VIDEO: Warriors get past GCHS to win 3rd division title in 4 seasons

By BRIAN CUNNIFF

WILDWOOD — The Wildwood High School boys basketball took advantage of a chance to win a championship Tuesday evening.

The Warriors captured the Tri-County Classic Division title for the third time in four seasons thanks to a 68-59 victory over Gloucester Catholic in front of a near-capacity crowd in their home gymnasium.

The win improved Wildwood to 16-6 overall, 7-1 in Tri-Co Classic games. Gloucester Catholic fell to 10-12, 5-3.

“I absolutely feel good for the program. The kids have worked hard all season,” Wildwood coach Scott McCracken said. “You talk about being able to play big games in front of your fans and this was a big one. We had a great crowd supporting us and the kids did a nice job closing this one out. We won all four quarters, which was huge. I thought we were pretty good defensively at times.”

Junior guard Seamus Fynes led the Warriors with 18 points and nine rebounds. His basket to open the fourth quarter gave Wildwood its largest lead at 58-46.

Gloucester Catholic fought back to within five points at 62-57 with less than three minutes to play but Diante Miles made a pair of free throws and Fynes and Ernie Troiano IV each sank two from the line as well as the Warriors pulled away.

Miles finished with 17 points and Omarian McNeal added 12 points for Wildwood. McNeal’s steal and dunk with 4:46 to play gave Wildwood a 62-51 advantage.

Wildwood out-rebounded Gloucester Catholic by a 39-26 margin. Seventeen of Wildwood’s rebounds were on the offensive end.

“Last year, going through the playoffs as a 14 seed and winning a few games, it gave our kids confidence in what they can do,” McCracken said. “Our kids can compete and they’re starting to believe. We’re playing good basketball at the right time.”

Ryan Roney scored 22 points to lead the Rams. But he was limited to just two free throws in the final quarter.

“Gloucester Catholic and their coaching staff always do a nice job,” McCracken said. “Every time they play us, it’s a battle. They’re one of the toughest teams we play every year, whether it’s here or up at their place.”