Defense dominates Delmarva Christian girls’ basketball approach
After graduating a senior class that won 63 games in four years, including 18 in each of the last two seasons, the Delmarva Christian girls’ basketball team knows they have some big sneakers to fill.
“It's definitely a rebuilding year, considering we lost five seniors who were very crucial to our team and very crucial to our starting five,” said senior Bella Marinelli. “I think the expectations this year are just to pick up where we left off from last year with this new team – I know we don't have as much size or as much height – but I think we definitely can make up for it with our speed and basketball IQ.”
Marinelli is joined by Layni Dukes and Taylor Lowe as the trio of seniors repping the Royals purple during the 2024-25 season. Dukes and Marinelli are expected to be part of a backcourt that will apply significant pressure while on defense, with Dukes primarily marking the ball handler.
“Our biggest asset this year, and something that can be expected, is good defense; that's something we've been practicing a lot,” Dukes said. “Good defense will translate to good offense … we just have to take the time, put the work in on defense, stay low, be aggressive, and if we can be a really good defensive team, then offense will eventually follow.”
“We have some returners that can lead, but defense is going to be the key for us to generate some offense, and then ball movement,” said Royals coach Frank Roach. “Being smart with the ball is going to help us get open opportunities. Now we have to convert, but as long as we get open opportunities, that's all I can ask for.”
Lowe will do the dirty work down low in the paint alongside junior Evie Bohinski and combo forward Eva Elliott.
“You're gonna have some struggles here and there because people are gonna be bigger than you, but you just gotta push through it, fight through it and be as big as you can,” Lowe said.
She is excited to get back on the court with her teammates.
“We have good chemistry, move the ball well, so it's gonna be fun,” Lowe said.
Roach is counting on Dukes, Marinelli and Bohinski to have charisma.
“I'm looking for those three to really lead by example and lead with their words on and off the court,” Roach said.
Preseason has gone well for the Royals.
“Everybody came ready to work and is expecting to have to work hard to get court time; it's not just given,” Dukes said “You have to work hard in practice and compete for that starting time.”
“The biggest thing – whether we win or lose – is as long as we keep God first, we’ll be in good shape,” Roach said.
Delmarva Christian opened the season at home against Delmar Dec. 4 with a 49-39 win. Dukes led the team in scoring with 15 points while Bohinski finished second with 14. The latter had nine swipes and eight boards while the former had six steals and four rebounds. Elliott picked up eight assists and Avery McCoy, a freshman, score seven points in the third as part of a nine-point night.
The girls will take a short trip to battle crosstown rival Sussex Academy at 4 p.m., Friday, Dec. 6.
