VIDEO: Efficient Panthers run past previously unbeaten STA at Boardwalk Classic

Posted: January 1st 2024

By BRIAN CUNNIFF

CapeAtlanticLive.com

WILDWOOD – The Middle Township High School boys basketball team continued its high-scoring ways Sunday at the Boardwalk Basketball Classic.

The Panthers blitzed a previously undefeated but illness depleted St. Thomas Aquinas team, 81-54, behind an incredibly efficient offense coupled with solid defense.

The victory allowed Middle to finish 2-1 in its three games at the Boardwalk Classic and has the team in a good place as it faces its first tough league test on Wednesday when the Panthers (6-1) travel to unbeaten Ocean City.

Middle’s offensive efficiency came through its willingness to share the ball and its ability to consistently knock down outside shots. The Panthers had 20 assists on its 30 field goals. Twelve of the field goals came from three-point range on just 19 tries from behind the arc.

Anthony Trombetta continued his strong start to the season by leading four Middle players in double figures with 21 points. He made 4 of 6 three-point attempts. Re’Ale Basquin added 15 points and eight rebounds and Bubba McNeil (12 points) and Aydan Howell (11 points) each scored in double figures off the bench. Jamir McNeil scored six points and dished 10 assists to go with five rebounds. 

Middle has been one of the top offensive teams in South Jersey through seven games. The Panthers are averaging 70.9 points per game and have not scored less than 63 points in any contest so far this season.

Rinelson Dilone scored 17 points to lead St. Thomas Aquinas (7-1), which dressed just eight players due to a large number of the team’s other players having come down with the flu.

On Wednesday, Middle faces a tough Cape-Atlantic American Conference tilt at unbeaten Ocean City. The Raiders have made history by winning their first seven games of the season for the first time in the 35-year career of head coach John Bruno. Wednesday’s game, a 6 p.m. start, will be broadcast live on the Cape Atlantic Live YouTube channel.