By Chris Stevens, Editor
Blame it on “The ‘Rona.”
Instead of the traditional Bob Carpenter Center semifinals and finals, all eight games will be spread out across the state in four different locations, so if you have to travel, suggestion is you hit the road early – especially if you’re heading to Conrad or St. Mark’s because both parking lots and gyms fill up QUICKLY.
That said, we’ll try to get back to the fun part of this season – the games. If you’re venturing out to a semifinal tonight, here’s our preview of what to watch for in each contest.
Girls’ Semifinals
No. 1 Conrad (18-4) vs. No. 5 St. Elizabeth (16-5)
At Conrad, 6:30 p.m.
How they got here: Conrad defeated Dover 70-26 and Archmere 59-24. St. Elizabeth defeated Lake Forest 92-15 and Caravel 75-50.
Key players: Conrad – Julie Kulesza, Stefanie Kulesza, Ny Whittlesey, Alyssa Faville. St. Elizabeth – Ber’Nyah Mayo, Juliann McCarron, Naia Pulliam, Olivia Lynch.
Outlook: Mayo was still recovering from knee surgery when the Red Wolves took a 60-44 decision from the Vikings December 12, so this game should be a lot closer with both teams at full strength. St. E can play up to 10 different players with offensive and defensive match-ups in mind, while Conrad can get 20 points from just about any of their core players. If foul trouble becomes an issue, it’s definitely to St. Elizabeth’s advantage.
No. 2 Cape Henlopen (19-4) vs. No. 3 Sanford (20-2)
At Cape Henlopen, 7 p.m.
How they got here: Cape defeated Wilmington Charter 61-40 and Tatnall 56-21. Sanford defeated Ursuline 41-33 and Padua 74-46.
Key players: Cape – DaNia Cannon, Abbey Hearn, Mekhia Applewhite, Carlin Quinn. Sanford – Allie Kubek, Kanisa Tucker, Amiya Carroll, Azareya Kilgoe.
Outlook: The Vikings aren’t afraid a big game atmosphere, as their January 31 win over Conrad suggests. The senior leadership of Cannon and Hearn will be key, especially against a Sanford team with talent and scoring to spare. The Warriors will look to Allie Kubek, but Tucker and Carroll can fill up the nets when asked to do so. Experience will also play a factor as Cape hasn’t gotten this far in their new era, while it’s almost a rite of passage for Sanford.
Boys’ Semifinal Previews
No. 3 Dover (20-2) vs. No 18. St. Andrew’s 17-6
At Dover High School, 7 p.m.
How they got here: Dover defeated Seaford 63-47 and Salesianum 60-50. St. Andrew’s defeated Smryna 66-57, William Penn 54-43, Dickinson 66-52.
Key players: Dover – Elijah Allen, Eden Davis, Jy’Heim Spence, Wanya Wise. St. Andrew’s – Adrian Watts, Lamar Duncan, Francis Koblish.
Outlook: The Senators have grinded out two tough wins against pesky opponents, which gives the upstart Saints hope. Francis Koblish’s outside shooting gives Adrian Watts and Lamar Duncan room to operate, but Dover has a first-team all-defense type stopper in Wanya Wise that could alter their game plan. Also, St. Andrews will have to deal with scorer Elijah Allen, who’s just as good as setting up Eden Davis and Jy’Heim Spencer for easy baskets.
No. 1 Sanford (19-3) vs. No. 5 Appoquinmink (18-4)
At St. Mark’s High School, 7 p.m.
How they got here: Sanford defeated St. Elizabeth 67-51 and Delmarva Christian 67-51. Appo defeated Caravel 76-57 and Caesar Rodney 79-58.
Key players: Sanford – Jyare Davis, Nnanna Njoku, Corey Perkins, Hassaan Perkins. Appo – DJ Earl, Gary Brooks, Kamal Yellowdy, Ese Efekodo.
Outlook: Styles make fights and in this one, both teams have outstanding guard play and possibly even better forwards and centers. Both teams can go to their bench for help, so while Sanford has the edge and talent and experience, Appo very much has a shot if they can stay out of foul trouble and turn Earl/Brooks loose in the open court.
