Delaware’s Basketball Legends
The recent feature shines a spotlight on the state’s most accomplished high school boys basketball players, weaving together stories of record‑breaking performances, state championships and the pathways these athletes have forged into college and professional ranks.
Among the early trailblazers, Walter Davis dazzled at the University of North Carolina before becoming a six‑time NBA All‑Star, while A.J. English led Howard to the 1985 state title and earned Player of the Year honors in 1986. Their feats set a standard that later generations would strive to match.
The list also celebrates more recent icons. Dexter Boney made history as Delaware’s first sophomore to earn first‑team All‑State honors in 1986 and became the first player to reach 2,000 career points in 1988. Jawan Carter later shattered scoring records, finishing with 2,464 points to become the state’s all‑time leading scorer.
Other standout names include Trevor Cooney, a five‑year starter at Sanford who captured state Player of the Year as a junior in 2010, and Jyare Davis, a four‑time first‑team All‑State selection who helped define a generation of talent. Nahshon 'Bones' Hyland’s 1,857 career points at St. Georges and 2019 Player of the Year award cement his place among the greats.
The narrative continues with Laron Profit, a two‑time first‑team All‑State pick who propelled Caesar Rodney to the 1994 state title game, and Terence Stansbury, the 1980 Player of the Year who later earned All‑American status at Temple. Each story reflects a blend of individual brilliance and team success.
Perhaps the most recognizable name on the list is Donte DiVincenzo, whose clutch performances helped Salesianum secure back‑to‑back state titles in 2014 and 2015 and later contributed to championship runs at the collegiate level. Their collective journeys illustrate how Delaware’s basketball culture nurtures talent that resonates far beyond state borders.
Together, these athletes form a tapestry of excellence that has shaped the sport at both the national and international stages, inspiring future generations to dream big on the hardwood.