The Ocean City Raiders's 24-7 record from last season is now well into the rear view mirror after another tough outing. They fell to Middle Township 37-31. While losing is never fun, Ocean City can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' New Jersey basketball rankings (they are ranked 181st, while the Panthers are ranked 35th).
Ocean City's loss came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Brielle Smith, who scored 14 points. Another player making a difference was McKenna Chisholm, who scored four points along with eight rebounds and two steals.
Multiple players turned in solid performances to lead Middle Township to victory, but perhaps none more so than Reagen Powell, who scored six points along with eight rebounds and two steals. The team also got some help courtesy of Sarah Farrow, who scored seven points.
Ocean City has not been sharp recently as the team's lost seven of their last nine matchups, which put a noticeable dent in their 4-11 record this season. As for Middle Township, they pushed their record up to 12-5 with that win, which was their third straight on the road.
Both teams are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Ocean City will take on the Mustangs at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday. Mainland Regional will be coming into the contest with an undefeated record on the line. As for Middle Township, they will be playing in front of their home fans against the Crusaders at 4:00 p.m. on Friday. Wildwood Catholic will be looking to extend their current seven-game winning streak.
