Crusader teams breeze in CAL openers

NORTH WILDWOOD — The boys and girls basketball teams from Wildwood Catholic High School had little trouble in their opening games of the Cape-Atlantic League playoff tournament Monday.

The two top-seeded teams held double-digit leads at halftime before going on to post one-sided victories.

In the girls game, Wildwood Catholic placed four players in double figures in a 63-33 win over No. 8 Absegami. Leading 29-18 at the half, Wildwood Catholic used a 14-5 edge in the third quarter to put the game away.

Junior Marianna Papazoglou, who recently received Division I scholarship offers from Manhattan and Monmouth, led the Crusaders with 16 points. Gabby Turco posted 14 points, Kimmy Casiello added 12 points and Alyia Gray-Rivera chipped in 10 points.

Haleigh Schafer led Absegami with 16 points.

Wildwood Catholic (22-3) will face No. 4 Mainland in the semifinal round on Thursday at 7 p.m. Ocean City High School. That game will air live on 98.7 The Coast radio, with live video available at CoastSportsToday.com.

Mainland was a 42-36 winner over No. 5 Middle Township in its tournament opener.

In the boys game, Wildwood Catholic raced out to a 19-5 lead after one quarter and breezed to an 84-47 win over No. 8 Ocean City.

Jahlil White led four Wildwood Catholic players in double figures with 20 points. Taj Thweatt (16), Martin Anguelov (14) and Jacob Hopping (11) were also major contributors.

Gannon Brady (16) and Tom Finnegan (14) were each in double figures for Ocean City (15-9).

Wildwood Catholic (18-7) will face No. 4 St. Joseph in the semifinal round on Wednesday at 7 p.m. Absegami High School. That game will air live on 98.7 The Coast radio, with live video available at CoastSportsToday.com.