Dolphins Dominate

Karla Perez stole the ball several times in the early going, made good outlet passes to breaking teammates, and the Dolphins quickly jumped ahead.  Sydney Austin drove the lane and drilled it to Kaylee Gaskins, who had the best game of her career, and is a much improved player from last year.

The team aggressively fought for the ball, generously passed to one another, and had no problems breaking the full court press by Hatteras.  There are college teams that don't space the floor or move without the ball as well as these young women.

Guard Bricia Moreno fought hard on the boards, sneakily stripped the ball from opposing players and ended the night with 8 points.

Sydney has long, long limbs and it was her job to contain Hurricane star Caroline Gray, who was tough on both ends of the floor.  With 5 seconds remaining in the first half, Sydney came up with a long defensive rebound, dribbled while keeping her head up and options open, then dropped in a 3 at the buzzer, bringing the score to 17 - 4 and the crowd to its feet.

Brieanna Boos put in solid minutes off the bench, both handling the ball and playing scrappy defense.  She also added points to the board.

Hatteras never mustered a sustained rally, and the final score of the first Dolphin middle school home game was Ocracoke 32, Hatteras 14.

Carson O'Neal scored the first point of the game on the first possession, and the Dolphins never looked back, leading 20 to zip at the end of the first 6 minute quarter, and rolling to a decisive 63 - 13 victory. 

Hatteras point guard Landry Tawes didn't have much help handling the ball, and the Dolphins played a smothering man to man.  They stole the ball again and again, overwhelming the smaller, less experienced team.   Sixth graders practice with the team, but do not play.  This is the third year the six eighth graders on the team have played coach Jason Wells' system. 

Every player on the Dolphin team hit the boards, played aggressive defense, and looked for the open player. 

Darvin Contreras made a spectacular pass to Liam Caswell, who has a sweet, soft finger roll and incredible instincts.  Coach Wells is proud his team is as happy making assists as they are shooting.  Seventh grader Liam scored 14 and was given the game ball to take home.

Last year, Liam's older brother, Evin, led the team in scoring, rebounds, assist and steals.  Evin still wears Dolphin blue and silver, for the high school team.  This years middle school team lacks a clear star, but their superior balance makes them look even stronger.

"They all play, and they're all good.  We're solid all the way through," said Wells.  Each of the nine Dolphin players got plenty of time on the floor.  Everyone scored.

Starting point guard Kyle Tillett wowed the crowd with some no look passes.  Spencer Gaskins is a force under the basket, and has agility and ball handling skills that belie his sturdy frame.  Matteus Gilbert is the kind of calm, focused player that quietly anchors a good team.  He ended the night with 14 points and six rebounds.

Hatteras showed some spark after a halftime talk from their coaches, nabbing more rebounds, protecting the ball better, and shooting more aggressively.  It wasn't enough.  When the Dolphins scored their 50th point, the scrubs hit the floor. 

Waylon Underwood nailed a 3 point shot with under 10 seconds to play, giving the home crowd even more reason to cheer.

The Dolphins first game of the season was at Hatteras, with victories by both teams. 

The real tests of character and focus lie ahead.  Tomorrow they head to Mattamuskeet, where the competition is stiffer.   The boys lost to the mainland Hyde school by 27 last year. 

"I told them to stay humble.  Not every game is going to be like that," said Wells.