Sussex Academy supporters storm court following Holly Grove win

In a battle between birds, it might be best to have the wind at one’s back, especially if one side has a master of winds on the roster.

Sussex Academy freshman Desmond Davis is a saxophone-playing member of the all-state team and has begun to master the woodwind instrument. He’s also a freshman on the Seahawks’ varsity basketball team, his first year playing the sport. 

“Desmond is great. His energy is amazing and he has so much passion,” said coach Brad Leinbach. “He’s a very athletic kid who is just learning the game of basketball. He has no idea how good he can be at this game.”

Davis led the Seahawks with 11 points in a 48-45 victory over Holly Grove Christian School Feb. 1. While the game culminated in joyous celebrations, Sussex Academy needed to fight for their right to party.

“We were down and, well, it was comeback season,” Davis said. “That’s what I said to the team in the locker room, ‘Comeback season!’”

Down 22-6 early in the second quarter, the Seahawks clawed their way back into the game with stout defense and aggressive ball movement. A 25-7 run gave Sussex Academy a 31-29 lead late in the game. 

“That's the first time we were able to sustain it and keep our response going when we’ve been challenged,” Leinbach said.

Sensing victory was close, players and fans both went all in to make the visiting Eagles as uncomfortable as possible. Beginning with a courageous charge on Tate Sickler, the Seahawks implemented a full-court press in the fourth led by sophomore Nate Elliott and freshman Bryce Turner. With disregard for the health of their bodies, both players challenged Holly Grove immediately at the baseline.

Freshman Sebastien Paul fouled out, but he did so making hustle plays in the transition game and the paint. The Laurel product contributed by making clutch free throws late in the game before his exit. Turner and Elliott carried the torch at the line following his departure to secure the victory.

“We’ve been working hard since the beginning of the season just to get our first win, and we’ve got a couple more to come,” Paul said.

The Seahawks faithful acknowledged the year-long effort the boys put in by rushing the court and joining the team as they celebrated their 48-45 victory over the visitors. 

“It was great to see how excited the team and school itself was,” Leinbach said. “When you watch people storming the court for a regular-season game, you think it’s silly, but if you take a step back, it’s pretty cool. You realize how hard the team works and how hard the whole school wants it. It's nice to see the hard work the team puts in is rewarded.”

The win was the first for the program in nearly two years.