Middle Twp Tops Colonia

With the playoffs around the corner, top teams are looking to test themselves as the regular season draws to a close and the matchup between Middle Township, who took a nearly three hour trip up the Parkway from Cape May County and a battle tested Colonia HS team.

The first quarter began with Colonia getting off to a quick start with a pair of three pointers from Jaeden Jones, powering the Patriots to an early 9-2 lead. Middle Township came back with Michael Zarfati hitting two three pointers of his own as the score narrowed to 12-10. Colonia closed strong behind Aiden Derkack and Zach Smith. Each scored a pair of 3 pointers as the first quarter ended with Colonia leading 18-12.

The second quarter saw Middle Township tighten up their defense and force several turnovers which led to easy baskets by Reale Basquine as Middle Twp pulled even. Colonia answered behind Derkack, but then junior guard Jamir McNeil drove the lane scored and was fouled, hit the free throw and then stole the inbounds pass to score again as Middle Township took the lead at the break, 31-29.

The third quarter saw the pace slow as both teams traded baskets, then guard Anthony Trombetta took over with two steals and several tough inside layups, as he scored the last dozen points of the quarter as Middle Twp led 45-38 after 3.

Fatigue from the travel up the Parkway was not a factor as Middle Twp stretched to lead to 52-38 as Michael Zarfati hit a long three from the corner early in the fourth.. Colonia made a valiant comeback, led by Derkack and Smith, who combined for a dozen, as Colonia cut the lead to 56-52. Middle Twp iced the game with three free throws by Trombetta as the final was 59-52.