loss to reigning state champion Indian River Jan. 6, but the Vikings finished strong in the game to remain upbeat about the season’s prospects. AARON R. MUSHRUSH PHOTOS
Aaron R. Mushrush
January 8, 2026

A showdown between the reigning unified flag football champions (Cape) and the defending unified basketball champions (Indian River) went the way of the ballers Jan. 6.

It was the season opener for the Vikings, and although they lost 42-24, they finished stronger than they started to keep their hopes for a successful season high.

“It was a fun game,” coach Katie Collick said. “It's our first game of the season – we have 12 this year – so we're kind of packed.”

IR operated the fast break to near perfection in the first quarter, and kept the pressure up in the second to provide enough cushion for the W. As the game went on, Cape got more and more comfortable on the floor.

“We saw some great things,” Collick said. “Being the first game, we have a lot of new partners and athletes. We have 17 athletes and 10 partners, so we have a bunch of new ones that we're just seeing what they can do on the court.”

One of the veteran players, Zane Richardson, liked what he saw from his teammates.

“I am getting to see people score points and play defense,” the senior said. “We just gotta work on our passing.”

While the Vikings are building confidence on offense to start the season, they are in midseason form with their half-court defense. Players were communicating clearly and disrupting passing lanes to frustrate the defending champs when they wanted to put the game away.

“Our 2-3 zone defense is one of our big pride and joys,” Collick said. “They love to move, and we don't stop. So we figured that would keep us agile as they move and keep their hands out.”

One of the big highlights came when the Vikings needed a spark in the third quarter, having scored just four points in the first half. Sophomore Jwalit Patel answered the call by rattling off three straight baskets to get Cape into double digits and mentally back into the contest. Collick praised his efforts and noted it was his debut for the Vikings.

His classmate, Zack Valles, had a noteworthy game as well. Collick said the sophomore is usually timid in physical education classes, but really stepped into the moment in the season-opener. His celebration pumped up his teammates and the crowd after he made a shot.

Cape welcomes Caesar Rodney at 3:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 8, in a game that will pit some of the same athletes who battled for a flag football title against one another again.

 

Cape sophomore Norman Rust leads the offensive formation on an in-bound play.
Vikings sophomore Norman Rust cruises into the paint.
Cape freshman Darren Fraiman passes inside from the corner.
Vikings sophomore Michael Anthony shows off his arm on a hook pass.
Cape junior Jaxon Benton drives into the arc.
Vikings junior Austin Hastings has a look in close.
Cape freshman Julian Puente slightly bridges the gap with a two-pointer.
Cape junior Jaxon Benton kicks the ball out on a drive.
Vikings sophomore Xavier Zimmer begins his stroll into the lane.
Cape freshman Jaylin Tingle takes a shot.
Vikings sophomore Xavier Zimmer celebrates his bucket.
Cape freshman Jaylin Tingle is a force in the paint and was praised for his productive debut.
Vikings sophomore Xavier Zimmer tries to fight through a double-team.
Cape sophomore Luke Archer hustles down the court to keep the ball alive after disrupting a pass on the other end.
Vikings sophomore Zack Valles jumps for joy after converting a field goal.
Cape senior Zane Richardson tries for a reverse lay-up after collecting a swipe on defense.
Vikings sophomore Luke Archer shows off his handle on the perimeter.
Cape junior Aidan Wyatt signals for Luke Archer to come in.
Vikings sophomore Jwalit Patel gathers himself before making his first basket.
Cape sophomore Jwalit Patel is congratulated by Bennett Steinmann after one of his three buckets.
Cape junior Bobby Harman-Strike launches one from near the logo.
Cape sophomore Jwalit Patel celebrates a successful shot.
Vikings sophomore Harlan Jones shoots the ball.
Vikings sophomore Jwalit Patel dribbles inside.
Cape junior Bobby Harman-Strike puts up a deep two as his shiny kicks were just inside the line.
Vikings freshman Jaylin Tingle operates on the outside.
Vikings junior Austin Hastings races down the court.
Cape freshman Cullen Oliver puts up a deuce.
Cape sophomore Aiden Curran looks at the cup.
Cape senior Zane Richardson loads up for a three.
Vikings sophomore Michael Anthony contemplates his options.

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Aaron Mushrush joined the sports team in Summer 2023 to help cover the emerging youth athletics scene in the Cape Region. After lettering in soccer and lacrosse at Sussex Tech, he played lacrosse at Division III Eastern University in St. David's, PA. Aaron coached lacrosse at Sussex Tech in 2009 and 2011. Post-collegiately, Mush played in the Eastern Shore Summer Lacrosse League for Blue Bird Tavern and Saltwater Lacrosse. He competed in several tournaments for the Shamrocks Lacrosse Club, which blossomed into the Maryland Lacrosse League (MDLL). Aaron interned at the Coastal Point before becoming assistant director at WMDT-TV 47 ABC in 2017 and eventually assignment editor in 2018. 

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