Delmarva Christian Winter Sports Recap
Girls' Varsity Basketball
The varsity girls’ basketball team had a memorable season, successfully defending their conference title and securing a 16-4 record heading into the state playoffs. Senior leaders Layni Dukes and Bella Marinelli played key roles in keeping the team motivated, both in practice and on the court. The team overcame adversity, including battling illness, and had a defining moment against Laurel, coming back from a seven-point fourth-quarter deficit to win by three.
Several players earned All-Conference honors:
Layni Dukes, Eve Bohinski, Bella Marinelli, and Eva Elliott – ESIAC All-Conference Team
Avery McCoy – Honorable Mention
Layni Dukes – 2nd Team All-Conference (non-ESIAC)
Eve Bohinski – Honorable Mention (non-ESIAC)
With young players stepping up, the team looks forward to building on this success next season.
Boys and Girls Swimming
The DCHS swim program continues to grow, finishing the season with a 4-8 record. This year marked the first time in many years that the girls' relay team qualified for states.
Notable accomplishments:
State Qualifiers: Natalie Ekholm, Libby Dawson, Emi Obertubbesing, and Claudia Warren qualified for the DIAA State Championships in individual events and the Girls’ 200 Medley Relay.
Conference Champions: Trax Rodgers won the Boys’ ESIAC Conference Championship in the 100 Backstroke and qualified for the DIAA State Championship Meet.
Boys’ Relay Success: The Boys’ 200 Freestyle Relay team (Cameron Smithson, Cole Parker, Trax Rodgers, and Tristan McCullough) won the ESIAC conference championship and qualified for the DIAA State Championship Meet in both the 200 and 400 Freestyle Relays.
ESIAC All-Conference Selections: All four boys’ swimmers were named to the ESIAC All-Conference Team.
The team continues to grow in depth, with repeat state qualifiers and others closing in on qualification times. Looking ahead, there is great anticipation for next season and the continued development of Delmarva Christian’s swim program.
Varsity Boys' Basketball
Under the guidance of Coach Hannah, the Varsity Boys' Basketball team had an impressive season, finishing with a regular-season record of 14-5 and an overall record of 16-5.
They clinched the ESIAC Boys' Basketball Championship, showcasing their dedication and skill throughout the season.
ESIAC Boys' All-Conference Selections:
DJ Lilies - Delmarva Christian
Malachi Light - Delmarva Christian
Darrius Liles - Delmarva Christian (Player of the Year)
Kasey Bell - Honorable Mention
The team's success is a testament to their hard work, unity, and the exceptional leadership of Coach Hannah. Their achievements have set a high standard for future seasons, and the Delmarva Christian community eagerly anticipates their continued excellence on the court
ESIAC All-Conference Selections
Boys:
DJ Lilies – Delmarva Christian
Malachi Light – Delmarva Christian
Darrius Liles – Delmarva Christian (Player of the Year)
Kasey Bell – Honorable Mention
Girls:
Boys' Middle School Basketball
The boys' middle school basketball team had an exciting season, finishing with a 6-6 record against a tough schedule. Key highlights included an opening win against Worcester Prep, sealed by 8th-grade captain Evan Turner's clutch and-1 play in the fourth quarter, and Alex Basar's dominant performance against Greenwood, where he scored 12 points in the first seven minutes en route to a double-double in a 37-33 victory. A special moment came when 6th-grade manager Jackson McGinley hit his first career bucket, ensuring all 13 players scored this season.
Alex Basar reached 152 career points and a school-leading 188 rebounds, also tying the school record with five blocks in a game. Evan Turner crossed the 100-career-rebound threshold and set a new school record with 80 career assists. Looking ahead, next year’s team is expected to be smaller and quicker, with hopes of building on this season’s success.
Girls' Middle School Basketball
The girls' middle school basketball team also finished the season 6-6, powered by a strong 8th-grade class. They capped the year with a commanding win over Epworth on 8th-grade night. Olivia Balback tied the school record by scoring 22 points in a single game. Despite losing seven 8th graders, including their entire starting lineup, the team is hopeful that young players will step up next season and fill key roles.
8th-grade starters Olivia Balback, Hannah Sliben, Addison Price, Chloe Tremblay, and Kelsie Gondeck led the team with tough defense and aggressive play, making them one of the most physical squads DCS has seen in years.
This winter season was a testament to the dedication, resilience, and faith of Delmarva Christian athletes. With strong leadership, developing talent, and a commitment to honoring God through sports, the future looks bright for DCS athletics!