The CAL had several powerful programs this winter, including Middle Twp, who had a memorable run.
Season Recap
Middle Township was able to stake a claim as one of the top public school programs in the Garden State this winter, finishing with a magnificient 28-3 record. A season ending loss to Camden in the State Tournament should not cast a shadow over the program. Led by high scoring senior Anthony Trombetta, along with Bubba and Jamir McNeil, the Panthers won the Cape Atlantic American Division and the CAL Tournament. The supporting cast of junior Re Ale Basquine, Amir Elston, Michael Zarfatti was more than enough to allow Middle to overpower most opponents in dominant fashion.
With Cohen Cook and Tim Travagline cooking on offense, Mainland had a season to remember. The seniors combined for over 1,000 points between the two of them as Mainland advanced to the CAL final and the Group III State Semifinal. Their trio of duels with Ocean City were some of the most exciting games of the season in South Jersey.
Speaking of Mainland's opponent---Ocean City had one of its best seasons ever, finishing 26-4 on the season. Their only losses were to Middle Twp and Mainland, making for a rock solid resume. Most nights, Ocean City relied on a starting five and (sometimes) a sixth man. What they lacked in depth they made up for in quality, as senior guard Kori Segich averaged nearly 25ppg to pace their offense. Their season came to an end in the South Jersey Group III Final with a 69-67 loss to Mainland. With four seniors in the starting lineup, there will be questions for next year, but what a winter it was.
Atlantic City was left wondering how high the ceiling could have been after they were barred from the state tournament after an incident earlier in the season. ACHS finished with a 20-5 record and Wayne Nelson's charges made it to the CAL semifinal, losing to Mainland to end the season. They return four of the top six, including leading scorer Khajuan Roseborough, next season. This is a program to keep an eye on as it continues to rebuild from a rocky stretch.
The Catholic schools were fairly young this year, especially Holy Spirit of Absecon. Expect them, along with Saint Augustine, Wildwood Catholic and Saint Joe's Hammonton to improve next year.
Player Of The Year
Cohen Cook, Mainland
The New Hampshire football commit drove the bus for Mainland to take a drive to the Group III State Semifinals. Cook averaged 21.3ppg over the season and finished his career with a phenomenal 1,530 points. He saved his best for last, exploding for a whopping 37 in their loss to Freehold Boro.
Cape Atlantic League First Team Sensational Seven
Kori Segich, Ocean City
Anthony Trombetta, Middle Twp
Jamir McNeil, Middle Twp
Tim Travagline, Mainland
Macky Bonner, Lower Cape May
Isiah Akpassa, Absegami
Bubba McNeil, Middle Twp
Cape Atlantic League Second Team Sensational Seven
Charlie LaBarre, Ocean City
Khajuan Roseborough, Atlantic City
Re Ale Basquine, Middle Twp
Dylan Schlatter, Ocean City
Ty Bonner, Lower Cape May
Charles Jenkins, Absegami
Christopher Finks, Atlantic City
Cape Atlantic League Third Team Sensational Seven
Charlie Dunner, Wildwood Catholic
Rory Friel, Saint Augustine
Will Spross, Saint Joseph Hammonton
Kenny Smith, Hammonton
Jameel Purnell, Bridgeton
Sam Daley, Oakcrest
Azzir Smith Bey, Hammonton
Cape Atlantic League Final Rankings
1.) Middle Twp(28-3)
2.) Mainland(26-7)
3.) Ocean City(26-4)
4.) Atlantic City(20-5)
5.) Lower Cape May(21-7)
6.) Absegami(20-7)
7.) Saint Augustine(14-14)
8.) Oakcrest(17-8)
9.) Hammonton(16-10)
10.) Wildwood Catholic(11-16)
