VIDEO: Middle can’t overcome early deficit as win streak ends

By BRIAN CUNNIFF

CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE – It’s been a good month for the Middle Township High School basketball team.

The Panthers had won 12 of 13 games since the Christmas holidays, including a victory over Absegami last week that allowed the Panthers to clinch the Cape-Atlantic American Conference title and earn an automatic bid into the CAL playoff tournament.

But Middle had its strong surge derailed Friday after the team couldn’t overcome a big early deficit.

Middle fell behind 12-1 at the start of the game and didn’t score its first field goal until six seconds remained in the first quarter, eventually losing 41-35 to Cedar Creek. The loss stopped a six-game win streak.

The Panthers fought uphill the entire game. Offense was a struggle, as Middle converted only 10 field goals for the game. 

An 11-5 spurt over the course of the second quarter brought the Panthers within three at half at 17-14. But Cedar Creek held leads of three to five points throughout most of the second half. A short jump shot by Bubba McNeil with 2:50 to play brought Middle within a point, but the Panthers never were able to tie or take the lead.

Freshman Jamir McNeil led all scorers with 16 points for Middle (15-4). Trombetta added nine.

Jamir Cruse (14) and Sean Snyder (10) were each in double figures for Cedar Creek (8-11).

Middle is next in action Sunday against Overbrook at a showcase event at Paul VI.