Dajour Rucker – Athlete of the Week – February 2, 2018

Cape Henry has a history of success in basketball, one this McDonald’s All-American nominee has made a lasting impact on for years to come. Athlete of the Week, Junior Dajour Rucker, joined an elite list of 1000-point scorers this season and will have his name forever tied to Cape Henry’s basketball history. As the Dolphins look to continue to improve with a young roster, Rucker’s consistent energy, enthusiasm, and support for his teammates will prove formidable as postseason play is just around the corner.

“He has continued to be a key force for the Dolphins this year. His ability to stretch the floor with his perimeter game, as well as control the paint with his strength and size has led to his success this season,” Head Coach Mark Hall said of Dajour Rucker, who is averaging 21 points and 11 rebounds on the season.

Carrying the offensive load for a Dolphin Basketball program carries a pressure Dajour is built to withstand. Standing at 6 feet 6 inches, the athletic forward scored 22 points with 12 rebounds in a win over Steward School. Rucker followed up with 19 points and 6 rebounds in a Saturday night win over Green Run High School. While the Dolphins struggled to find a rhythm early this week, Dajour led the Dolphins with 21 points in a loss to Williamsburg Christian Academy and 20 points in a loss to Hampton Roads Academy.

Coach Hall continued, “Despite the current team’s 9-8 record, Dajour continues to demand his teammates give 100% each game; he pushes the team to work harder in every practice, and he brings an unmatched energy every time he touches the court.”

The vocal captain is often heard encouraging his teammates on the floor, but one of Dajour’s underrated qualities is his unwavering trust in his teammates and his ability to find the open man. Coach Hall observed of Dajour, “He typically requires a double team by opponents, which allows Dajour to consistently find the other guys for uncontested shots. He never once doubts his teammates will knock down the open shots.”

While Coach Hall alluded to the challenge in finding an improvement on Dajour’s TCIS Player of the Year season last year, Hall remarks, “Dajour’s determination to win and willingness to improve has helped him to become an even better player and Captain this season.”

Dajour’s dedication, energy, and love for the game of basketball is on display each time he laces his shoes, and Dajour looks to revitalize the Dolphins, as Varsity Boys Basketball hosts Nansemond Suffolk Academy in an important conference match-up at 7:00 p.m. tonight.