(Jan. 23, 2015) The Stephen Decatur boys’ basketball team logged its first win of 2015 Tuesday night in Mardela Springs, when the Seahawks outscored the Mardela Warriors, 71-59.
“It was a much needed win for our young team,” said Decatur Coach Byron “BJ” Johnson. “We pretty much had the momentum for the first three quarters and built a comfortable lead. I’m glad we did because Mardela made a run in the fourth quarter and [outscored Decatur] by one point [24-23].”
At the end of the first quarter, the visiting Seahawks led 15-13. Decatur put 20 points on the board in the second quarter, while Mardela netted 10 to go into the halftime break on top, 35-23.
After three quarters, the Berlin squad was ahead, 48-35.
“I challenge the kids every day to get better,” Johnson said. “I think we are heading in the right direction.”
Five Decatur players recorded double-digit scoring.
“That’s always a plus when we can share the scoring,” Johnson said.
Sophomore Keve Aluma led the charge with 15 points and 10 rebounds.
“He has been dominating the boards lately and we are excited with his progress,” Johnson said of Aluma.
Darion McKenzie, a sophomore, tallied 13 points and six rebounds. Freshman point guard Ja’Ron Johnson had 10 points and seven assists. Juniors Ryan Beach added 12 points and eight rebounds and De’Quan Andrews contributed 11 points and nine rebounds.
“The one thing with a young team is, you as a coach have to be patient. I just hope our fans are as patient as I am,” Johnson said. “So, I ask the fans to be patient with such an inexperienced team. Just be patient and I promise Decatur basketball will be back on top, maybe not this year, but in years to come. I am so excited about the young talent we have.”
Decatur will hop on the bus and head up north to Delaware to play the Indian River Indians on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. On Monday, the Seahawks will host the Crisfield Crabbers. Game time is set for 5:30 p.m. The Decatur girls’ team will take on the Lady Crabbers before the boys’ competition at 4 p.m.
