This year, the Dolphin varsity basketball team made it known that they are ready to play.  

"Coaches now understand their teams are going to have to play well to beat these young men,"  said Ocracoke coach David Allewalt.

The Dolphins improved their record to 6 wins and 14 losses, after chalking up only two victories the previous season. 
"It may be one of the best seasons we've had so far," said junior Casey Tolson.  

All of the players said beating Columbia, a rarity in Ocracoke School history, was a highlight of the season.  

Defeating Hatteras felt pretty good too, said sophomore guard Wyatt Norris.  He smiled as he recalled "hearing 'Start the Ferry' in our gym a thousand times louder than it could ever be in their gym."  

Sophomore Adam Carter joins Wyatt in the backcourt.  The team will "have a better season next year," he said.  "It is going to be our time for the next two years."   How's this for balance?  Both guards averaged 8 points and 3 assists per game.

Senior William O'Neal will be the only player not returning.  The sixth man was vital to the team's successes.  William played smart, shooting 41% from inside the arc, averaging over 5 points and 3 rebounds on the season.  He could usually be counted on to block a shot and steal the ball once per game.  

The young team is "zealous and determined to contend for the conference championship" next year, said Coach David.  Lots of conference rivals are "losing lots of seniors," he added.

All the players are attending basketball camp this summer, as well as skills clinics and weight training sessions.

The players spoke highly of their coach, who is in his second year in the volunteer position.  "Coach Dave tells us to play smart and in control, and with intensity," said Casey.  The daily practice time paid off, he said.  

"Coach Dave is determined," said Wyatt.  "He's got a winning mentality.  He's got a running mentality."  He never yelled at players after losses, said Wyatt, but would wait to "talk the next day."  

At the beginning of the season, Coach Dave asked the players to write or find an inspirational speech, said Wyatt.  They "shared it with just the other players.  It pulled the team together as a family."

Coach Dave is proud of the young men, and looks forward to their continued growth.  Freshman Walker Garrish "developed confidence and came on strong at the end," he said.  "Casey showed signs of being a good defensive stopper and had more confidence shooting."

Hunter Collins and Hunter Belch dedicated themselves to improving their skills and will be assets moving forward, he said.  Kade "the Booster Box" Nagakane will get the defensive stop, and gives energy to his teammates every time he's on the floor.

The group wants to be a team, said Coach Dave, who added that it is impossible not to recognize the numbers posted by sophomore Andrew Tillett.  Andrew narrowly lost the vote to be Conference Player of the Year and "was a man among boys," said Ocracoke School Principal Walt Padgett.  

Seventh in the state for total rebounds by a player, he was first among sophomores in NC, and the 14th best rebounder among second year players in the nation, according to maxpreps.com.  Andrew averaged 13.8 points and 13.1 rebounds per game, and shot 45%.  He has incredibly strong hands and keeps a cool head.  He is also an honor student and performs in local theater.  

Coach Dave wants to thank Denny Widener who began serving as assistant coach this year, and give special thanks to the players for all their hard work. He would also like to thank the athletic booster club; all the dedicated concession stand volunteers; team managers Leslie Espinosa and Virginia Downes; the spirit club; Scott MacNally and Gaffer's for providing a hospitality room all season long; and "last but not least the fans for supporting Ocracoke Basketball."  

The middle school Ocracoke team also grew throughout the season and finished strong, said coach Jason Wells.  They won 3 games, and lost to Mattamuskeet, "the best team" they play, by only 4 points.  

Eight seventh graders will be returning.  The boys are taking a month off, but will "still be working hard during the off season," said Coach Jason.  They stay in shape through baseball and cross country.  

The team's two best rebounders, Dalton Kalna and Evin Caswell will be in high school next year, but "some really good sixth graders" will join the squad.   Coach Jason recognized Evin, "as does everyone," as the best all around player and team leader.  

Spencer Gaskins will be stepping it up inside. Varsity sensation Andrew Tillett's younger brother Kyle plays point, has the same determination, and a whole different set of skills.  

Coach Jason said he is hoping an "emotional team leader" will emerge next year.  The team will only get better as they continue to play together and gain confidence.  We'll see you in the "tank" next season.