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Best of the best: Ranking the Top 40 athletes in Delaware high school boys sports

Brad Myers, Delaware News Journal
·8 min read

For a small state, Delaware certainly produces a lot of big-time athletes.

The 2022-23 school year added to that legacy, as the state’s best across all sports won state and even national titles and earned scholarships from major colleges.

Here is our final ranking of the top 40 boys from throughout the year. The list is filled with All-State and All-American performers, and some even excelled in multiple sports.

Congratulations to all on a phenomenal season.

40. Win Thomas, jr., Tatnall

Fired a two-day total of 75-71—146 to win the boys individual title by one stroke at the DIAA Golf Tournament.

Win Thomas of Tatnall tees on the 13th hole Wednesday at the DIAA Golf Tournament at Baywood Greens Golf Club in Long Neck. Thomas shot 75-71--146 to win the boys individual title by one stroke.
Win Thomas of Tatnall tees on the 13th hole Wednesday at the DIAA Golf Tournament at Baywood Greens Golf Club in Long Neck. Thomas shot 75-71--146 to win the boys individual title by one stroke.

39. Jaiden McGhee, sr., Middletown

All-State basketball player helped the Cavaliers go 20-3 and reach the DIAA semifinals. Signed with Kutztown.

Middeltown's Jaiden McGhee celebrates a basket in the first half of a DIAA state tournament semifinal against Salesianum at the Bob Carpenter Center, Thursday, March 9, 2023.
Middeltown's Jaiden McGhee celebrates a basket in the first half of a DIAA state tournament semifinal against Salesianum at the Bob Carpenter Center, Thursday, March 9, 2023.

38. Jonathan Drew, sr., Middletown

Division I cross country champion. Signed with Delaware State.

Middletown’s Jonathan Drew runs to victory in the DIAA 2022 Cross Country Boy’s Division I Championship at Killens Pond State Park in Felton, Del.
Middletown’s Jonathan Drew runs to victory in the DIAA 2022 Cross Country Boy’s Division I Championship at Killens Pond State Park in Felton, Del.

37. Dorell Little, jr., Polytech

All-State in basketball. Helped the Panthers (17-5) reach the second round of the DIAA Tournament.

Salesianum's Kareem Thomas (left) can't get to a rebound before Polytech's Dorell Little in the first half of Salesianum's 72-53 win at home in the second round of the DIAA high school state tournament, Thursday, March 2, 2023.
Salesianum's Kareem Thomas (left) can't get to a rebound before Polytech's Dorell Little in the first half of Salesianum's 72-53 win at home in the second round of the DIAA high school state tournament, Thursday, March 2, 2023.

36. K.J. Shahan, sr., Charter of Wilmington

All-State outside hitter in the newest DIAA sport – boys volleyball. Helped the Force (14-4) reach the state semifinals.

Charter School of Wilmington's KJ Shahan (5) in action during a regular season volleyball match between Charter School of Wilmington and Delaware Military Academy on Friday March 31, 2023.
Charter School of Wilmington's KJ Shahan (5) in action during a regular season volleyball match between Charter School of Wilmington and Delaware Military Academy on Friday March 31, 2023.

35. Andy Zhu, jr., Archmere

Rallied from behind in both sets to win 6-4, 6-4 for his third straight DIAA Tennis title in boys first singles.

Andy Zhu of Archmere follows through on a return as he beats Sanford's Charlie Sternberg for the title at first singles during the DIAA state tennis championships at St. Andrew's School, Thursday May 25, 2023.
Andy Zhu of Archmere follows through on a return as he beats Sanford's Charlie Sternberg for the title at first singles during the DIAA state tennis championships at St. Andrew's School, Thursday May 25, 2023.

34. Nate Chandler, sr., Smyrna

Dominant pass rusher was named Class 3A, District 2 Lineman of the Year. Class 3A All-State. Helped Eagles (12-1) win Class 3A state championship. Signed with Sacred Heart.

Salesianum quarterback Ryan Stoehr manages to get off a long pass before being hit by Smyrna defender Nate Chandler.
Salesianum quarterback Ryan Stoehr manages to get off a long pass before being hit by Smyrna defender Nate Chandler.

