Royals race past Jaguars to open Governor’s Challenge

They Delmarva Christian boys’ basketball team’s debut in the 42nd Governor’s Challenge was a success, as the Royals rumbled past Washington (Md.) 60-53 Dec. 26.

“I've been waiting for it since freshman year; we've never been in it,” said senior Andrew Collins about the Salisbury, Md. tournament. “Playing in it my senior year, I think I had a pretty good game, so I'm satisfied.”

The gentle giant left his timidness off the court, dominating in the paint with 10 boards. Going 5-for-6 at the foul line helped him to 13 points and a double-double. Additionally, the Royals were 10 points better than the Jags when he was on the floor.

“Andrew was collecting a lot of rebounds and put backs,” coach Pat Woods said.

He added a block and an assist to his stat line while playing tough, smart defense, committing just one foul.

“Be physical and keep being physical,” Collins said about his approach.

Noah Barbrow’s athleticism and anticipation were on full display at the Wicomico Civic Center in the showcase tournament. The junior led all scorers with 18 points and nabbed seven boards.

“He carried us, specifically in the first half,” Woods said. “He finishes around the rim really, really well, and he pursues the ball.”

The tournament atmosphere may have helped Barbrow.

“I love it,” Barbrow said. “The louder crowd makes me play better; it's great to play here.”

Washington made things difficult for Delmarva Christian, leading to an uncharacteristically high 20 turnovers.

“They played a good game,” Barbrow said. “We turned it over a little too much, just forcing the ball passing, but we came out with the win.”

Almost all of the Jaguars’ points were a result of getting looks at the glass.

“They were getting to the rim like crazy in the second quarter, and it's just a matter of us trying to take care of the ball,” Woods said. “We didn't take care of the ball, that's all there is to it. Other than that, I thought we shot it decently, we rebounded well; in the second half we defended better.”

Some of it may have been the tempo, as the Royals are more of a full-court squad this season.

“We're a fast-playing team this year,” Barbrow said. “I think it benefits us because we have size, but a lot of our guys are also fast enough to get up and down the court. That's how we slow down teams; if we can get them to speed up, we can play fast.”

Delmarva Christian’s character was put to the test down the stretch after having to pull out a close one after leading by as many as 11 points in the third quarter. Washington was hot on their heels, shrinking the lead down to one possession at times in the closing minutes. The Royals remained focused on the win.

The Royals will battle the Crabbers from Crisfield (Md.) at 5 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 30, at Wicomico High School to wrap up their inaugural appearance in the Governor’s Challenge.