VIDEO: McNeil’s late FT in OT helps Middle escape vs. WCA in Crest Savings Bank Game of the Week

Posted: January 11th 2025

By BRIAN CUNNIFF

CapeAtlanticLive.com

Saturday’s Cape-Atlantic American Conference game against rival Wildwood Catholic Academy did not start well for Jamir McNeil and the Middle Township High School boys basketball team.

The Panthers trailed before any time had elapsed after Wildwood Catholic made two free throws to start the game thanks to a technical foul assessed against Middle after one of its players dunked during the pre-game warmup.

Moreover, McNeil, one of the top players in South Jersey and a Division I Rider University commit, was held to just two points in the first half and had just four points through three quarters.

Middle, however, still found a way against a hungry opponent drawing lots of energy from its home fans.

McNeil netted 10 points in the fourth quarter and overtime and his free throw with 1.3 seconds remaining in the extra period was the difference as Middle rallied from a deficit as large as 10 points in the first half to escape with a 56-55 victory.

Trailing by six entering the fourth quarter, Middle reeled off an 8-0 run to start the period, taking its first lead of the game at 41-39 on a breakaway dunk by McNeil following a steal.

But instead of fading, Wildwood Catholic rallied behind Ryan McGrath. The senior guard hit two three-pointers and made a tough layup as Wildwood Catholic regained a six-point lead. Middle rallied again, though, tying the game on Acere Moore’s layup with 20 seconds to go after a Crusader turnover.

Another steal gave Middle a chance to win it, but McNeil’s layup with two seconds to go bounced off the rim.

Middle never trailed in overtime. The Panthers scored the first four points on layups by McNeil and Acere Moore, only to see Wildwood Catholic tie the game on consecutive baskets by Alex Daniel, who posted 21 points and 10 rebounds for the Crusaders.

Middle held for a final shot and McNeil was fouled while driving to the basket. He made the second of the two foul shots to provide the difference.

Chase Moore led Middle (7-2 overall, 4-0 CAL American) with 16 points before fouling out early in overtime. McNeil finished with 14.

McGrath chipped in 13 points for Wildwood Catholic (6-2 overall, 2-2 CAL American). Peyton Rosenello added 11.

After making the two free throws on the technical foul to start the game, Wildwood Catholic went on to make just eight of its final 18 free-throw attempts.