1/22/2022: The Cottage School Cougars crossed the street to Fulton Science Academy on their Senior Day playing a second time in as many days. The two teams had to make up a game they missed two weeks ago due to Covid-19. This key matchup was critically important for the Cougars. They are currently ranked in the state and if they can sweep FSA could still fight for a #2 seed in region 5AA.
Just as they did in the second half of last night’s contest, the Cougar defense was vicious. The Mustangs could only find two three pointers to drop in the first period and found themselves down 13-6. Instead of folding, FSA picked up their focus and defensive pressure and Cottage began to take poor shots with no ball movement. The packed Senior Day Fulton Science fans got louder and louder and at the intermission break the game was tied at 20 even.
As they kept FSA close last night tied at the break, TCS did have confidence their defense could provide another big run. If not for the hot shooting from the Mustangs, it would have happened. Six different Cougars scored in combination of fast breaks and great ball movement. The only thing keeping FSA alive were three pointers. They connected on four more (only points made) which kept them close as Cottage held a slim lead, 39-32.
Eventually the law of averages was on the Cougars side and the Mustangs would eventually misfire from behind the arch. TCS maintained their aggressive defense forcing turnovers leading to quick points. Fulton Science did cool off, scoring just five more points as the Cougars went on to win 56-37. The Mustangs did connect on nine three-pointers which counted for all, but four other made field goals and just two free throws.
Cottage has now moved to 14-5 and 4-1 in GISA region 5AA. The Cougars will host fellow region powerhouse Furtah Prep on Monday night.
Games Notes
Aidan Briggs put in 20 points to go with 9 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 steals.
Alex Hogg put in 9 points, 9 boards and 5 blocks.
Braden Kramer put together two solid games, scoring 10 points and added 5 rebounds and 3 steals.
Blake Lackey had the tough task of running all over the court guarding FSA’s top shooters. He did a great job and put in 6 points to go with 6 boards, 4 steals, and 2 assists.
Daniel Byman was one with foul issues early. He still came through in the second half and scored 9 points. He also added 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals.
Jack Kane played important minutes as some Cougars battled foul trouble. He scored 2 points and had 2 rebounds.
Jackson Barnes also provided key minutes and added 3 steals.
