NORFOLK, Va. – As the clock ticked to zero, Denijsha Wilson took three slow steps, glanced up at the colorful scoreboard hanging above the facility for a few seconds, and placed her hands on her shorts.
Wilson walked off the court proudly following Delaware State's 66-56 setback to North Carolina Central in a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) quarterfinal contest Thursday afternoon at the historic Scope Arena. Even though their season ended with an 8-20 record, the Hornets exited with their heads held high.
The Delaware State graduate guard did all she could to help the Hornets extend their season. Throughout the game, Wilson fearlessly attacked the basket. Threw her petite frame on the ground in scrambles for loose balls. Wilson continued shooting even when she or her teammates didn't get the benefit of some difficult bounces, especially in the fourth quarter.
Wilson along with senior Savannah Brooks led Delaware State with 16 points each. Sophomore Deyonce Thompson scored nine of her 11 points in the second half for the Hornets, who carried a 46-42 advantage into the final quarter. That trio also combined for eight of Delaware State's 14 steals.
As interim head coach Jazmone Thomas left the stage following the postgame press conference, she embraced Brooks and Wilson in tight hugs. The Hornets built a special bond during a season of progress that resulted in the most regular-season victories for a first-year coach. So, the Hornets know brighter days are ahead.
"It means a lot to be part of this program and help change the culture," Wilson said. "I am proud of my teammates. Jazmone's a great coach. I am going to miss all the laughs, the fun we had in practice, the hanging round, the hard moments, and just every moment we shared."
Wilson made an impact this season for the Hornets by scoring in double figures in 14 games. She scored a season-high 23 points in last week's season finale against Maryland-Eastern Shore. In her last two collegiate games, Wilson averaged 19.5 points per game. She scored in double digits in all three games against North Carolina Central this season.
A Philadelphia native who earned her communications degree from USC-Upstate, Wilson, who learned the game from her uncle, Kenneth, and got her no-nonsense court attitude from her mom, Sharon, left the floor for the final time knowing she owes the sport nothing.
She is currently working on a master's degree in sports administration intending to be a photographer and videographer for her beloved Philadelphia Eagles. Wilson has already earned experience by assisting Delaware State's media relations office.
"I thank God for them," Wilson said. "I was young when I started playing. I knew I was small, but I never noticed how small I was until I started competing against bigger players. It didn't bother me because I learned to use my size as an advantage. I also have that mindset of being a dog because I was taught not to be scared."
The Hornets went toe-to-toe with the Eagles. Wilson's 11 points in the first half helped DSU forge a 30-30 tie at intermission. Brooks and Wilson combined for 21 of the Hornets' 30 first-half points. Delaware State extended its advantage to 46-38 following McKenzie Stewart's layup with 1:53 remaining in the third quarter.
In addition, for Delaware State, All-MEAC Third Team guard Ja-Naiah Perkins-Jackson finished with five assists.
"It was an honor to represent Delaware State," Brooks said. "We know we have a lot of support back home from alumni, our fans, and the administration. It means a lot to represent the school and program. This season was a turning point for us. I am going to miss playing with the seniors. I love my teammates and I know they will come back next year and make some noise."
The Hornets have plenty to be proud of this season. One of its most significant wins was a program-defining triumph over in-state foe Delaware a few days before Christmas.
Turner, who barely had a voice following two hours of intensely encouraging her players, is looking forward to the next phase of establishing Delaware State as a consistent force in the MEAC. She knows she has a foundation and is prepared for the work it's going to take to get the perfect pieces in place.
"I am proud of the young ladies and what they did this season as well as tonight to show where Delaware State is going," Turner said. "I am thankful that the administration believed in me and my vision for the program. I appreciate the team for believing in me as their leader, buying into the culture, embracing change, and the tough coaching because it's been important and allowed us to do some groundbreaking things. We're not satisfied with where we are, but there's been a lot of progress this year."
