Royals’ girls’ basketball is back with a purpose

The Delmarva Christian girls’ basketball team returns this season with two clear goals, matching last year’s ESIAC title and advancing past the first round of the DIAA state tournament.

The Royals lost three seniors to graduation, but they have three more ready to step into leadership roles. The Class of 2026, with Riley Barto, Evelyn Bohinski and Eva Elliott, is eager to prove this squad deserves respect.

“Last year we had a really good team, both offensively and defensively,” said Barto. “I think this year’s team is really strong on the defensive end, and we’re learning each other’s strengths on offense. As our chemistry grows, we’ll improve all around.”

“I think as seniors, we can be role models for our younger players,” Elliott added. “We can help them learn on the court by explaining plays and leading by example.”

“We’re looking forward to taking on the leadership role,” Bohinski said. “The younger players look to us to show them how it’s done because we’ve been through it, winning the ESIAC the last two years.”

Head coach Frank Roach enters his third year on the Royals’ bench. He has captured the ESIAC title in each of his first two seasons and plans to contend for it again.

“We can repeat this season, but we need to play more aggressively on offense and stay out of foul trouble,” he said. “I’m looking forward to the young players stepping up and contributing. We expect sophomore Avery McCoy to be one of our top players, and freshman Alexis Dale to step in and give us quality minutes. Sophomore Mary Kate Dougherty will be solid on defense as well.”

Running the point this season will be senior Elliott, with support from Barto and McCoy. Holding down the post will be Bohinski, Dale and Dougherty.

“My bench will consist of some freshmen who are itching to get in and turn heads,” Roach said.

On the offensive side, Roach wants his team to stay under control and rely on fundamentals to generate quality shots.

“We want to pressure teams, push the tempo and make them sweat,” he said with a smile. “Offensively, we have less shooting than usual, but we’ll move the ball and look for the best opportunities.”

Joining Roach on the bench are assistants Brandon Elliott, Bo Dukes and Jeff Bell.

Roach remains optimistic about the season ahead.

“The goal remains the same,” he said. “We need to play hard, play fast, play smart and play under control. As long as we do that, we give ourselves a chance.”

The Royals scrimmaged St. Michaels Nov. 24, winning all four quarters of play. 

“We’ve got a lot to work on,” said Roach. “We’ve had limited practice these first two weeks, so it showed.”