Community leaders treated to premium sportsmanship

For those aware of the warmth and joy of witnessing a unified basketball game, they understand what first-timers felt when Cape played Woodbridge Feb. 5.

“The school district wanted to share unified basketball with the community,” said Cape coach Katie Collick. “It seemed like everyone in Lewes and Rehoboth came out.”

Local politicians, law enforcement and other local leaders were in attendance to witness Cape come just short 50-40, but the Vikings continued to win over the hearts of fans.

“It's really cool to share this experience with everybody that might not know what unified is,” Collick said. “The partners are doing a great job of just helping the athletes be successful. Whether that's getting a rebound, shooting a shot, helping them dribble or getting in the right positions, those partners do a great job of moving around. People that usually come to varsity basketball games don’t see that; it’s something special and unique to us.”

Fouls are called and order is enforced in the game, but one might initially be surprised to find Cape giving an offensive rebound back to the opponent or the Vikings clearing the lane to allow an athlete on the other team to put up a shot.

A lot of the kids seem happy just to put up a shot, but when they do connect, their celebration combined with the uproar of a very supportive crowd makes for a magical moment reserved for unified basketball.

Against Woodbridge, Cape was trailing early, but junior Austin Hastings scored the final eight points of the first half to get the Vikings within striking distance.

“It was a great experience,” Hastings said. “I'm thankful for my teammates for giving me the opportunity to shoot that many times when everyone's supposed to get even playing time – basically four minutes every half.”

A packed house didn’t knock the junior and his teammates off their focus, as most of them are the reigning unified flag football champions.

“At first, I was a little bit nervous, but as soon as I started shooting, I gained more confidence,” Hastings said.

“This year, he is one of our better athletes, but he's kind of doing the work of a partner, which is great,” Collick said. “He wants to see everyone succeed. He's always big on the boards for us, and then when he comes down, he knows when to pass and when to take it himself.”

Hastings’ eight points were good for second on the team. Taking the team-high honor was Luke Archer, who tallied all 10 of his points in the second half. Archer said he has been working hard on his shot, but his favorite element of the game is defense. The sophomore keeps his base and arms wide in the 2-3 zone, ready to disrupt passing lanes.

“He's doing a great job. He knows where to be, and he's gotten really into the game,” Collick said.

Cape welcomes Milford for its Morgan’s Message game at 3:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 10.