Compiled by Chris Stevens, Editor
Teams who wish to be included can still submit pre-season preview forms. Email us at [email protected] if one is needed.
Missing teams: St. Andrew’s boys, Tower Hill girls, Wilmington Christian girls, Sanford boys
Boys’ Basketball
Tatnall Hornets
Head Coach: Doug Nicholas
2020-21 record: 9-4, reached DIAA quarterfinals
Key returners: Caleb Sales, 5’10 sr. guard, MarQuel Fitzgerald, 6’2 jr. guard, Isaiah Sales, 6’3 jr. guard/forward
Key newcomers: TBD
Outlook: The new-look Hornets won their opener Wednesday, which can only build confidence for a relatively inexperienced group. Isaiah Sales missed all of 2021 with injury and MarQuel Fitzgerald moves into the starting lineup this season for new head coach Doug Nicholas.
“This team has talent and potential. They’ve been working very hard,” he says. “We need some depth as the season progresses and we look forward to improving each game.”
Tower Hill Hillers
Head Coach: Patrick Kaiser
2020-21 record: 12-3, reached DIAA semifinals.
Key returners: D.J. McClendon, 5’8 sr. guard, Davis Bland, 6’5 sr. guard, Kenyon Motley, 6’1 sr. forward, Dean Shepherd, 6’3 jr. guard, Dylan Shepherd, 6’3 jr. guard
Key newcomers: Marty Coyne, 6′ jr. guard, Anthony Muscelli, 6′ jr. guard, Robby Saunders, 6’4 soph. forward, Tommy Hanna, 6′ jr. guard
Outlook: Coming off the first final four in Tower’s storied history, the Hillers defeated Malvern Prep 50-48 in overtime to start the ’21-’22 season off on the right foot. Twins Dean and Dylan Shepherd, along with D.J. McClendon and Davis Bland will be the go-to guys for Tower Hill this season and head coach Patrick Kaiser feels like the young players coming in can aid in a return trip to the final four.
“We have some young talent that is eager to show that they can compete with the best in the state and they’ll be led by a core of experienced seniors and an exciting group of juniors,” he says. “Each player wants to put their own stamp on the Tower Hill Basketball program.”
Wilmington Christian Warriors
Head Coach: DaQuan Gibson
2020-21 record: 6-7
Key returners: Dan Starkey, sr. guard, Gavin Lockard, sr. guard, Nathan Liu, jr. guard, Toby Harris, sr. forward, Riley Bullock, sr. guard
Key newcomers: Josiah Parker, 6’3 fr. forward, Kenny Gatling, 6’3 fr. forward
Wilmington Friends Quakers
Head Coach: Joe Thomson
2020-21 record: 4-10
Key returners: Rob Tattersall, 6’5 jr. forward, Ish Dobson, 6’6 jr. center, Hud Zawadzkas, 6’5 jr. forward, Andrew McKenzie 5’10 soph. guard
Key newcomers: Finn Butler, 6’2″ jr. guard, RJ Toogood, 6′ sr. guard, Aiden Borscht, 6’4 sr. forward
Outlook: Many of Friends’ key hoopers are currently battling for a football state championship, but once that quest ends, Quakers coach Joe Thomson is confident they’ll be ready for their next season of battle.
“Last year we played a lot of young players that continue to grow and develop,” he explains. “The goal is to compete for the top spot in the most competitive and talented conference in the state. ”
Girls’ Basketball
Sanford Warriors
Head Coach: Marcus Thompson
2020-21 record: 16-2, reached DIAA championship game.
Key returners: Dallas Pierce, 5’9 jr. guard, Jada Snow, 5’10 first-year forward, Amiya Carroll, 5’11 sr. guard, Abby Meredith, 5’6 sr. guard, Azareya Kilgoe,5’7 jr. guard, Emma Martino, 6’ jr. forward, Zoe Kashner, 5’10 jr. forward.
Key newcomers: Tyler Edwards, 5’9 soph. forward, Layla Mahani, 5’5 first-year guard.
Outlook: Missing out on a state title by a mere two points last winter, Sanford returns their entire starting five and gets an added boost with the return of forward Zoe Kashner, who missed the pandemic season with a knee injury. The Warriors will be battle tested as in years’ past with appearances at the She Got Game Classic, the Governors’ Challenge and more.
“This is a talented group of players who are a pleasure to coach because they play the right way,” Marcus Thompson says of his team. “If the team can stay together during the tough times and minimize distractions, they should be prepared for a year that appears to be a wide open race.”
St. Andrew’s Saints
Head Coach: Jason Honsel
2020-21 record: DNP (school went remote)
Key returners: Darden Shuman, 5’10 jr. forward, Rosie Soriano, 5’5 jr. guard, Anna Kabler, 5’6 sr. guard, Pearl Mallick, 5’4 sr. guard
Key newcomers: Cora Birkness, 5’7 jr. guard, Anna Schneider, 5’8 jr. forward, Josie Pitt, 5’11 jr. forward, Izzy Paris, 5’10 jr. forward
Outlook: The Saints return to action after the school chose to sit out sports last season, featuring a deep lineup and a mix of returning players and newcomers that coach Jason Honsel feels will be ready for battle this year.
“We’re excited to get back on the court to compete. The team is young and inexperienced, but brings a lot of speed, athleticism, and determination to the season,” he says. “We’ll look to be tough and competitive while improving throughout the season.”
Tatnall Hornets
Head Coach: Paul Smith
2020-21 record: 7-3
Key returners: Emma Kirby, 6’2 jr. forward, Kali Clayton, 5’7 jr. guard, Sophie Kirby, 6′ sr. forward, Jordan Cella, 5’7 sr. guard, Rachael Whitehead, 5’9 jr. guard
Key newcomers:
Outlook: If there’s a team that can legitimately push Sanford for the Independent Conference crown, Tatnall’s the best bet. Sisters Sophie and Emma Kirby will lead the way in the post while guards Kali Clayton, Rachel Whitehead and Jordan Cella will be called on for timely scoring and defense. Head coach Paul Smith is high on his group and with good reason.
“This is one of the more talented teams in recent Tatnall girls basketball history. A great group with a lot of talent and a ton of potential,” he says. “They are hard working and have a desire to improve both individually and as a team. Coaching wise, it’s a great group with no one who plays for themselves…they play for the good of the group.”
Wilmington Friends Quakers
Head Coach: Carolyn Connors
2020-21 record: 8-5
Key returners: Margo Gramiak, sr. guard, Caelen Grubb, sr. guard, Reagan Brady, jr. guard
Key newcomers: TBD
Outlook: Friends lost a lot to graduation, but they do return their starting backcourt. Point guard Margo Gramiak is a versatile athlete (all-state selection in field hockey) who’s heading to Vassar College in NY to play basketball, while her running buddy Caelen Grubb is a dangerous outside shooter if left alone for too long. Head coach Carolyn Connors is working a lot of new players into the fold, but with veteran leadership handy, she feels the Quakers can compete.
“Our experienced players are meshing and leading our younger players while learning each other’s strengths and playing styles,” she explains. “We expect several players to have break out seasons. This squad is competitive and driven so it will be an exciting season.”
