Smyrna Dominates Sussex Central in First-Round Playoff Victory

SMYRNA, Del. – A raucous crowd packed the gym as Smyrna hosted Central in the first round of the playoffs, and the Eagles wasted no time making a statement. After jumping to a 9-2 lead, Central’s Brandon Spencer drained a three-pointer to close the gap, but Smyrna held firm. A determined effort from David Maker brought the Golden Knights within two, but the Eagles responded with a fast break led by Aaron Johnson, who drew a foul and converted both free throws to maintain Smyrna’s advantage.

As the game progressed, Smyrna’s intensity only increased. Logan Shaw fought through a blocked shot to earn an and-one, and Marice Kilgoe capitalized on a Central turnover with a coast-to-coast finish, pushing the Eagles' lead to 20-11. Central attempted to claw back with a clutch three-pointer from Jayden Dukes just before halftime, cutting the deficit to 26-22. However, Smyrna came out firing in the third quarter, with Chase Sullivan and Kilgoe spearheading an offensive surge. Quamere Redic controlled the boards, feeding Kilgoe for an impressive finish between two defenders as the Eagles extended their lead to double digits.