33. Jordan Illian, sr., Indian River

All-Top XI and Division II All-State selection in soccer. Helped the Indians (13-2-2) reach Division II semifinals. Signed with South Carolina.

Indian River's Jordan Illian (7).
Indian River's Jordan Illian (7).

32. Drew Duncan, jr., Archmere

All-State and All-American lacrosse attacker helped Auks (13-4) reach the state quarterfinals. Committed to Iona.

Archmere's Drew Duncan (left) works against Cape Henlopen's Mack Leonhartt in the second half of the Vikings' 13-8 win at Archmere Academy, Saturday, April 1, 2023.
Archmere's Drew Duncan (left) works against Cape Henlopen's Mack Leonhartt in the second half of the Vikings' 13-8 win at Archmere Academy, Saturday, April 1, 2023.

31. Ryan Baker, sr., Cape Henlopen

Won 3,200-meter run at the Meet of Champions, DIAA Indoor and in Division I at DIAA Outdoor. Finished third in Division I cross country. Signed with Lehigh.

Cape Henlopen's Ryan Baker takes first place in the 3200 meter run during the DIAA state high school indoor track and field championships at Prince George's Sports and Learning Complex in Landover, Md., Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023.
Cape Henlopen's Ryan Baker takes first place in the 3200 meter run during the DIAA state high school indoor track and field championships at Prince George's Sports and Learning Complex in Landover, Md., Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023.

30. Marty Coyne, sr., Tower Hill

All-State pitcher went 5-2 with a 0.84 ERA and 78 strikeouts in 50 innings. Signed with Pennsylvania.

Tower Hill's Marty Coyne
Tower Hill's Marty Coyne

29. Miles Hood, sr., Caravel

All-Top XI and Division II All-State selection in soccer. Helped Buccaneers (16-2) win the DIAA Division II championship. Signed with Thomas Jefferson.

Caravel’s Miles Hood and Saint Mark’s Nicholas Rocco fight for position during the Buccaneers’ 4-0 win over Saint Mark's in the DIAA Division II Boys Soccer championship game Saturday, November 19, 2022 at Dover High School.
Caravel’s Miles Hood and Saint Mark’s Nicholas Rocco fight for position during the Buccaneers’ 4-0 win over Saint Mark's in the DIAA Division II Boys Soccer championship game Saturday, November 19, 2022 at Dover High School.

28. Zachary Redding, sr., Appoquinimink

Swept the 50- and 100-yard freestyle titles at the DIAA Swimming and Diving Championships. Signed with Old Dominion.

Appoquinimink's Zachary Redding celebrates his win in the 50 yard freestyle during the DIAA boys swimming state championships in the Rawstrom Natatorium at the University of Delaware, Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023.
Appoquinimink's Zachary Redding celebrates his win in the 50 yard freestyle during the DIAA boys swimming state championships in the Rawstrom Natatorium at the University of Delaware, Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023.

27. Brett Walmsley, sr., C, Conrad

All-State catcher hit .500 with six homers and 22 RBIs. Helped Red Wolves (17-5) reach the championship game of DIAA Baseball Tournament. Signed with Delaware.

Conrad senior Brett Walmsley (4) runs for first base after he hits the ball against Delaware Military Academy during the DIAA baseball championship game at Frawley Stadium in Wilmington on Saturday, June 3, 2023. DMA won 7-1.
Conrad senior Brett Walmsley (4) runs for first base after he hits the ball against Delaware Military Academy during the DIAA baseball championship game at Frawley Stadium in Wilmington on Saturday, June 3, 2023. DMA won 7-1.

26. Eddie Radecki, so., Caravel

Caravel Academy sophomore Eddie Radecki, at bottom, wrestles Caesar Rodney freshman Nick Moore to win the 1st Place Match during the 120 pounds championship finals of the DIAA Individual Wrestling State Tournament at Cape Henlopen High in Lewes, Saturday, March 4, 2023.
Caravel Academy sophomore Eddie Radecki, at bottom, wrestles Caesar Rodney freshman Nick Moore to win the 1st Place Match during the 120 pounds championship finals of the DIAA Individual Wrestling State Tournament at Cape Henlopen High in Lewes, Saturday, March 4, 2023.

