The 2025-2026 school year is halfway through. As we wrap up the first half of the year, we return to our pre-midterm rhythm: studying, taking classes, finishing assignments, and so forth. But we also enter into the peak of winter sports, with the pace picking up as game after game draws us closer to championship season.
After shaking off their rust, our teams are solidifying their chemistry and looking to secure spots in the DIAA playoffs with only a couple weeks left to play. The urgency and expectations continue to rise with each game, for only the best teams in the state will continue their seasons in February.
So far, the most memorable moment here at Charter has been the throwback boys' basketball game against First State Military on January 15th. In honor of the 1988 state champions, the Wilmington High Red Devils, the Charter boys wore their predecessors’ iconic red jerseys and brought out the state championship banner. After a dominant first half, they announced the names of the 1988 Wilmington High coaches and team to a large crowd, which had many former Red Devils in attendance.
Wilmington High School previously occupied the same land where the Charter School of Wilmington and Cab Calloway School of the Arts stand today. It closed in 1999 due to a lack of student enrollment, but not before leaving its mark on the sports books forever. The Red Devils’ 1988 championship represented a long history of excellence, with the program clinching 5 championships in the span of 16 years through the 70s and 80s. Their legacy, the focus of this month’s tribute, lives on today through the Charter School of Wilmington’s teams.
The CSW boys sealed the win over First State Military Academy with a solid 28-point lead, an even larger margin than their 12-point victory against the same team during the RLCA Christmas Classic Tournament. As their defense held First State Military to just 42 points, the team recorded their best offense performance of the season to finish 70-42.
With just a few weeks left to play, there are still plenty of noteworthy games in the schedule, including girls' basketball’s final regular season game in support of the B+ foundation. They will face Newark Charter away from home on the 17th as CSW hosts the NCS boys in the first-ever Charter Classic.
In the meantime, swimming, wrestling, and indoor track continue their journeys to the DIAA championships, with the boys’ swim team undefeated as they head into a big matchup with Sallies, the defending state champs. Roman Cimorosi, currently a junior, stands first in the boy’s wrestling rankings for the 175 weight class.
Several meets, tournaments, and game still remain, and both students and athletes eagerly anticipate the playoffs just around the corner. Let's finish the season strong!