BERLIN- Stephen Decatur’s boys’ varsity basketball team showcased its many impressive components on Tuesday with a resounding 90-62 win over visiting Wicomico in front of a packed house.
After struggling last year in the Bayside South, the Seahawks were anxious to put that season behind them and get a fresh start on the 2015-2016 campaign. After beating Arcadia, 81-31, in a non-conference season-opening tune-up last week, familiar Bayside South rival Wicomico provided the perfect opportunity for the Seahawks to show just how far they have come and they did not disappoint with an impressive, signature-type win that could set the tone for the season.
Decatur showed off its many parts against the Indians at home on Tuesday. They were big, athletic and fast as they pressured Wicomico constantly, resulting in several turnovers and quick baskets down their end. They also exhibited patience and unselfishness at times in their half-court offense and got everybody on the court involved.
Decatur jumped out to a quick 6-0 lead in the first quarter and stretched it to 22-10 about midway through the period before Wicomico regrouped and made a little run of their own. The Indians went on a 9-2 run late in the first to cut the Seahawk lead to 24-19, but that was as close as they would get.
A couple of fast-break baskets and a dunk by Keyon Eley that brought the big crowd to their feet pushed the Seahawk lead back to 10 points at 36-26 at the end of the first. In the second, Decatur stepped up the pressure and steadily pulled away from the Indians. The Seahawks were aggressive, attacked the boards and got to the free throw line often as they closed out the first half with a 49-32 lead.
Decatur opened the third quarter with an 8-1 run to essentially settle the issue once and for all. Seahawk big man Keve Aluma was active around the basket, scoring often throughout the tenacious third quarter. However, with about a minute remaining in the third, Aluma showed off his versatility. The big center took a pass at the top of the key, juked a defender with a head fake and stroked a soft three-pointer to put Decatur ahead, 70-45. Kevon Voyles scored on a strong move to the basket as the quarter expired to put Decatur ahead, 72-47 with eight minutes to play.
Throughout the fourth quarter, it was more of the same for Decatur, which cruised to the 90-62 win and set the tone early in the Bayside South. Aluma led Decatur with 19 points, while Kevon Voyles added 16. Eley finished with 14 points and Ja’ron Johnson added 13.