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Cape girls’ basketball celebrates 2026 season

Cape girls’ basketball seniors are honored at the end-of-season banquet March 22 at Irish Eyes in Lewes. Shown are (l-r) seniors Amalia Fruchtman, Maya Yngve, Jurnee White and Erinn Rodriguez. Missing is Sydney Whetzel. DAN COOK PHOTOS
Dan Cook
March 26, 2026

Cape coach Ron Dukes had the goal of leading the 2026 Vikings to win the Henlopen North, Henlopen Conference and state championship. They wore that NCS mantra literally on the sleeve of their shooting shirts. They fulfilled two of the three goals by winning the North and conference, but they fell to Ursuline 46-34 in the state tournament second round. 

The postseason banquet March 22 at Irish Eyes in Lewes started off with Cape junior varsity coach Carlin Quinn reviewing her team’s undefeated season. The squad finished with a 16-0 record. They were 14-0 in 2025.

Dukes then reviewed the varsity season and presented the varsity awards. 

“I have had the honor to coach an amazing group of young ladies,” said Dukes. “This is a special group that will always be in my heart.”

Dukes also gave kudos for his assistants Samantha Purple and John Gordon, who were a big part of the team’s success.

Receiving the Rebounding Award was junior Ally Diehl. The Team Leadership Award went to Mairead Rishko. The Team Sportsmanship Award was presented to senior Maya Yngve.

Academic All-Conference honors were earned by Harper Mamele, Diehl, Amalia Fruchtman, Amara Fruchtman and Sydney Whetzel.

The Team MVP Award was presented to senior Amalia Fruchtman, who was also named first-team All-Henlopen North, first-team all-state, Delaware Player of the Year, Max Preps Player of the Year, Top 15 All South and Gatorade Player of the Year.

 

JV coach Carlin Quinn presents the Captain’s Award to Anna Neustadter, left, and Mia Scott.
Vikings JV coach Carlin Quinn presents the JV Sportsmanship Award to Anna Neustadter.
Cape JV coach Carlin Quinn presents the JV MVP Award to Natalie Horsey.
Cape coach Ron Dukes honors his assistant Samantha Purple.
Cape varsity player Mikaela Gordon reads a letter from varsity assistant and her father John who was out of the country.
Cape junior varsity head coach Carlin Quinn reviews her team’s undefeated season. They finished with a 16-0 record. They finished 14-0 in 2025.
Cape coach Ron Dukes welcomes parents and players to the banquet.
Cape coach Ron Dukes pays homage to his manager Jerny Haines.
Cape coach Ron Dukes shows the gift of the season in articles for the varsity players.
Freshman Natalie Horsey receives a varsity book from coach Ron Dukes.
Sophomore Laura Karen Lima receives a varsity book from coach Ron Dukes.
Sophomore Jordynn Bowe Natalie Horsey receives a varsity book from coach Ron Dukes.
Sophomore Mikaela Gordon receives a varsity book from coach Ron Dukes.
Junior Haley Gamuciello receives a varsity book from coach Ron Dukes.
Junior Harper Mamele receives a varsity book from coach Ron Dukes.
Senior Erinn Rodriguez receives the senior gift from coach Ron Dukes.
Amara Fruchtman receives the senior award from coach Ron Dukes.
Junior Ally Diehl receives the Rebounding Award from coach Ron Dukes.
Junior Mairead Rishko receives the Sportsmanship Award from coach Ron Dukes.
Senior Maya Yngve receives the team Sportsmanship Award from coach Ron Dukes.
Senior Amalia Fruchtman receives the Team MVP Award from coach Ron Dukes.
Senior Amalia Fruchtman was named the 2026 Gatorade Player of the Year Award.
Cape coach Ron Dukes displays the banner presented to all seniors on the squad.

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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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