Dolphin Girls Basketball Season Wrap-Up

Ocracoke School's new gym rang with cheers for Dolphin basketball all season long. 

The "tank"  quickly earned a reputation among conference rivals as a tough place to play because of crowd noise.

The Lady Dolphins and middle school girls both had winning seasons.  The boys' teams grew stronger throughout the year, with impressive late season victories for both squads.  

Though the Lady Dolphins lost the conference tournament final, their overall record was strong enough that they hosted Weldon in the first round of state championship playoffs.  "That was our championship game," said senior team captain Echo Bennink.

"All of us were so pumped up," she said.  "We started playing them and believed we can beat these people."  The team recovered from a first half deficit to tie the game several times in the second half, but was ultimately outmatched by Weldon's quick guards and center Shaquanda Williams.  The final score was 56 – 49.

The packed gym gave the young women a standing ovation at the end of the game, in recognition of their 17 – 6 season record and the gritty, intense effort the team put into every minute of their final game.   

Starting point guard Diana Perez said she "wants to have another state playoff game because of how the fans reacted.  Now that we know how it feels to be in that position, we want it more."  

"I'm glad to have gotten to play the game with so many people," said Echo, a four year team member,  She dyed her hair Dolphin blue for the final few games.  If she has the opportunity, she will "most likely" play in college next year.

Both Echo and freshman Lucy O'Neal were all-conference players, and nominated as player of the year.  Echo averaged 19 points per game, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.5 steals for the season.  Lucy's averages were 13.6 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 4.4 blocked shots.  

Sophomore Alma Flores said the Christmas tournament, when the team beat Hatteras, was a season highlight for her.  She "wished last year's teammates would have been there," to share in the celebration.  

Departing seniors Echo, Molly Lovejoy and Sandra Hagins will be missed, said Alma.  There are a number of "really good" rising freshmen, and "we'll step it up," she promised.  

Diana and other members of the team will attend summer skill workshops.  She is going to focus on dribbling, shooting, and staying in shape.  She scored a season high 17 points against Mattamuskeet, and for the season averaged 8 points, 3 assists, and 1 steal per game.  

Freshman Samantha Stryon added a bucket per game, and led the team in free throw shooting, at 78%. Sam moves her feet well on defense.

Katie O'Neal will be called on to handle the ball more next year.  She earned more playing time later in the year, averaging a few points, assists and rebounds each time on the floor.  The stats for this balanced, fearless player are sure to grow.

Departing seniors Sandra and Molly gave the team valuable minutes off the bench.  Sandra is a defensive specialist who aggressively went after loose balls and tied up opposing players.  

Molly could be counted on to fight for rebounds and inside position.  She does a great job keeping the ball above her head and looking to score.  

The team steam-rolled many early season opponents, winning by as much as 38 points.  Two of their losses were by one point.
Echo will fondly remember "all of the games we won this year.  It wouldn't have been so much fun if we hadn't lost all those other years."  

The team will be looking to build on this winning attitude.  Diana Perez said returning athletes now "believe in ourselves more."  

Ocracoke's 7th and 8th grade team was even more dominant than the Lady Dolphins, losing only one game all season, to a JV team of 9th and 10th graders.  

All 12 of the team's players scored during a game.  Coach Noel Goodwin emphasizes defense, rebounding and moving without the ball.  The girls have short practices five days a week.

Long-limbed, talented and unafraid, Sydney Austin was the undisputed star.  Ocracoke School Athletic Director Charles Temple said, "Sydney is an open court threat.  No one is going to stop her."  

The middle school girls were far from a one-player team.  They were generous and smart about passing the ball, ferocious rebounders, and quick with their hands on defense.  

Congratulations to the team for their terrific season and playing so well together.