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Sports
Sports & Recreation www.oceancitytoday.com Jan. 13, 2023 Page 50
SD Lady Seahawks score 59 pts, hold Warriors to just 2
By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor (Jan. 13, 2023) The Stephen Decatur girls’ basketball team scored 59 and held the Mardela Warriors to just two points on Tuesday in Berlin.
“Our guards still just have to be more of a basketball player. A lot of times they’ll practice running certain plays in certain spots but then in a game they’ll come out and be guarded completely different and they kind of just get robotic when it breaks down,” said Decatur Coach Scott Kurtz. “We’re trying to get our guards to really just attack when there’s openings and be aggressive. At times, they did well with that and it usually ended up well, and at times, we got a little bit too robotic and didn’t get good looks. We’re just going to continue to keep trying to push them at practice, getting them to be a little more aggressive.”
Decatur put 13 points on the board before Mardela netted a foul shot, with 1:32 remaining in the first quarter.
At the end of the first quarter, the Lady Seahawks led 16-1.
The Berlin squad outscored its opponent, 20-1, in the second quarter to go into the halftime break on top, 36-2.
Decatur tacked on 15 points in the third quarter and eight in the fourth, while the defense held Mardela scoreless.
“We’ve really just been focused on trying to get our offensive organization when we have the ability to push in transition, running the floor in our appropriate spacing and trying to execute, but when we’re slowing down running through our sets, setting solid screens, making the extra pass; we’ve been continuously trying to get back to the drawing board to put more stuff in to give the girls opportunities to score,” Kurtz said. “It’s really about just getting different groups on the floor and trying to execute our sets in the half court, so when we get into the games we know will be a little bit closer we know we can rely on them to know what they’re doing.”
Senior captain Mayah Garner led Decatur with 19 points. She also had four rebounds and five steals.
Senior captain Shelby Rosemond contributed with nine points, seven steals and one rebound.
Senior captain Jessica Beck chipped in with eight points, eight rebounds, one assist and one steal.
Sophomore Allison Swift added seven points, five rebounds, one as-
Scott Kurtz sist and one steal.
Junior Sadie Kauffman tallied six points, nine rebounds, one assist and one steal.
Decatur will host the James M. Bennett Clippers on Wednesday in Berlin at 6 p.m.
LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY (Left) Stephen Decatur senior captain Jessica Beck makes a layup. She had eight points, eight rebounds, one assist and one steal in the team’s 592 victory over Mardela on Tuesday in Berlin. (Right) Sophomore Sam Boger drives past a Mardela player and goes to the basket. She had five points, six assists, two steals and a rebound.
LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY Stephen Decatur freshman April Bondurant looks for a teammate to pass to while guarded by several Mardela players during Tuesday’s game in Berlin.
Seahawks play together, share basketball well
By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor (Jan. 13, 2023) Stephen Decatur’s 81-15 victory over the Mardela Warriors on Tuesday in Berlin was a team effort, with 11 of 12 Seahawks putting points on the board and all of the basketball players contributing on defense. “Everybody contributed to the win … I thought they played together as a BJ Johnson team and they shared the ball with each other well,” said Decatur Coach BJ Johnson. “We played well. The main focus for us was to make sure we played the right way, not pick up any bad habits and share the basketball. I think the kids did a really good job with that.”
Johnson started his reserve players on Tuesday night and they produced, scoring 25 points and holding Mardela to just three.
LISA CAPITELLI/OCEAN CITY TODAY
All SD players contribute in victory
Continued from Page 50
“All kids deserve to hear their name called [over the speaker announced as a starter]. It’s important for them as well as their parents,” Johnson said.
Sophomore Noah Tucker got things going for Decatur with a threepointer 12 seconds into the game. (He had three total in the first quarter).
The players who typically start for Decatur came in for the second quarter. The boys built off their teammate’s big first-quarter lead, with junior captain Jayden Hudson capping off the first half with a long three-pointer at the buzzer.
The Seahawks outscored the Warriors, 28-3, in the second quarter, to go into halftime on top, 53-6.
The first-quarter group took the court for the third quarter and extended Decatur’s lead to 63-9.
Decatur’s starting five wrapped the game up, netting 18 points to Mardela’s six in the final quarter.
Junior Lukas Loring scored 12 points. He also had six rebounds, one assist and one steal. Junior captain Brycen Coleman chipped in with 12 points, six rebounds and two steals.
Tucker added nine points, three rebounds, one assist, one steal and a block. Hudson finished with nine points, three assists, one rebound and one steal.
Sophomore Zakhari Baker tallied nine points, one rebound, one assist and one steal. Sophomore Trybe Wise logged eight points, six rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks.
