The Middle School boys will be hungry the next time they play the Lakers. The Dolphins lost a tight contest, 34 -30.
The girls go into the conference tournament as the #2 seed. The Ocracoke team proved they can score from both inside and out, stretched the defense, and wore out the opponents. Senior Echo Bennink showed, once again, that she's a game changing player who will take and make big shots when the team needs them. The final score: Dolphins 44, Lakers 39.
The Dolphin boys are talented, tough and intense. The Mattamuskeet team has talent and skill, and is deeper, more experienced, and larger. The Dolphins' scrap kept the game close in the first half, but the Lakers took control after the break. The Dolphins never stopped hustling or lost their poise, doing us all proud.
Coach David Allewalt cleared the bench with 3 minutes remaining in the game and Ocracoke down 17. The home crowd sat tight to cheer for the young men who work hard to build their skills in practice, but don't see many game minutes.
A technical foul put Hunter Collins on the line shooting two. His first shot fell short of the mark, but he remembered to use his legs and swished the second. The entire gym leapt up, clapping and shouting with joy. I think it was the highlight of the night.
Hunter's point means every Dolphin on the team has scored in a game this season. The final score was Mattamuskeet 63, Ocracoke 43.
The seniors involved in athletic programs were honored during a break between the girls' and boys' games. A teammate from a different class presented each student with a gift box and basketball with the Dolphins logo and their name. Mom's were given a small bouquet. Dads looked proud.
This is what we learned:
Leslie Espinosa is the daughter of Yolanda Contreras and Mel Perez. She's been a manager for the Dolphins for five years and plans to attend UNC Greensboro in the fall. She will study Education. Leslie is also our Beta Club Vice President and sports a 3.8 GPA.
Virginia Downes is the daughter of Jack and Dee Whitehead and has been managing for the Dolphins for five years. She's been accepted by several schools and is now deciding between Hollins, Sewanee and Randolph Macon. Virginia starred in two Ocracoke theater productions and is a member of the Beta Club, all while maintaining a 3.9 GPA.
Sandra Hagins is the daughter of Christina Hagins. She has been part of the Ocracoke School basketball team for three years. She plans to attend Barton College in the fall to study nursing. Sandra is proud to have achieved the award for the most academic tardies of all time at Ocracoke School.
Molly Lovejoy is the daughter of Dave Frum and Karen Lovejoy and has played two seasons with the Lady Dolphins. She plans to attend either Emerson College or the North Carolina School of the Arts, where she will pursue the career of film production. Molly is a member of the Beta Club. She spent her junior year as a foreign exchange student in Austria, while maintaining her 4.0 GPA.
Echo Bennink is the daughter of Howard and Daphne Bennink. She has played basketball for the Ocracoke Dolphins for four years, scoring over 1,000 points. She was recognized as an all conference player both her sophomore and junior years. In 2010 - 2011 she was awarded conference player of the year! In addition, Echo was featured on WITN as Pepsi Player of the Week. She is president of the Beta Club and hopes to attend UNC Asheville in the fall.
William O'Neal is the grandson of Janet and Nathan Spencer. He has attended Ocracoke School for a full 12 years. William plans to attend Louisburg College outside of Raleigh. During this basketball season, his best memory is beating Colombia for the first time in Ocracoke School history. In addition to basketball, William has been a member of the cross country team.
The entire Ocracoke squad came out to give William his gifts, showing their love for the team's only graduating senior. William scored a career high 12 points during the game.
