By BRIAN TORTELLA

Correspondent

CINNAMINSON — Second-seeded Middle Township knocked off No. 1 Cinnaminson, 47-39, on Friday night to capture the program’s second consecutive South Jersey Group 2 championship.

After hosting and defeating the Pirates, 57-48, in last year’s sectional championship, the Panthers knew that coming into Cinnaminson would be a new and difficult challenge. 

They sure lived up to it.

Facing a 14-9 deficit after the first quarter, Middle Township outscored the Pirates 23-5 in the second and third quarters. Impressively enough, they were able to dominate despite performing in front of a sea of black-and-red-clad fans. Hundreds of Cinnaminson fans — including an electric student section — heavily outnumbered the Middle Township crowd as the majority of their fans opted to stay home for the South Jersey Group 2 boys title game featuring Middle vs. Camden. 

Cinnaminson, winner of five of its last six games, didn’t go out without a fight, bringing the score as close as 40-36 with 1:21 left in regulation. Key foul shots made and missed were the decisive factor in the game.

“I knew it was going to be crazy and loud in here, so I just blocked out the noise,” Middle Township sophomore Reagen Powell said. “Our coach told us to stay composed and to relax. We figured it out and we closed it off.”

The shooting guard tallied a game-high 14 points and 11 rebounds in the victory. She also went 4-for-4 from the foul line in the fourth quarter to put any thoughts of a Cinnaminson comeback to a rest.

“When I take those shots from the line, I’m thinking about the seniors who could go home if we lose,” Powell added.

One of those seniors, Iyanna Bennett, added 10 points and eight rebounds in the victory.  

“I just know that I need to stay composed, being a senior,” said Bennett. “I need to play my role and help my team out. I just stayed composed and played my part. Reagen (Powell) is a great player, she does a lot for us, stays composed, and is definitely a big part and the heart of our team.”

Powell scored a total of 19 points during her entire freshman year, rarely making an impact on the court. What a difference a year can make. She has 267 points so far this season.

Middle Township coach John Leahy credited Powell’s dedication and commitment this past offseason.

“She’s probably the most improved player in South Jersey, to be honest with you,” Leahy said. “Reagen was a monster tonight. Over the last 12 months, she’s improved so much.

“It took us a whole half to settle in. We were unsettled and going too fast. Coach Bret (Jenkins) and his staff do a great job,” he added. “We knew Cinnaminson wouldn’t go away, especially on their home floor. Fortunately, we made enough plays, and I just couldn’t be more proud of my kids.”

Junior McKenzie Palek contributed with 13 points and five rebounds.

“We always practice end-of-game situations like that all the time,” said Palek. “We knew we still had to execute every play that we had, even if we’re up by a little. I think we all did our job in that, and it was great.”

Despite falling in the sectional final for the second consecutive season, Cinnaminson coach Bret Jenkins said he was proud of his girls’ fight in the fourth quarter, during which the Pirates scored 20 points.

“We showed so much heart and fight in battling back,” Jenkins said. “Cutting it all the way to a two-score game with the ball. That’s our motto, never giving up and showing fight. My girls didn’t surprise me with that, that’s how they always play.”

Ava Sztenderowicz led Cinnaminson (24-9, 4-4 Burlington County Scholastic Liberty) with 12 points.

Middle Township (23-8, 8-4 Cape-Atlantic American) will travel to Monroe to take on Central Jersey Group 2 champion Manasquan in the state semifinal on Tuesday. The winner will play in the NJSIAA Group 2 state championship at Rutgers University on March 9.

Brian Tortella is a correspondent for South Jersey Glory Days. Follow him on Twitter @tortreports.