“I’m glad everyone was able to contribute. It was good to get the win after coming off a tough [59-64 loss to] Wi-Hi on Monday,” Johnson said. “The goal is to continue to move forward, execute our offense and defense and continue to play the right way.”
Decatur will take a trip to Salisbury today, Friday, for a 6 p.m. game against the Parkside Rams.
The Seahawks will head back to Salisbury on Tuesday to battle the James M. Bennett Clippers at 6 p.m.
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(Left) Stephen Decatur freshman Caleb Loring shoots over a Mardela player during Tuesday’s game in Berlin. He scored seven points and had six rebounds and three steals in Decatur’s 8115 victory. (Right) Junior Matt Beck fires off a three. He tallied five rebounds, four assists and two steals in the game.
By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor (Jan. 13, 2023) The Stephen Decatur wrestling team finished in fourth place overall during last weekend’s Iron Horse Duals at C. Milton Wright High School in Bel Air, Maryland, and now the program will host its annual War on the Shore, today and Saturday in Berlin.
“Everyone would agree, Iron Horse is the toughest dual tournament in Maryland. There were teams ranked [in their respective state] in both pools,” said Decatur Coach Josh August. “Everyone wrestled hard. Some kids really stepped up [and] rose above expectations, some struggled with the jump in competition.
“Obviously, you want to go and win,” he continued. “It was an eye-opener. It will be good in the long run. We got to see where we need to be in the next few weeks of the season … [and] what we need to work on as a team and as individuals.”
Decatur went 5-2 in its pool, earning wins over John Carroll (69-6), Boy’s Latin School (61-14), Leonardtown (4524), Montgomery Blair (50-18) and Archbishop Spalding (53-28).
Cape Henlopen edged out Decatur, 39-34, in the first match. South Carroll topped Decatur, 54-27, in the seventh match of the tournament.
In the third/fourth-place competition, Sparrows Point came out on top over Decatur, 42-36.
“South Carroll was really tough. They’re probably one of the best public schools in Maryland, ever. They have three nationally-ranked kids,” August said. “Cape is number two in Delaware and it’s always a close match. Sparrows Point, we matched up good at some weights and other weights we were outmatched.”
Decatur freshman Elijah Collick went
8-0 in his matches, wrestling at 106 and 113 pounds. Senior captain Logan Intrieri (132/138), junior captain Gavin Solito (160/170) and junior Kole Kohut (195/220) finished the tournament with 7-1 records. After an extremely competitive Iron Horse Duals, August said, “War on the Shore doesn’t get any easier.” But before War on the Shore, Decatur traveled to Mardela Springs on Wednesday to face the Mardela Warriors. Decatur won, 72-12, with 10 wrestlers earning pins, nine of them in the first period of their matches. Intrieri (145), Kohut (220), senior Evan Haworth (170), juniors Reid Caimi Josh August (138) and Parker Intrieri (182), sophomores Juan Hinojosa (120), Aaron August (132), Amarian Manuel (152) and Nate McDaniel (195) and freshman Jake Saullo (126) pinned their opponents. Mardela forfeited the 113- and 160pound matches. The Warriors scored a pin at 285 pounds, and Decatur forfeited the 106-pound match. “They look good. We have been working hard,” Coach August said. “There are some tough kids at War on the Shore, so they will have to wrestle their best this weekend.” Two dozen varsity teams are entered into this year’s WOTS from five states – Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, Pennsylvania and Connecticut – and the District of Columbia. Among the hundreds of wrestlers competing, 75 are state-ranked. “It’s a very tough tournament,” August said. “Our goal is for all 14 guys to place (in the top eight). If we can do that, we’re wrestling pretty good. A couple kids could be in the finals, but it depends on the brackets.” Varsity matches will begin at 3:30 p.m. today, Friday, at Stephen Decatur High School in Berlin and run until about 9 or 10 p.m. Action will kick off at 10 a.m. on Saturday. Matches will run on five mats.
The JV division will begin competition at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, while the girls’ division will open at 2 p.m.
Decatur will have several female wrestlers competing, many of whom did well during last weekend’s Who’s #1? girls’ tournament at Northeast-Anne Arundel – sophomore AJ Johnson, first place; seniors Jenna Danner, third; and Maddie Reed, fifth; and sophomores Rachel Plata, fifth; and Chaniah Bernier, sixth.
“We have three first-year wrestlers and one won the tournament,” August said.
Admission cost is $15 per day/$25 for the weekend.
Saturday’s varsity matches can be viewed live for free at https://www.sdhswarontheshore.com/ livestreams.html. Results will also be updated on trackwrestling.com.
