While the Cape Henry community looked forward to relaxation and Holiday festivities, the Varsity Boys Basketball team geared up for a challenging three-game schedule throughout the Winter break. The Dolphins traveled nearly 880 miles during this stretch, and the boys returned home with a 3-0 record against immensely talented programs. Behind the play of this week’s Athlete of the Week, Dajour Rucker, the Dolphins were propelled to three double-digit victories and an overall record of 7-1 on the young season.

Capturing the Athlete of the Week honors for the fourth straight year, Dajour has proved time and time again he belongs on a basketball court. His energy and sheer determination to win has been the driving force behind the Dolphins’ success since Rucker’s freshman year at Cape Henry. As he continues to excel in his final basketball season in a CHC uniform, the second year captain is poised to lead the Dolphins deep into postseason play.

“Over the Holiday break, Dajour averaged 23.6 points per game, and 10 rebounds versus three solid opponents,” Head Coach Mark Hall mentioned of Dajour’s performance. “He played a major role and impacted every game as the opponents coaching staff had no answer for him on defense.”

In the first of three games, the Dolphins defeated perennial powerhouse Benedictine, 65-40, with Dajour picking up 17 points. In an explosive offensive performance, Rucker poured in a season-high 34 points en route to a 93-70 victory over Rock Creek Christian Academy. Rounding out the break, the Dolphins earned an important state win over Collegiate of Richmond. Dajour grabbed 20 points and added 10 rebounds as the Dolphins came out on top, 54-40.

“His ability to play inside-out provides us with mismatches in every contest,” Coach Hall continued of Dajour. “While there is still work to be done on his development, Dajour has been impressive in practice with his work ethic and leadership skills.”

In eight games played this season, Rucker is averaging 20.75 points per game along with 11 rebounds per game. The senior basketball star is set to attend Marshall University next fall and will play basketball on a full scholarship. It is no surprise Dajour is set to play Division 1 basketball, amassing 1,500 points to this point in his career. While his scoring efforts have improved steadily throughout his four years at Cape Henry, it is his leadership on the court that has caught the eyes of the Dolphin community.

“Dajour is the leader of the young roster. His vocal presence on and off the court has helped some of younger players to ease into the expectations set forth by the coaching staff. This is one area he has drastically improved on from a year ago. He has been the main reason for our 7-1 record and #3 ranking in South Hampton Roads thus far,” Coach Hall finished of Dajour.

The 2019 Varsity Basketball roster is undoubtedly filled with youth. However, the Dolphins feature one of the deepest rosters in South Hampton Roads. With Dajour Rucker behind the wheel, the Dolphins have their sights set on capturing the 14th TCIS Title and 3rd State Title for Cape Henry Collegiate. In order to accomplish their goals, the #3 Dolphins must first face a stiff challenge as the boys take on #7 Green Run High School at 7:00 p.m. tonight.