The high school basketball season gets underway this weekend. Here is a preview of Delaware’s Catholic school teams. Note: Final rosters were not available when this was written.
Archmere Academy
Last year: 8-12
Top returning players: Sean Deely, Conor Furey, Michael Ford
Notable games: At St. Andrew’s, Dec. 12; at St. Mark’s, Dec. 19; vs. St. Elizabeth, Feb. 4; at Salesianum, Feb. 16.
Outlook: This team shoots the ball well and is a very tough opponent. The Auks have some challenging road games early.
St. Mark’s High School
Last year: 9-11
Top returning players: Matthew Williams, Nick Pappas
Notable games: vs. A.I DuPont, Jan. 11; at Sanford, Jan. 21; at Salesianum, Jan. 24; vs. St. Elizabeth, Jan. 27
Outlook: The Spartans graduated several players from last year’s team. They do play seven of their first eight non-tournament games at home, which could be an advantage.
St. Elizabeth High School
Last year: 14-8, lost to Polytech in the second round of the state tournament
Top returning players: Sheldon Sorrell, Joe Schiavoni, Mike Piekarski
Notable games: vs. Concord, Dec. 13; vs. Salesianum, Jan. 10; vs. Archmere, Jan. 23; at Newark, Feb. 18
Outlook: The Vikings lost Andre Patton to graduation, but they return many valuable pieces and should make another tournament appearance. They kick things off this afternoon (Dec. 6) vs. St. Georges in a tournament at A.I. DuPont High School.
Salesianum School
Last year: 19-4, lost to Sanford in the state semifinals
Top returning players: Donte DiVincenzo, Brian O’Neill, Joe McCusker
Notable games: vs. Howard, Dec. 7; vs. Sanford, Jan. 28; at A.I. DuPont, Feb. 1; at Concord, Feb. 8
Outlook: Salesianum looks to advance past last year’s semifinal appearance behind all-state guard Donte DiVincenzo and considerable size in the frontcourt. The Sals once again play a tough schedule, beginning tomorrow with defending state champion Howard.
St. Thomas More Academy
Last year: 2-17
Top returning players: Akhil Patel, Kubilay Tekmen
Notable games: at Archmere, Jan. 7
Outlook: The young Ravens will look to gain experience this year while improving on the won-loss record from last year.