Won the 120-pound final to become the 42nd three-time champion in the 67-year history of the DIAA Individual Wrestling Tournament, and remained on track to potentially become the state’s first five-time champion.

25. Ethan Walther, so., Delaware Military Academy

Division II cross country champion. Won the 1,600 and finished second in 800 at DIAA Indoor. Swept the Division II 800, 1,600 and 3,200 at DIAA Outdoor. Second in 800 at the Meet of Champions.

Delaware Military's Ethan Walther (front) holds a lead early before winning the 1600 meter race during the DIAA state high school indoor track and field championships at Prince George's Sports and Learning Complex in Landover, Md., Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023. Middletown's Jonas Rush (left) and Jonathan Drew (4) pursue.
Delaware Military's Ethan Walther (front) holds a lead early before winning the 1600 meter race during the DIAA state high school indoor track and field championships at Prince George's Sports and Learning Complex in Landover, Md., Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023. Middletown's Jonas Rush (left) and Jonathan Drew (4) pursue.

24. Jaryn Sample, sr., Sussex Tech

All-State third baseman hit .500 with five homers, 35 RBIs and 21 stolen bases. Helped Ravens (15-5) reach the state quarterfinals.

Sussex Tech infielder Jaryn Sample (12) fields the ball at third base against Salesianum.
Sussex Tech infielder Jaryn Sample (12) fields the ball at third base against Salesianum.

23. Tyler Wilmore, jr., Wilmington Friends

Swept the 200- and 500-yard freestyles at the DIAA Swimming and Diving Championships.

Wilmington Friends' Ty Wilmore swims to a win in the 200 yard freestyle during the DIAA boys swimming state championships in the Rawstrom Natatorium at the University of Delaware, Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023.
Wilmington Friends' Ty Wilmore swims to a win in the 200 yard freestyle during the DIAA boys swimming state championships in the Rawstrom Natatorium at the University of Delaware, Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023.

22. Luke Watson, sr., Saint Mark’s

Dominant blocker and pass rusher was All-Class 2A on both sides of the ball, and the overall Class 2A and Class 2A, District 1 Lineman of the Year. Helped the Spartans (10-2) reach the 2A semifinals. Signed with Temple.

Wilmington Friends' Andrew McKenzie (20) is pursued by the Spartans' Luke Watson in the first quarter of the Quakers' 14-0 DIAA Class 2A state tournament semifinal win at St. Mark's, Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022.
Wilmington Friends' Andrew McKenzie (20) is pursued by the Spartans' Luke Watson in the first quarter of the Quakers' 14-0 DIAA Class 2A state tournament semifinal win at St. Mark's, Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022.

21. Nate Ray, sr., Salesianum

Fierce pass rusher was All-Class 3A and All-Class 3A, District 1 at both tight end and defensive end, and was the overall 3A and 3A-1 Defensive Player of the Year. Helped the Sals (7-4) reach the 3A playoffs. Committed to Delaware.

Salesianum's Nathaniel Ray closes in on Middletown quarterback Austin Troyer in the second quarter at Cavalier Stadium, Friday, Oct. 14, 2022.
Salesianum's Nathaniel Ray closes in on Middletown quarterback Austin Troyer in the second quarter at Cavalier Stadium, Friday, Oct. 14, 2022.

20. Jack Gormley, sr., Salesianum

All-State and All-American lacrosse defender helped the Sals (13-4) win the DIAA championship. Signed with Villanova.

Salesianum's John Gormley corrals the ball in the first half of Salesianum's 17-5 win at Archmere Academy, Wednesday, April 5, 2023.
Salesianum's John Gormley corrals the ball in the first half of Salesianum's 17-5 win at Archmere Academy, Wednesday, April 5, 2023.

19. T.J. Hastings, sr., Appoquinimink

All-Top XI and Division I All-State defender helped the Jaguars (12-5) reach the Division I soccer semifinals. Signed with Delaware.

