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. Elizabeth boys and girls, St. Mark’s boys and girls, Padua girls, Ursuline girls, Odyssey Charter girls, Friere Charter boys and girls, Red Lion boys and girls, Great Oaks boys and girls
Boys’ Basketball
Caravel Buccaneers
Head Coach: Mark Tobin
2020-21 record: 9-5
Key returners: Amari Gordon, 6’1 sr. forward, John Clemons, 6’5 jr. guard, Dom Wyatt, 5’9 soph. guard, Miles White, 6’2 soph. guard
Key newcomers: Zane Bohn, 6’2 guard/forward
Outlook: The youth movement continues for the Bucs, who get a boost with the return of John Clemons from injury, as well as Delaware State baseball commit Amari Gordon and guard Miles White. “We have a young and athletic group,” head coach Mark Tobin says. “The key to success will be playing within our system, as well as strong defense.”
Delmarva Christian Royals
Head Coach: Micah Twedell
2020-21 record: 2-11
Key returners: Gabe Herling, 5’9 jr. guard, Carter Breasure, 6’6 jr. forward, Loubens Fleurima, 6’1 sr. wing
Key newcomers: Dontarius Jones, 6’2 jr. wing
Outlook: Quarterfinalists in 2020, the Royals took a slight step back during the pandemic season, but with size (Fleurima/Laurel transfer Jones/Breasure) to go with point guard Gabe Herling, DCS could be back in the tournament conversation this season.
“This team should be able to be very competitive if they share the ball and rebound at a high level,” head coach Micah Twedell says. “We have a ton of senior leadership and a lot of young guys looking to learn.”
Odyssey Charter Owls
Head Coach: Rodney Burruss
2020-21 record: 0-11
Key returners: Tobechukwu Atuokwu, 6’3 jr. forward, Yadier Caez, 5’8 soph. guard
Key newcomers: Kevin Coleman, 6’0 8th grade guard, Talha Dorez, 6’5 jr. forward, Zion Wise, 5’7 first-year guard, Isiah Ngugi, 6’1 8th grade forward
Outlook: The Owls are going to be young this season, but with experience, head coach Rodney Burruss is confident they’ll be much-improved. He’s high on 8th grade guard Kevin Coleman, who he describes as uber-talented and a surprise player of the year candidate.
“This team has talent, learning to play together as a unit is our focus,” he says. “Our Goals are a winning season and making it to the post season.”
Salesianum School
Head Coach: Taylor Trevisan
2020-21 record: 12-4, reached DIAA Final Four.
Key returners: Isaiah Hynson, 6’3 soph. guard, Justin Molen, 6’7 sr. forward, Brett O’Hara, 6’1 sr. guard, Brandon Baffone, 6’0 jr. guard, Dariyon Williams, 6’4 sr. forward
Key newcomers: Kareem Thomas, 6’4 soph. guard Justin Hinds, 6’4 soph. forward, Quinn O’Hara 5’9 soph. guard, Deuce Mutts 6’4 jr. forward
Outlook: In spite of losing Rasheen Caulk Jr. and Ethan Hinds to graduation, the Sals look to be right back in the title hunt again this season, with Isaiah Hynson and Justin Molen (both attracting college interest at all levels) leading the way. A tough non-conference schedule (Imhotep Charter, Neumann-Goretti and Roman Catholic for starters) will give Taylor Trevisan’s team a test early on.
“We have a great combination of youth and experience,” he says. “Our group of talented sophomores have a high ceiling, couple that with great senior leadership and experience and it is a recipe to reach our ultimate goal of winning a state championship.”
Girls’ Basketball
Caravel Buccaneers
Head Coach: Kristin Caldwell
2020-21 record: 10-6, reached DIAA Final Four.
Key returners: India Johnston, 5’8 sr. guard, Taylor Wilkins, 5’11 sr. guard/forward, Amaya Johnson, 5’7 jr. guard, Laila Glover, 5’11 jr. forward, Jasiyah Crawford 5’5 soph. guard, Anaya Price 5’6 soph. guard, Lauren Hayden, 5’8 jr. guard/forward, Olivia Rexrode, 5’9 sr. forward, Riley Pinato, 5’9 sr. forward
Key newcomers: Skylar Salvo, 5’8 sr. guard/forward
Outlook: While India Johnston returns with state player of the year honors under her arm, the Buccaneers are a team that doesn’t have to rely one on person to get it done. Guards Crawford, Johnson and Price are capable scorers, while volleyball standout Laila Glover patrols the boards and Taylor Wilkins (back at full strength after an injury-plagued ’21 season) gives Kristin Caldwell another athlete that can make life miserable at both ends of the floor for an opponent.
“Our ‘young’ team has grown and developed into a more mature and experienced team, so our expectations are high going into this season,” she says. “Our aim is to be battle tested and ready to make a serious run by March. I think media, spectators, and fans will be impressed by the development of the rest of the group, there are a few players ready to have break out seasons. It’s been a fun process.”
Delmarva Christian Royals
Head Coach: Jedidah Roach
2020-21 record: 12-5, reached DIAA quarterfinals.
Key returners: Sierra Troyer, 5’7 sr. guard, Ainsley Bell, 5’10 jr. guard, Evelynn Jensen, 5’10 jr. guard
Key newcomers: Kaayla Mitchell, 5’4 sr. guard
Outlook: The Royals were one of the pleasant surprises in the state last year, advancing to the first Elite Eight appearance in the girls’ program’s history. Losing first-team all-stater Grace Fetterman to graduation will be tough, but Ainsley Bell and Sierra Troyer can easily pick up the slack offensively. Head coach Jedediah Roach preaches defense and that’s what he feels will keep DCS in the chase this season.
“This team works hard and loves to compete. We’ll have to rely on great defense and execution on offense in order to compete with teams this year,” he says. “We are hoping to win our conference and conference championship and enter the playoffs.”
