Host Wilmington couldn’t overcome a poor start in its 98-63 District 10, Region 2-AA setback against West Middlesex.

The Big Reds (10-0, 17-3) forced the Greyhounds to play outside of their comfort zone, resulting in a 33-8 advantage after the first quarter.

“We panicked in our offense,” Wilmington coach Mike Jeckavitch said. “I told the guys they need to be patient and just run our offense.”

Wilmington held a two-point margin in the second and third quarter combined but, along with a 27-15 West Middlesex fourth quarter. But the Greyhounds couldn’t dig themselves out of the hole.

“After the first, we played our game,” Jeckavitch said. “But they’re a complete team. We’re not a great matchup against them, but we didn’t back down and competed all the way through.”

Matt Zimmer paced Wilmington (4-6, 6-14) with 19 points, a season-best for the junior.

“He played free on offense tonight,” Jeckavitch said. “He’s capable of shooting the ball well, we told him to be patient tonight and he was knocking them down. We need that from him, for next year as well.”

Spencer DeMedal followed with 16 points and Jacob Harvey tallied 10.