Appoquinimink senior TJ Hastings (5) celebrates during the boys soccer game against Middletown at Cavaliers Stadium in Middletown, Thursday, Oct. 27, 2022. Appoquinimink won 3-1.
Appoquinimink senior TJ Hastings (5) celebrates during the boys soccer game against Middletown at Cavaliers Stadium in Middletown, Thursday, Oct. 27, 2022. Appoquinimink won 3-1.

18. Aaron Stevens, jr., Conrad

Named Swimmer of the Meet after sweeping the 200-yard individual medley and 100-yard breaststroke at the DIAA Boys Swimming and Diving Championships.

Conrad's Aaron Stevens swims to a first place in the 200 yard individual medley during the DIAA boys swimming state championships in the Rawstrom Natatorium at the University of Delaware, Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023.
Conrad's Aaron Stevens swims to a first place in the 200 yard individual medley during the DIAA boys swimming state championships in the Rawstrom Natatorium at the University of Delaware, Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023.

17. Cody Popp, so., Salesianum

Outside hitter was voted Player of the Year in the newest DIAA sport – boys volleyball. Helped the Sals (17-1) reach the championship game of the state tournament.

Salesianum's Cody Popp plays the ball in front of Christian Sullivan in the first game of Cape Henlopen's 3-0 win for the first DIAA state title earned in boys volleyball, Tuesday, May 23, 2023 at Smyrna High School.
Salesianum's Cody Popp plays the ball in front of Christian Sullivan in the first game of Cape Henlopen's 3-0 win for the first DIAA state title earned in boys volleyball, Tuesday, May 23, 2023 at Smyrna High School.

16. Justin Griffith, sr., Sanford

Won the 190-pound final to become the 41st three-time champion in the 67-year history of the DIAA Individual Wrestling Tournament. Signed with Drexel.

Sanford senior Justin Griffith gets his arm raised after his 1st Place win over Cape Henlopen senior Alex Taylor during the 190 pounds championship finals of the DIAA Individual Wrestling State Tournament at Cape Henlopen High in Lewes, Saturday, March 4, 2023.
Sanford senior Justin Griffith gets his arm raised after his 1st Place win over Cape Henlopen senior Alex Taylor during the 190 pounds championship finals of the DIAA Individual Wrestling State Tournament at Cape Henlopen High in Lewes, Saturday, March 4, 2023.

15. Drew Simpson, sr., Delaware Military Academy

All-State selection as a pitcher and third baseman. Pitched a complete game two-hitter in a 7-1 victory over Conrad in the championship game of the DIAA Baseball Tournament. Signed with West Chester.

Delaware Military Academy senior Drew Simpson (6) throws a pitch against Conrad during the DIAA Baseball championship game at Frawley Stadium in Wilmington on Saturday, June 3, 2023. DMA won 7-1.
Delaware Military Academy senior Drew Simpson (6) throws a pitch against Conrad during the DIAA Baseball championship game at Frawley Stadium in Wilmington on Saturday, June 3, 2023. DMA won 7-1.

14. Daniel McConomy, jr., Appoquinimink

All-Class 3A running back helped the Jaguars (6-5) win the Class 3A, District 1 title in a three-way tiebreaker and reach the 3A playoffs.

Appo's Daniel McConomy turns the corner during St. Georges' 13-7 win in the opening round of the DIAA state championships at Appoquinimink High School, Friday, Nov. 18, 2022.
Appo's Daniel McConomy turns the corner during St. Georges' 13-7 win in the opening round of the DIAA state championships at Appoquinimink High School, Friday, Nov. 18, 2022.

13. Isaiah Hynson, jr., Salesianum

All-State guard hit the go-ahead baskets in the final minute in both the DIAA semifinal game against Middletown and the DIAA championship game against William Penn.

Salesianum's Isaiah Hynson reacts after a made three-pointer as the Sals build a lead against William Penn in the first half of the DIAA state championship Saturday, March 11, 2023 at the Bob Carpenter Center.
Salesianum's Isaiah Hynson reacts after a made three-pointer as the Sals build a lead against William Penn in the first half of the DIAA state championship Saturday, March 11, 2023 at the Bob Carpenter Center.

