Cottage takes down Tapestry 39-27; remain undefeated in the AAC
12/8/23: The Cottage School Cougars played host to the Tapestry Charter School Titans for bragging rights in the Atlanta Athletic Conference. Both teams came into the contest undefeated in AAC competition. TCS protected their home court and proved to be the top seed in the conference early in season play. Cottage dominated the second half to move to 4-0 in the AAC with a 39-27 victory.
In the final minute of the second period, Tapestry converted on three straight baskets off Cougar turnovers to take a four-point edge, 14-18 at halftime. Coach Briggs spoke at the break, “Suroy and I are very pleased with the effort on defense, but we must do a better job protecting the ball. Giving the quick Titan guards transition layups must stop if we are going to have a chance to win this game.”
Both teams exchanged baskets coming out of the locker room to begin the third quarter as Tapestry led 20-16, but from that point on the Cougars executed beautifully on offense and completely confused the Titans with their aggressive defense. Cottage went on a 14-0 run over the next eight minutes to take full control of the contest ahead 30-20. Tapestry was held scoreless from the six-minute mark in the third until the six-minute mark of the fourth. Still down ten, 34-24, late in the fourth the Titans had to pick up full court pressure, but TCS stayed focused and put the road team away. Cottage went on to win 39-27.
The Cougars will stay home next week starting with their fifth AAC contest on Wednesday versus the Cobras of CORE Community, then on Friday night will take on Cross Keys High School.
Game Notes:
Jack Kane led the team with 10 rebounds and put in 8 points, 3 steals, and 2 assists.
Jackson Barnes struggled protecting the ball in the first half with 6 turnovers but mentally stayed focused looking forward and only had one in the second half. This great turnaround helped his team gain their 10-point lead and Barnes led the way with 8 assists. He added 8 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals.
Andrew Dorsey finished with 7 rebounds, 6 points, and 4 steals.
Maxell Lagan led the team with 11 points.