Athletes of the Week Feb. 21

Kha'Nihya Johnson

Sometimes on a basketball court it can seem like the game is much easier for some than most, and Fred Thomas eighth-grader Kha'Nihya Johnson is part of the some. Rocking the No. 20, she is around the ball about as much as Brian Dawkins was with the Eagles, and is a force on both ends of the court. She wrapped up her middle school career, unfortunately, with her first middle school loss against Fifer in the Capital Classic Feb. 15. However, before her fourth foul, she had 16 of her team's 30 points, and was clearly the best player on the court, as she has often been during middle school. She finished 38-1. She said she will remember how fun all three years were, and that laughter and teamwork are what made those moments. She works hard on the court, knowing the promises of success await her for doing so. She plays travel ball for Swoope's Hoops of Berlin, Md. Her favorite subject is social studies, and she winds down by playing video games.

Darrius Liles

This Delmarva Christian freshman is a man of few words and plenty of action. It is a thing of beauty to watch him and his brother, DJ, wreak havoc on the court with the rest of the Royals. The 6-foot-3 wing gives the small, private school a dynamic playmaker who has no issues keeping the rock moving in search of a high-percentage look. For his efforts, he was named ESIAC Player of the Year following the Royals’ conference championship win over Worcester Prep Feb. 17. Liles led his team in points and steals, while finishing second in assists, rebounds, three-pointers and made free throws. DJ said following the game that it was amazing to see his brother take home the award. It was the first thing the junior talked about in his interview before disclosing their father Darryl Sr. was the source of their humbleness and unselfishness. Coach Marc Hannah believes Darrius will join the 1,000-point club after scoring 275 this year.

Maggie May

An eighth-grader on the Beacon girls' basketball team, Maggie was named the Hollywood Diner Bracket MVP, as the Vikings won their Capital Classic bracket Feb. 15 at Sussex Academy. Moving to the Cape area from Dunmore, Pa., in sixth grade, Maggie settled in as a leader for the Paul Weisengoff-led team. She also plays for Weisengoff in Ocean City, Md., for the Fast Breakers. She enjoys the fast pace of basketball and the amount of teamwork involved in the sport. She is currently in the Academic Challenge program at Delaware Technical Community College, and her favorite subject is English because of how there are no boundaries and it’s something you can make as hard or as easy as you want. When she is not on the court or hitting the books, she is often working out in her home gym or at her community clubhouse.

Stephen Sivels

Just a sophomore on the Cape varsity basketball team, Stephen may be small in stature but he more than makes up for it on the court. The point guard has started all 20 games for the 13-7 Vikings. He is averaging 7.3 points, 2.8 assists and 2.2 steals on the season. In the last five games, he is averaging 9.4 points per game. A ball of energy, he forces tons of turnovers with quick hands, and he’s often the catalyst for fast-break points. "Steve is a warrior," said coach Steve Re. "He is starting to improve as a point guard and floor general. He has had some ups and downs this season, but has been able to fight through because he is always ready to play. As he continues to mature, you will see his best basketball ahead of him." In the wins over Milford and Polytech, he averaged 12.5 points per game on 11-for-17 shooting (65%). When driving to the basket, he is akin to the superhero Mr. Fantastic, who can contort his body into many shapes to cut through the opponent.