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Mariner boys’ basketball outlasts the Knights

Mariner’s Christopher Prince snags a rebound from Millsboro’s Jace Spruill in the Vikings’ 27-22 victory over the Knights. DAN COOK PHOTOS
Dan Cook
January 11, 2024

The Mariner and Millsboro middle school boys’ basketball teams jousted for 32 minutes Jan. 8, and when the final horn sounded, the Vikings stood in victory 27-22. Mariner moves to 4-1, while the Knights are 2-4.

The Vikings started slow, with two starters on the bench, scoring just five points in the first period to Millsboro’s eight. Mariner players got their legs under them and shut out the Knights 10-0 in the second stanza to take a 15-8 lead into halftime. The Knights outscored the Vikings 14-12 in the second half, but exchanging baskets in the fourth period held up the Vikings’ lead and the victory.

“We got the ball moving in the second period,” said coach Josh Hackney. “We started attacking the basket and finding our energy. They held each other accountable on the court, something we’ve been preaching to them. The young ones got in there and played hard. We talk to them about getting 1% better each day.”

The Vikings were paced by Ben Hill with 10 points and three assists. Asher Woods tallied eight points and two rebounds. Trizton Willey knocked down five points. Christopher Prince hit for two points and three rebounds. Joseph Ruark sank a bucket and grabbed four rebounds.

“When they pressured us coming down the stretch, we just had to stay calm and play our game,” said Woods. “We had to knock down the free throws when the pressure was on. That was real important at the end of the game.”

 

 

Mariner guard Asher Woods drives to the paint.
Mariner seventh-grader Trey Dickinson drives on Millsboro’s Mikai Pritchett.
Mariner’s Trizton Willey snags a high pass.
Mariner’s Asher Woods hits for a deuce.
Mariner’s Ben Hill speeds the ball across the mid-court.
Mariner’s Ben Hill glides in for a basket.
Trey Dickinson takes a jumper for the Vikings.
Christopher Prince hits a free throw for the Vikings.
Mariner’s Trizton Willey looks to go to the paint.
Cape’s Trizton Willey and Ben Hill trap Millsboro’s Jermiah Tunnell.
Mariner’s Trey Dickinson snags a rebound in a crowd of Knights.
Millsboro’s Mikai Pritchett, left, battles for position with Mariner’s Harlem Johnson.
Mariner’s Trey Dickinson glides in for a lay-up.
Christopher Prince takes a shot.
Mariner’s Cameron Bell sets up an offensive play.
Mariner’s Christopher Prince battles for position with Millsboro’s Nathan Tunnell.

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Dan has worked for the Cape Gazette for more than 30 years as a photographer and reporter, covering high school sports and happenings around eastern Sussex County. He won a photography award from the National Newspaper Association, and numerous awards from the Maryland, Delaware, D.C. Press Association. A Delaware native, Dan graduated from Cape in 1972 and returned as a teacher and coach in the 1980s. He retired from the classroom in 2016. He was inducted into Cape High’s Legends Stadium in 2016. In his spare time, Dan enjoys spending time with his wife, two sons, grandchildren and dogs. 

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