12. Luke Poore, sr., Caravel

Won the 132-pound final to become the 13th four-time state wrestling champion in the 67-year history of the DIAA tournament. Also became Delaware’s all-time leader in career high school wrestling victories with 183.

Caravel's Luke Poore (right) wrestles to a win by pin for the title at 132 pounds against Tower Hill's Drew Pratt in the Delcastle Invitational, Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023 at Delcastle Technical High School.
Caravel's Luke Poore (right) wrestles to a win by pin for the title at 132 pounds against Tower Hill's Drew Pratt in the Delcastle Invitational, Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023 at Delcastle Technical High School.

11.  Rowyn Nurry, jr., Salesianum

All-State and All-American attacker helped the Sals (13-4) win the DIAA championship. Committed to Cornell.

Rowyn Nurry of Salesianum manuevers through the Viking defgense in the first half of the DIAA Boys Lacrosse championship game on Saturday at Dover High.
Rowyn Nurry of Salesianum manuevers through the Viking defgense in the first half of the DIAA Boys Lacrosse championship game on Saturday at Dover High.

10. Chris Albero, sr., Archmere

All-Class 2A quarterback and defensive back helped the Auks (9-3) reach the 2A semifinals. Also All-Class 2A, District 1 as a kicker and honorable mention All-State as an outfielder. Signed with Franklin & Marshall.

Archmere's Chris Albero dives for extra yards in the second quarter of Caravel's 30-6 win in the semifinals of the DIAA Class 2A state tournament Friday, Dec. 2, 2022 at Bob Peoples Stadium,
Archmere's Chris Albero dives for extra yards in the second quarter of Caravel's 30-6 win in the semifinals of the DIAA Class 2A state tournament Friday, Dec. 2, 2022 at Bob Peoples Stadium,

9. Dean Shepherd, sr., Tower Hill

Basketball Player of the Year averaged 22.6 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.6 steals per game as the Hillers went 17-5 and reached the DIAA quarterfinals. Signed with Delaware State.

Tower Hill guard Dean Shepherd (12) drives to the basket as Salesianum guard Zachary Swartout (14) defends during Saturday's DIAA quarterfinals game between Tower Hill and Salesianum.
Tower Hill guard Dean Shepherd (12) drives to the basket as Salesianum guard Zachary Swartout (14) defends during Saturday's DIAA quarterfinals game between Tower Hill and Salesianum.

8. Jazonte Levan, jr., Seaford

Co-winner of the Tom Fort Award as the state’s top male track and field athlete. Won the 200-meter dash in 21.01 at the Meet of Champions, breaking the state record set 10 days earlier by Salesianum’s Jasyn Truitt. Finished fourth in the 200 at the New Balance Nationals in 20.95. Clocked a 10.57 in the 100, the second-fastest time in Delaware high school history. Swept the Division II 100 and 200 at DIAA Outdoor. Also second-team All-Class 1A as a running back.

Seaford’s Jazonte Levan wins the Division II 200 at the DIAA Track and Field Championships on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at Dover High.
Seaford’s Jazonte Levan wins the Division II 200 at the DIAA Track and Field Championships on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at Dover High.

7. Tyler August, sr., Delaware Military Academy

Baseball Player of the Year and All-State as both a pitcher and first baseman. Hit .411 with five doubles and 20 RBIs and went 5-1 on the mound with a 1.40 ERA and 78 strikeouts in 45 innings. Signed with Delaware.

Delaware Military Academy senior Tyler August (3) winds up for a pitch against Caravel Academy during the boys baseball game at Caravel in Bear, Thursday, May 11, 2023. Caravel won 1-0.
Delaware Military Academy senior Tyler August (3) winds up for a pitch against Caravel Academy during the boys baseball game at Caravel in Bear, Thursday, May 11, 2023. Caravel won 1-0.

6. Jake Ross, sr., Salesianum

Soccer Player of the Year. Scored the first goal and assisted on the second in a 4-1 win over Charter of Wilmington as the Sals (16-2) won the Division I championship game. Signed with West Virginia.

