The Delmarva Christian girls’ basketball team celebrated the Class of 2024 with a 63-29 victory over Laurel Feb. 21 to close out the regular season in Georgetown.

The Royals started off slow but picked it up at the four-minute mark and finished off the first period 19-7. The Bulldogs started biting back, outscoring the Royals 9-8 in the second stanza. The second half found the home squad putting Laurel in the doghouse, tallying a 36-13 half to leash the dogs with a 34-point win.

Royals senior Journey Handy, the ESIAC Player of the Year, scored 22 points, 13 in the second half, and made 4-of-10 from behind the three-point arc. She also recorded four rebounds and four assists.

“I’m going to miss this group,” said an emotional Handy. “I love these girls, especially my seniors. Lots of emotion. I’m going to play in college, but high school basketball is different. Senior Night was great, but we have to get back in the gym and practice for the DIAA playoffs. And try to win.”

Senior Mia Elliott tallied 15 points, eight rebounds, four steals and three assists.

Senior Ryley McCluskey scored six points, six rebounds, seven assists and four steals.

Senior Lily Hutt registered six points, six rebounds, three steals and three blocks.

Royals senior Josie Peranteau continues to be a force in the paint, garnering five steals and two rebounds.

“I’m kind of sad,” said Peranteau. “I’m going to miss these girls. I’ve been with most of them for four years. We’ve had a great connection. I love these girls and I love this team.”

“They came through tonight,” said Royals coach Frank Roach. “It took a while to get into the flow. Eventually we got some things rolling. You couldn’t ask anything else from our seniors. They were model seniors. Leadership and understanding the task at hand, and executing the task. They were just great leaders, and I’m excited for the season they’ve had.”

Isabella Banks led the Bulldogs with eight points.

The Royals await the DIAA brackets for their next game.