Speed, race strategy come out during SD swim meet
By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor (Jan. 13, 2023) The Stephen Decatur girls’ swim team won its first meet back after winter break, while the boys’ squad finished tied with the Kent Island Buccaneers last Thursday at the Pocomoke YMCA.
“We finally have a fully, healthy team and we were able to get in some solid workouts [before the meet],” said Decatur Coach Kristina Watts. “Kent Island is the largest team we’ve faced this season from our conference, so they were our toughest competitor so far. Both girls and boys had some close races that I was glad to see their speed and race strategy come out in.”
The Lady Seahawks earned a 94-76 victory.
Winning their individual events were: senior captains Natalie Canham (200-yard individual medley, 2:31.56; 100-yard butterfly, 1:03.65) and Kayden Hamby (100-yard freestyle, 1:00.25; 50-yard freestyle, 27.56 sec-
onds), junior Trista Harner (100-yard breaststroke, 1:20.16), and freshman Emily Henley (100-yard backstroke, 1:10.53 (tie). Canham, Hamby, Harner and sophomore Vienna Williams came in first place the 200-yard medley relay race (2:06.18). The girls also won the 200-yard freestyle relay race (1:48). The boys’ competition ended in a 7777 tie. Decatur won six races, while Kent Kristina Watts Island was victorious in five. Decatur swimmers who scored firstplace finishes in their individual events were: senior captain Gavin Stearn (500yard freestyle, 5:54.16; 100-yard backstroke, 1:01.13), junior captain Daniel Karcheuski (200-yard individual medley, 2:10.82) and junior Mason Castanares (100-yard butterfly, 1:04.50). Stearn, Castanares, Karcheuski and sophomore Gavin Conway won the 200-yard medley relay race (1:49.93). The boys also came in first place in the 400-yard freestyle relay race (3:45.75). The next swim meet is Tuesday at 3 p.m. against Sussex Central at the Pocomoke YMCA.
SURF REPORT Wetsuits can make winter surfing ‘rather pleasant’
By Dave Dalkiewicz Contributing Writer (Jan. 13, 2023) Being as that we are more or less in the “middle” of winter, I thought it would be an idea to continue with a winter surfing theme. Winter surfing can almost be considered a sport within a sport or an art within an art. Assuming that one isn’t in a position to relocate to a warmer climate, if surfing is on the schedule, winter has to be dealt with.
To some, it’s really no big deal.
The attitude is simple, just put on the gear and go. And basically, that’s all it really takes.
But look a bit deeper and much more can be said.
To stay warm, it is wise to start warm.
Unless a change into a wetsuit can be done in a heated vehicle an idea would be to get suited up at home or at some heated locale.
We’re talking full “thicker” wetsuit, wetsuit boots, gloves and a hood or a cap. Cold water is no joke, never mind colder air.
The water is currently hovering around 43 degrees and if we’re lucky, it won’t drop any more.
The air temperatures are roughly ranging from lows in the mid-20s to highs in the mid-40s.
Granted, there are variations to these air temperature figures but these are the normal or average temperatures.
The water will generally stay more consistent, not changing nearly as much as the air.
Oh, and let’s not forget the wind chill factor. The wind chill will naturally make the air feel colder.
It doesn’t take much figuring to realize that the winter encompasses roughly half of the year.
To keep an edge in one’s surfing it’s a good idea to maintain a continuity.
There’s no shame in laying off during the colder times, but it seems to take a while to get back into form once it warms up.
It’s safe to say that it all comes down to a matter of desire. The fact is that wetsuits work pretty well and can actually make winter surfing rather pleasant.
In my travels to warmer areas, it would be rather easy to get into conversations with local surfers.
When I’d explain winter surfing back home the comments would either range from them thinking I was a gnarly, grisly guy to me being a complete nut ball.
My reaction would be to reply, “You would probably do the same thing if you lived in the same or similar area.”
Winter surfing is really a pretty special thing. Those that participate know the drill. They know what I’m talking about.
Yes, it takes a bit to get used to but once you push over the edge you find that it’s really not that big a thing.
Again, it’s all in what you get used to.
Sure, it costs a few dollars but once the equipment is acquired everything else is basically free. And even with the money spent, the surfer generally finds that it’s worth every penny. — Dave Dalkiewicz is the owner of Ocean Atlantic Surf Shop in Ocean City.
By Lisa Capitelli Managing Editor (Jan. 13, 2023) Twenty-two schools participated in last Wednesday’s indoor track meet – the first competition following the Christmas break – at the Worcester County Recreation Center in Snow Hill. “It wasn’t a PR (personal record) event, especially coming off winter break, but the kids definitely worked hard,” said Decatur Coach Brenda Hommel. “They’re stepping up and doing what they need to do.”
