Page 10 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • March 19, 2014 Midland Park Panthers earn second title, post 25-3 record The girls’ basketball team at Midland Park High School recently earned its second straight title under Coach Sean O’Connor. Seniors Amanda Parker, Rebecca Rabiero, and Nicole Cartaino were instrumental in the Panthers’ 49-39 win over the second seeded Verona Hillbillies in the North 1, Group 1 championship game. Playing before a sold out crowd at MPHS, the Panthers took their 9-6 first quarter lead into a 21-15 lead at the half. Verona’s three-point shooting cut the lead to 34-29 in the third quarter, but in the fourth, the Panthers outscored the Hillbillies 15-10 to seal the win. Rabeiro finished the game with 19 points, 10 steals, and four assists. Cartaino had 18 points and 14 rebounds. Thalia Ghalam scored seven points and six rebounds, and Parker contributed five points. The win in the title match improved the team’s record to 25-2. “I’m excited for the team and congratulate them for all their hard work this year in representing Midland Park in such an outstanding way,” said MPHS Principal Nick Capuano. He added that the fans packed the gym and pro- vided the team with positive energy and school spirit. Late last week, the Panthers fell to the Shabazz Bulldogs in the Group 1 semifinal game by a score of 78-46. Shabazz now advances to the Group 1 State Championship Game that will be hosted by Toms River. Rabeiro finished this final game of her high school career with 23 points, three assists, and five steals. She will play basketball for Dominican College this fall. Cartaino scored 10 points and had eight rebounds. Parker had seven points and three steals, while Ghalam had six rebounds. In addition to winning its second straight sectional title, the Panthers tied Saddle River Day School for the NJIC Patriot Division crown. (Photos courtesy of Rich Formicola.)