Cape girls’ basketball runs past Smyrna 62-29

After falling behind early and ending the first quarter down 10-8, Cape outscored Smyrna 54-18 to cruise to a 62-29 road victory.

Dania Cannon led the Vikings with 18 points, while Abbey Hearn and Mehkia Applewhite added 15 and 10 points, respectively.

Getting the ball inside was crucial to the victory.

“We had a long meeting yesterday about what the key was going to be to win this game,” said Cape coach Pat Woods. “Get the ball inside out first. Get the ball inside and move our way out. Once we got it in, we were OK.”

The coach also had kudos for his team on the defensive side of the ball.

“We spoke about not being able to take a whole quarter off,” Woods said. “We picked up the pressure defense and that turned it around.”

“Coach told us that we were slow getting to loose balls,” Hearn said. “We went into our press and everything quickened up. That forced Smyrna to feel under pressure, and we got some loose balls.”

Hearn, who scored six points in the paint, also snagged four offensive rebounds.

“We really attacked the rim and it forced them to foul us,” Hearn said. “Then we could play the game at our tempo.”

The bench also played a big role in the victory, as they outscored Smyrna 15-0 and controlled 16 rebounds.

Cape junior Carlin Quinn came off the bench to grab nine rebounds and score four points.

The junior varsity team remained undefeated (10-0) by beating Smyrna 40-12.

Ella Rishko scored 10 points from her point guard position. Jhayden Holloman added nine, Lauryn Head hit for seven, and Destiny Kusen and Taonshaye Trader each garnered six. Kelly Bragg scored two.

The Lady Vikings will host Sussex Central on Friday, Jan. 18. The Golden Knights handed the Vikings their only defeat Dec. 4 by a 43-40 score.