Cape girls' basketball open season at A.I. duPont Tip-Off Classic
The Cape girls’ basketball squad held its own in a tri-school scrimmage against powerhouses Ursuline Academy, Queen Anne’s and Padua Academy Nov. 29 at Cape’s Little Big House.
The Vikings started off with Ursuline and won two of the four quarters played. The Vikings will face the Raiders Saturday, Feb. 8, at home. Next was a tough Bayside contender in Queen Anne’s. The Vikings played well, but may have been a little winded from the tough Ursuline game. In the final matchup, the Vikings faced Padua. The competition was tough and the score was tight.
Cape will be led this season by seniors Hayden Hudson, Faith Re and Havyn Greene. Re led the team in 2023-24 with 40 three-pointers and scored 195 total points. Hudson led the squad with 196 rebounds, 46 assists and 37 blocked shots. Greene added 91 points to the team totals.
Junior Amalia Fruchtman, 2023-24 Henlopen North Player of the Year, is back after posting 344 points, 139 rebounds, 137 baskets and 57 made free throws last year.
“I think that we have a great potential this year,” said Re. “We have a lot of girls willing to work hard. We’re a young team, but everyone enjoys the game, puts in hard work, and listens and takes coaching. I think it will be a fun year.”
“I think we can go far,” said Greene. “The team has great energy. We pick each other up and [feed] off of one another.”
“I’m excited for this year,” said Hudson. “One last run with my girls. We have to work even harder this year because we aren’t as deep, but we can make a run for it.”
The Vikings hope to improve on their 2023-24 season record of 14-7, eventually being knocked out of the state tournament with a 49-53 loss to Saint Mark’s.
Rounding out the varsity and JV squads are juniors Mya Yngve, Sydney Whetzel, Naisae Ngido, Journee White and sophomore Jada White. Freshmen include Mikaela Gordon, Kallea Eleazar, Laura Karen Lima, Erin Noonan, Brooklyn Auberger, Jordyn Bowe and Mia Scott.
Back on the bench with coach Pat Woods are Sid Guzman, Chuck Hudson and Carlin Quinn.
“We lost a few girls from last year,” said Woods. “They are taking a break to pursue other interests.”
“This is a turnaround year,” said Re. “We lost a few girls, but we’ve gained a lot of heart.”
“We have a lot of young girls,” Woods continued. “They are playing hard and they want to be here. They are having fun together. We are working Amalia into the perimeter, Hayden and Havyn in the posts and Faith in the guard spot. We have a lot of good leadership with our top four.”
As for Henlopen Conference competition, Woods thinks Smyrna will be tough and Dover is still good.
“I like our squad,” said Woods, who has a 106-25 career record in seven years with Cape. “I think we’ll be OK.”
The Vikings will open their season Thursday, Dec. 5, against Saint Mark’s at the A.I. duPont Tip-Off Classic. The first home game is Tuesday, Dec. 10, against Smyrna.
