For many players, junior varsity is a learning experience. 

“Essentially, we had four girls that knew how to play and two that needed to learn. They’ve come a long way and the highlight of our season is the fact that they have progressed. They’ve been doing what they’re supposed to be doing,” Delmarva Christian coach Jeff Bell said.

Following a 38-19 victory over Wilmington Christian in their season finale Feb. 20, the Royals’ JV squad ended their season with back-to-back wins to finish 7-5. Allowing just 19 points in each of those contests, Delmarva Christian fans were gifted a preview of what next year’s varsity team might look like.

“Of the six players, there will be four that move up. Riley Barto, Eva Elliott, Emelia Faubert, and Leah Bassar. They’ve done well and they should move up. It helps the program moving forward, but hopefully, we get an influx next year because that’s how you keep programs going,” Bell said.

The Royals shut out the Warriors in the first quarter, 6-0, but struggled to score themselves. Following a 5-4 Delmarva Christian second quarter, Wilmington Christian stayed within striking distance and the teams went into the half with the Royals leading 11-4. 

“I know I can play well, but a lot of the time I think I can’t. I need to remind myself that I can do it and have to push myself,” sophomore Eva Elliott said.

Elliott was a bit too timid in the first half, remaining off the score sheet.

“We had zero drives in the first half. We stressed to Eva, to take the ball to the basket,” Bell said.

Elliott’s aggressiveness in the third quarter led to nine points for the sophomore and expanded the Royals lead to 23, 31-8. She forced turnovers on the defensive end, grabbed four steals, and collected four assists on kick-out passes. 

“Her game is evolving to where she could drive the basket, but she’s also a good passer and that makes her a great asset,” Bell said.

Elliott tied freshman Bassar with a game-high 13 points in the 38-19 victory. Bassar led the team with 10 rebounds while Emelia Faubert did a little bit of everything, leading the team with five steals, scoring 4 points, grabbing three boards, registering three assists, and blocking one shot. 

“We got a big win like this at the beginning of the season too and this reminds me of how we can get wins like this throughout the season,” Elliott said.