Both the Decatur girls’ and boys’ teams finished in 14th place overall.
The Lady Seahawks scored 11 points. Junior Macy Woroniecki scored points for her team in all four of her events, which Hommel said is “pretty impressive.”
“She continues to run strong and is certainly a leader for the team,” Hommel added.
Woroniecki came in fourth place in the 1,600-meter race (5:55.60) and sixth in the 3,200-meter event (13:12.57).
She also ran a leg of the 3,200meter relay race with sophomores Clarice Piela and Alessandra Fernandez and freshman Ellie Cheynet. The girls crossed the finish line in seventh place overall (12:03.60).
Woroniecki, Piela, sophomore
Nevaeh Horton and junior Tiara McDonald took ninth in the 1,600-meter relay race (5:20.16). The top eight in each individual and relay event score points. Kent Island’s “A” and “B” relay teams finished in first and third place, respectively in the 1,600m relay, but only one can score points, so Decatur was awarded one point for its ninthplace finish. The Decatur boys’ team scored 12 points in the competition. Junior Anthony Kolb placed sixth in the 55-meter dash (6.85 seconds). Sophomore Brandon Fitzgerald finBrenda Hommel ished eighth in the high jump (5 feet 2 inches). Seniors Jaden Holland and Riley Calloway, junior Waylon Hobgood and sophomore Ethan Cowder took fourth in the 800-meter relay race (1:42.51). Fitzgerald, Calloway, Cowder and sophomore Alex Ward crossed the finish line sixth overall in the 1,600meter relay race (4:12.58). Dealing with injuries and sickness, Hommel said, “we’re trying to keep people healthy.” “We’re trying to limp along with the season. Most kids use it as springboard for outdoor track,” she added. “We entered a few ‘B’ relays, so it was nice to see the kids get a chance and perform well. We want to keep them interested and get them faster.” The next indoor track meet is Wednesday at 2 p.m. at the Worcester County Recreation Center.
On Behalf of Atlantic General Hospital/Health System and Foundation, we would like to thank our Event Sponsors for their generous support.
“THE EMPEROR PENGUIN” and LEGACY SPONSOR
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*The Bull on the Beach team has contributed more than $682,000 to the AGH Penguin Swim since it started in 1995.
Top Fundraisers:
COMMUNITY GROUP TEAM
OC Ravens Roost #44* (Ocean City, MD)$9,412 The Atlantic Club Beach Warriors (Ocean City, MD)$915 OPST Hammerheads (Ocean Pines, MD) $ $865
*The Ravens Roost team has contributed more than $162,000 to the AGH Penguin Swim over the last 14 years.
TEAM – YOUTH/FAMILY
Team Believe (Denver, PA) $3,765
Ice Ice Kirbys (Berlin, MD) $2,716 Zoo Crew (Breinigsville, PA) $1,705 INDIVIDUAL - ADULT
Michael Nelson (Rosedale, MD) $1,335
Matthew Lynch (Frankford, DE) $1,075
James King (Selbyville, DE) $800 INDIVIDUAL – 18 & UNDER
Ty Barnes, age 17 (Berlin, MD) $330
Maxon Hashagen, age 10 (Macungie, PA) $255
Leila Attia, age 14 (Fallston, MD) $230
SPECIAL RECOGNITION
YOUNGEST PENGUIN:
Dezzy Wegrzyn Ocean City, MD (10 months, 19 days old) OLDEST PENGUIN:
June Barnes Fallston, MD (92 years, 4 months, 5 days young) TRAVELED THE FURTHEST:
Matias Aiskovitch Buenos Aires, Argentina
COSTUME CONTEST
BEST YOUTH COSTUME:
Rowan Aguillon as “New Year Cutie” (Ocean Pines, MD) BEST ADULT COSTUME:
Butch Lorditch as “Avatar” (Denver, PA) BEST COUPLE COSTUME:
Melissa & Olivia Page as “Pirates” (York, PA) BEST GROUP COSTUME:
Team Frosty Paws as “Spongebob Squarepants & Friends” (Telford, PA) “BLINGIEST” COSTUME SPONSORED BY PARK PLACE JEWELERS:
Jennifer Wills as “Jewels” (Berlin, MD)
Thank You to all of this year’s Penguins, Teams, and Supporters for their participation and contributions to the 2023 Penguin Swim! Thank You to Michael Cylc, Ryan Kirby and the Penguin Swim Committee for their hard work and dedication to make this event a success! Special Thanks to... the Princess Royale Staff, Ocean City Beach Patrol, and the many AGH Associates and Community Volunteers who helped with this event!
