Middle gains state playoff win

The Middle Township High School boys swimming team picked up a state playoff victory Tuesday.

The seventh-seeded Panthers upset No. 6 Delsea in the opening round of the South Jersey Public C Tournament, clinching an 87-83 victory by taking second and third places in the final event, the 400 freestyle relay.

Travis McCray won the 50 freestyle and 100 freestyle races and Brendon Bartha claimed first in the 200 individual medley for Middle (9-3). Bartha, McCray, Martynas Bartnikas and Riley Campbell picked up a relay victory for Middle as well.

Middle’s Kai Wood, John Lombardelli, Jorge Carmona and Brenden Kelley placed second and Will Donohue, Colby Watts, Jordan Severino and Izayah Carlton finished third in the 400 free relay as Middle clinched the win.

Middle will face third-seeded Lacey Township in the next round later this week.