The Delmarva Christian girls’ basketball team is just two games away from finishing its ESIAC schedule undefeated.

After collecting two victories in a back-to-back against conference opponents – Salisbury School and Salisbury Christian – the Royals are 8-0 with rematches against Sts. Peter & Paul and Salisbury School remaining.

Delmarva Christian jumped on Salisbury School from the opening tip-off Feb. 1 and claimed a 32-1 lead after the first quarter.

“The key to the hot start was being energetic, pumping up the team during warm-ups, having fun, and playing the game as it’s supposed to be played,” senior Josie Peranteau said.

Peranteau noted the team was boxing out early, which helped her grab a team-high 13 rebounds and the team an astonishing 48 boards in the contest. Senior Journey Handy joined Peranteau in double figures with 10, sophomore Evelyn Bohinksi had eight and junior Layni Dukes had seven. Handy led the team with seven assists and had two steals.

“We did well with our passing today, and I think we improved our shooting and driving,” senior Mia Elliott said.

While Dukes led the Royals in scoring with 22, Handy (20 points) had the lone double-double. Dukes added five assists, seven steals and a block. 

Senior Ryley McCluskey registered five points, three rebounds and three assists. Delmarva Christian cruised its way to a 69-26 victory, but the Royals were also able to work on things offensively.

“In the playoffs, it is really important that everyone knows how to play together and where they need to be,” McCluskey said.

The quick turnaround from the Feb. 1 game didn’t seem to affect the girls, as they rolled to a 61-10 win over Salisbury Christian Feb. 2. The game was away, but the girls made themselves feel at home early with a 27-0 first quarter. Conceding just two points before half, the Royals defense generated 19 steals. Handy’s 18 points, five assists, four steals, three rebounds and one block were a big reason for the victory. Senior Lily Hutt blocked three shots, and junior Bella Marinelli’s two three-pointers helped her reach 10 points.

Boys falter

Unfortunately for the Delmarva Christian boys’ basketball team, hopes of an undefeated regular season in conference play came to an end Feb. 1 against Salisbury School. 

Senior Edward Higgins led the Royals with 20 points, but it was Dragons senior Tyler Ball stealing the show. Connecting on seven threes en route to 34 points, Ball seemed unstoppable in the second and third quarters. Battling back from down 20 to get within five, Delmarva Christian fell short 76-66.

“I think we can take what we did in the second half and carry that over,” said coach Marc Hannah.

Squaring off against the Charter School of Wilmington Feb. 3, Higgins led the Royals again in scoring, and this time in a winning effort. Delmarva Christian secured the 78-71 victory by winning the overtime period 11-4. Mason Bohinski, Xavier Efford and Malachi Light joined Higgins in double figures.