VIDEO: Middle downs Absegami as Leahy wins 400th career game

Posted: January 9th 2025

Middle Township head coach John Leahy (far left) celebrates his 400th career victory with his players and assistant coaches.

By BRIAN CUNNIFF

CapeAtlanticLive.com

CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE – There was a festive atmosphere surrounding Thursday’s Cape-Atlantic League high school girls basketball game between host Middle Township and Absegami.

The Lady Panthers made sure the atmosphere stayed that way after the game.

Middle posted a 46-36 win over the Lady Braves to give coach John Leahy his 400th career victory.

Ahead by two at the half, Middle outscored Absegami 25-17 over the final two quarters to pull away after halftime.

Reagan Powell scored 13 points, Abbey Cappelletti added 12 points and McKenzie Palek chipped in seven points for Middle, which hit eight three-pointers in the win. The Lady Panthers improved to 8-1 overall, 3-0 in the CAL American Conference. Middle has an important CAL American Conference game against Wildwood Catholic scheduled for Saturday afternoon at 4. The two teams are the only remaining unbeaten clubs in conference play.

Leahy, in his 22nd season, is the 13th South Jersey high school girls basketball coach to reach 400 career wins. He’s the fourth in CAL history, joining Wildwood Catholic’s Steve DiPatri (581 and counting), Wildwood’s Dave Troiano (433 in the CAL, 682 total) and Ocean City’s Paul Baruffi (429).

(Photos courtesy Jeanne Donohue/MTHS athletics.)