LEWES, Delaware – In a high-scoring contest that highlighted the growth of the team, the Cape unified basketball squad suffered a 69-60 defeat to Dover on . The loss brings the Vikings’ record to 2-9-1, while Dover improves to 9-2.
Despite the setback, Cape coach Katie Collick emphasized the positive strides the team has made throughout the season. “This was a great game to see how far we have come this season,” Collick said. “We see always phenomenal to see the growth in all the players over the past 12 games.” She noted that the team’s willingness to engage with a fast-paced opponent like Dover demonstrated significant progress. “Dover is a fast-paced team that earlier in the season our players might of shied away from, but tonight everyone was out there ready to play.”
The game featured numerous fast breaks, with Zane Richardson, Harlan Jones, Luke Archer, Dan Gartman, and Jaxon Benton contributing both baskets and assists. X Zimmer showcased his signature underhand shot, adding to the team’s offensive efforts. Jaylin Tingle proved a strong presence in the paint, securing a basket, while Ronald LeRoy facilitated scoring opportunities with multiple assists. Norman Rust and Austin Hastings maintained their consistent performance, each contributing their average of eight points per game.
Austin Hastings reflected on the game’s intensity and the team’s resilience. “I thought the game went really well,” he said. “The second half was big for us. It was a close game, and I love the close games, so I’m happy about how we played.”
The unified basketball program extends beyond competitive play, fostering a sense of community and lasting friendships. Junior unified partner Camilla Willis spoke to the broader impact of the season. “This season has been so much fun,” Willis said. “It’s been great to meet new people and build new friendships that will last a lifetime.”
Zackary Valles expressed his enthusiasm for the team’s final game, promising to showcase his dribbling skills. “We have one more game to play, and I’ll do some of my signature dribbling moves in that game,” he stated.
The Vikings faced a challenge entering the game without their unified partner leader and captain, Bennett Steinmann, who was sidelined due to injury. However, Collick praised the team’s ability to adapt and maintain the spirit of unified basketball. “The other unified partners picked up where he would have been to make the spirit of the game come alive,” she explained. “Bennett always embodies the true spirit of unified basketball through compassion, encouragement and genuine friendship with everyone on the team.”
Unified basketball, a program gaining traction within the Cape school district, aims to integrate students with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team. A recent event on saw community leaders, including local politicians and law enforcement officials, attend a game against Woodbridge, demonstrating the district’s commitment to sharing the program with the wider community. According to Collick, the school district “wanted to share unified basketball with the community,” and the Woodbridge game saw significant attendance from Lewes and Rehoboth.
The Cape unified basketball team will conclude their season on , with a 4 p.m. Game against Lake Forest at home. The final game offers an opportunity for the team to build on the progress demonstrated against Dover and celebrate the camaraderie fostered throughout the season. The program’s success, as highlighted by Collick and the players, extends beyond wins and losses, emphasizing the value of inclusion, friendship, and personal growth.
The team’s recent performance, including a close 46-45 loss to Milford on , underscores the competitive nature of their schedule and the team’s determination to improve with each game. Collick noted that the Milford game was “great to watch,” highlighting the effort and skill displayed by both teams.
