Delsea wins Tri-Co. Liberty rubber match, advances to South Jersey Group 3 final

Delsea Regional High School teammates Dahmir Hart (3) and Blake Bottino (5) celebrate during the Crusaders’ win over Deptford in the South Jersey Group 3 semifinals at Deptford Township High School in Deptford, New Jersey on Wednesday, March 4, 2026. Collin Conway/D2 Sports Network

DEPTFORD — The Delsea Regional High School boys basketball team reached its first sectional final since 2018.

The Crusaders outlasted Tri-County Conference Liberty Division rival and top-seeded Deptford, 46-42, in the South Jersey Group 3 semifinals on Wednesday night.

The two Tri-Co. Liberty foes split their regular season matchups.

Delsea will visit third-seeded Ocean City in the South Jersey Group 3 championship on Saturday. The Crusaders improved their record to 17-11.

Colorado state football commit Luke Van Auken charted 21 points, 14 rebounds and two blocks for Delsea. Ryan Casiano finished with 10 points, four rebounds and an assist. Dahmir Hart contributed nine points, three rebounds, an assist, a block and a steal.

Jordan Williams led the Spartans with 14 points and nine rebounds. Brian Orio tallied a game-high eight assists. Luke Vilary finished with nine points, four rebounds, an assist and a steal. Deptford concluded its campaign with a 22-7 record.