Salesianum’s Jake Ross gets tied up with Charter of Wilmington’s Davin Lysik during the Sals’ 4-1 win over Charter School of Wilmington in the DIAA Division I Boys Soccer championship game Saturday, November 19, 2022 at Dover High School.
Salesianum’s Jake Ross gets tied up with Charter of Wilmington’s Davin Lysik during the Sals’ 4-1 win over Charter School of Wilmington in the DIAA Division I Boys Soccer championship game Saturday, November 19, 2022 at Dover High School.

5. Robby Tattersall, sr., Wilmington Friends

Class 2A Offensive Player of the Year and All-Class 2A at quarterback and defensive end. Helped lead the Quakers (13-0) to the 2A state championship. Signed with Yale.

Wilmington Friends' Robby Tattersall gets through the Spartan defense to score on a 20-yard run in the third quarter of the Quakers' 14-0 DIAA Class 2A state tournament semifinal win at St. Mark's, Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022.
Wilmington Friends' Robby Tattersall gets through the Spartan defense to score on a 20-yard run in the third quarter of the Quakers' 14-0 DIAA Class 2A state tournament semifinal win at St. Mark's, Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022.

4. C.J. Fritchman, sr., Cape Henlopen

Lacrosse Player of the Year helped the Vikings reach the DIAA championship game. Also won the 175-pound title at the DIAA Individual Wrestling Tournament. Signed with Salisbury.

Cape Henlopen's Charles Fritchman tries to get past Aldan Lucey of Salesianum during the DIAA Boys Lacrosse championship game on Saturday at Dover High.
Cape Henlopen's Charles Fritchman tries to get past Aldan Lucey of Salesianum during the DIAA Boys Lacrosse championship game on Saturday at Dover High.

3. Yamir Knight, sr., Smyrna

Class 3A Offensive Player of the Year helped lead the Eagles (12-1) to the 3A football championship. Caught 56 passes for 871 yards and 10 touchdowns, rushed for 793 yards and 16 TDs and passed for three more scores. Signed with James Madison.

Smyrna's Yamir Knight throws a pass good for a two-point conversion in the third quarter of Smyrna's 52-7 win in the DIAA Class 3A championship at Delaware Stadium, Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022.
Smyrna's Yamir Knight throws a pass good for a two-point conversion in the third quarter of Smyrna's 52-7 win in the DIAA Class 3A championship at Delaware Stadium, Saturday, Dec. 10, 2022.

2. Max Agresti, sr., Salesianum

Finished a 47-0 season with an 8-2 decision in the DIAA championship match at 215 pounds, becoming the first Delaware wrestler to go undefeated since Smyrna’s Brent Fleetwood in 2013. Won the prestigious Beast of the East title at 215. Signed with Harvard.

Salesianum senior Max Agresti, at top, wrestles Delaware Military Academy senior Tyler August to win the 1st Place Match during the 215 pounds championship finals of the DIAA Individual Wrestling State Tournament at Cape Henlopen High in Lewes, Saturday, March 4, 2023.
Salesianum senior Max Agresti, at top, wrestles Delaware Military Academy senior Tyler August to win the 1st Place Match during the 215 pounds championship finals of the DIAA Individual Wrestling State Tournament at Cape Henlopen High in Lewes, Saturday, March 4, 2023.

1. Yougendy Mauricette, sr., Sussex Tech

Co-winner of the Tom Fort Award as the state’s top male track and field athlete.  Won the 110 hurdles, 300 hurdles and long jump at the Meet of Champions. Won 300 hurdles and long jump in Division I at DIAA Outdoor. Only two-event champion at the DIAA Indoor, sweeping the 55-meter hurdles and 400-meter dash. Won the 400 hurdles at the New Balance Nationals last summer. Signed with USC.

Sussex Tech's Yougendy Mauricette looks to the posted times after winning the 400 meter dash during the DIAA state high school indoor track and field championships at Prince George's Sports and Learning Complex in Landover, Md., Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023.
Sussex Tech's Yougendy Mauricette looks to the posted times after winning the 400 meter dash during the DIAA state high school indoor track and field championships at Prince George's Sports and Learning Complex in Landover, Md., Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023.

Contact Brad Myers at bmyers@delawareonline.com. Follow on Twitter: @BradMyersTNJ

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware high school boys sports: Ranking the Top 40 athletes