Cape boys lose heartbreaker to Smyrna basketball

Despite strong performances from a trio of sophomores and their lone senior, the Cape boys’s basketball team had its hearts crushed on Valentine’s Day in a 72-69 overtime loss to Smyrna.

The Vikings led 28-24 at halftime before an offensive outburst from both teams in the third quarter gave Cape a 54-42 lead heading into the final frame. Dame Robinson was a consistent veteran presence throughout, hitting a trio of threes and finishing second on the team with 16 points in the losing effort.

Sophomore Jameson Tingle finished just behind the senior with 15 points but fouled out with five minutes left in the fourth quarter and the lead trimmed, 57-51. It was a dramatic turn of events after Tingle's eye-popping dunk on a fast break seemed to quiet a few Smyrna fans that had invoked his name several times and gave the Vikings a 16-point lead at the time. Three quick fouls later and the Vikings were without their electric wing.

Geordan Downing, who was hitting threes at clutch moments throughout the contest, continued his steady production on offense. The sophomore finished with five three-pointers and led all players with 21 points in the game. 

Downing’s classmate, Stephen Sivels, collected eight points in the game, but seemed to meet the moment when his number was called. In particular, Sivels’ courageous assist while absorbing contact pumped up Robinson and his teammates while in the final seconds of regulation, as the fearless point guard tied up the game on a hard-fought drive.

Tingle’s absence was a big reason Smyrna won the final quarter 23-11 to tie the game at 65-65. The Eagles maintained their momentum in overtime to sweep the season series against the Vikings with a 72-69 win.

Cape will wrap up its season with away trips to Milford Tuesday, Feb. 18, and Polytech Thursday, Feb. 20. Predicted winter weather may alter the schedule.