Seaford boys’ basketball earns 72-64 road win over Laurel

The Seaford boys’ varsity basketball team defeated Laurel by a score of 72-64 in a Henlopen South game last Wednesday. Laurel’s Khalil Burton led with 20 points and sophomore forward Brynnen Thompson was unstoppable at both ends of the court, scoring 17 points with over 10 rebounds in the game. Seaford was led by Aizyon “Swag” Matthews with 22 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and five steals.

Aizyon “Swag” Matthews led the Blue Jays with 22 points and 15 rebounds in the road win over Laurel last Wednesday.

The historical rivalry between the towns continued into winter sports and both teams came to the hardwood fired up with energy. Seaford sophomore Uriah Taylor Brown scored three points in the opening Seaford possession while Thompson scored one point from the foul line after pulling in two straight offensive rebounds. The Blue Jays went on a nine point unanswered run, but after a Bulldog timeout the momentum swung back and forth. Both teams played in a zone defense and after a Blue Jays guards turnover, Laurel’s Ashton Ayres-Lucas closed the gap to four points. Thompson added another four points in the quarter for Laurel while Seaford’s Brendan West scored the final two of the first quarter for a 21-15 Seaford lead.

In the second quarter, Laurel moved the ball effortlessly on offense and Seaford played an aggressively tight effective defense but were whistled for numerous fouls. Seaford’s Matthews controlled the boards and with his quick moves and assists to Vince Evans kept Seaford in lead by eight points at half-time.

In the second half of the game, Thompson continued to play strong with consecutive rebounds, baskets, and foul shots. The Bulldogs tightened the game on a turnover then a steal and Seaford coach Vince Evans needed a time out. The Blue Jays scored quickly but Laurel’s pursuit and foul calls inside the paint to their favor closed the gap until Burton lifted the Bulldogs to the lead with a three-point all net shot that brought the home team crowd to their feet.

Evans had to go to the bench with his fourth foul and Enoch Duprey collected his fourth foul of the game. Laurel led, 51-48, at the end of three quarters.

In the fourth quarter, Thompson scored for Laurel for a five point lead but Evans, back in the game, would eventually tie it with a three-point basket. Laurel committed a turnover and Seaford scored on the mistake, Evans hit another three-point basket for an eight point lead. Laurel tightened it on scores by Ayres Lucas and Burton. Matthews scored for a five point lead with less than a minute to play in the game. The Blue Jays’ full court pressure resulted in two points yet Thompson showed his strength with another basket. Matthews scored 11 points in the final quarter along with 10 by Evans that kept the Blue Jays in the lead and gave the team an eight point win.

Scoring: Laurel: Khalil Burton 20, Brynnen Thompson 17, Zach Eley 12, Jeremiah Misselle Hopkins 8.

Seaford: Aizyon Matthews 22, Vince Evans III 20, Brendan West 7, Uriah Taylor Brown 7.