CLAYMONT — After a three-point shot by Matthew Rettig put Wilmington Christian ahead of Archmere, 3-2, in the boys basketball season opener for both teams Dec. 12 at Moglia Fieldhouse, the Auks seized momentum and the lead with a 19-0 run on the way to a 59-33 victory.
It was the first win at Archmere for new head coach Nick Sanna, an assistant for the Auks the past few years. Sanna was previously the coach at Saint Mark’s High School.
The Auks used quick passes and lots of movement to create open looks, and Matt Malloy started the long run with a three-pointer. His brother Charlie then scored, followed by another Matt Malloy three, then a Matt Malloy bucket underneath. After an offensive rebound, Drew Duncan found Charlie Malloy cutting toward the hoop for a layup, ending the Malloy family’s 12-point run.
John Orsini hit two free throws and Jack Dellose another, and Orsini and Riley Schultz each scored in transition after steals to complete the run and stretch the lead to 21-3. The Warriors’ Kyle Wright got his team back into the scoring column with a three, but the damage was done.
The Auks’ shooting cooled in the second quarter, but they were able to maintain their advantage. Archmere continued its ball-hawking defense, and they took a 16-point lead into halftime.
With a comfortable lead, the Auks spent much of the third quarter controlling possession, although one scoring play stood out. Duncan, who like guard Miles Kempski returned to the basketball team this year after not playing last season, grabbed a rebound of a miss by Schultz under the basket. Schultz followed his miss, and Duncan fed him with a nice pass for the easy layup to close out the scoring in the quarter.
Orsini scored 15 points off the bench to lead the Auks. Duncan and Noah Blessington each had 9 points. Archmere (1-0) will travel to Delaware Military on Friday for a 6:30 p.m. tip.
For Wilmington Christian, Seth Stokarski and Wright each had 9. The Warriors (0-1) host MOT Charter in their home opener on Friday at 5:30 p.m.
All photos by Mike Lang.
