On the weekend of December 13-14, the DC varsity boys basketball team took on The City School, The Christian Academy, and Atlantic Christian School in the 59th DC Tip-Off Tournament. One of the most anticipated events on the DC calendar, this historic tournament always lives up to expectations, and this year was no different.

The DC boys opened up with The City School, where they dominated the competition, going on a 32-0 run to start off the game. Although the run was started by junior Laverne Sambola with 6 consecutive points, the star players of the game were the senior backcourt duo of Khamai Orange, who tallied 17 points, and Beau Lyren, who contributed 12 points. A notable accomplishment during the game was that of freshman Joel Johnson, who scored his first varsity points in the first half. Another veteran player who excelled was junior Bradford Berwick, who added 15 points to the Knights dominating 71-17 victory. Senior guard Atty Abobi commented, “I enjoyed the game against TCS. We came out on top with the win, which is always good.” 

Earlier that day Atlantic Christian had beaten TCA in an exciting overtime contest, 70-68, to advance to the championship against DC. Atlantic Christian senior Noah Stokes, last year’s tournament MVP, led the way with 32 points.

In the championship game, DC went up against Atlantic Christian in a highly anticipated matchup. Atlantic Christian, coming off an emotional win versus TCA, started off sluggishly against a tenacious DC defense as the Knights built an insurmountable halftime advantage. Once again, Orange and Lyren both contributed great performances with 25 points and 18 points, respectively. Meanwhile, Berwick chipped in with 10 points and an electrifying dunk that captivated the student section. The game ended in a convincing fashion for DC, 73-51. 

Assistant Coach Matthew Hummel remarked, “The guys were incredibly focused. We had lost to Atlantic the past two years, so the players were motivated to win this game and bring the championship back to DC, especially the seniors.” In the boys consolation game, TCA beat The City School, 56-22.

In the end, the tournament proved fun for players, fans, and coaches alike. Sophomore Josh Videon, a football and lacrosse athlete, had high praise for the tournament: “Both games were an amazing experience. Watching our team dominate the entire tournament and take home the trophy [was a blessing].” 

The 2024 Tip-Off All-Tournament team included Noah Stokes from Atlantic Christian School, Cameron Harrop from TCA, and senior Khamai Orange from DC, who also received Tournament MVP honors. 

This 2024-2025 basketball season will hopefully be one to remember. Last year, the varsity boys basketball team won 20 games, which was the first time they had captured this many victories since 2002. The squad also finished with a 14-1 record in the BAL. 

Coach Reggie Parks has many goals that he wants the team to achieve this upcoming season. Primarily, “I want to see the spiritual growth of the players and their ball skills improve.” Another goal that Coach Parks has is to win the DC Tip-off Tournament and to return to both the BAL and PIAA playoffs.

This year, Coach Parks will be assisted by Mr. Matt Hummel, Mr. Kenneth Orange, and Mr. Jerome Staley. With the help of these veteran coaches and newcomer Coach Staley, the team is in good hands.

With the graduation of inside force Luke Bushra and the transfer of senior Caleb Jameson, who was one of the best 3-point shooters in the state, many players will have to step up to fill the gaps. Senior guard Khamai Orange, who was named BAL Player of the Year last season, will be a huge part of the team again. Another player who will have a significant impact on the team is fellow senior guard Beau Lyren, a multi-year starter and backcourt complement to Orange. Other important returning players consist of senior Atty Abobi, juniors Bradford Berwick and Laverne Sambola, and sophomore Karter Shaheed-Freeman. 

Last year the team suffered a heartbreaking loss in the BAL title game against Dock Mennonite Academy. Nonetheless, the team was still able to qualify for the PIAA Class 2A District 1 Tournament, where they lost a close game to the Pioneers.

This year's basketball season will definitely be one to remember as a veteran squad seeks to improve on last year's strong performance.