1/31/2022: The Cottage School Cougars opened the 2022 AAC playoffs with a convincing 69-27 win over the Mill Springs Mustangs. It took their offense a little time to get going but when it did…wow! Cottage connected on 14 made three pointers, breaking the previous mark of 10 made on two other occasions. Matter of fact it all came to a surprise based on what fans witnessed in the first two frames.
MSA came out aggressive and confident, moving the ball well and scoring more points than they have either time during the season. Their defense forced some poor Cougar decisions and by the end of the first period the score read 12-4 TCS. Captain, Aidan Briggs had enough of this lack of scoring so took over the second period scoring 10 of the teams’ 17 points. This pushed the Cougars lead to a 29-8 cushion at the break. Regarding the three-point shooting, TCS had only connected on three of them at this point.
In the second half, the rim opened as large as a pool, and it seemed every Cougar made shots. Cottage sunk four more threes and had seven at the end of the quarter. Coach Briggs encouraged his team; “We can break the record if you just believe in yourself. Take a deep breath and think shot before you catch the ball. Use your legs and we will have a great chance at it.”
Sure enough, the Cougars nailed seven more in the final frame. Aidan, Bryce, Alex, Matthew, and Braden all hit one or more. The bench and home crowd roared in excitement.
Hopefully the Cougars can keep this up as they have a tough stretch ahead. At #7 ranked in the state Furtah tomorrow night and then play for the AAC crown on Thursday before facing #1 ranked in the state, Solid Rock on Friday night.
Game Notes:
Aidan Briggs recorded a monster night with a career high in boards and 3-pointers made. He came one shy of the school record of 7 made threes (Will Chambers-2003). Aidan finished with 27 points (6 made 3-pointers) & 18 rebounds for his 8th double-double of the season to go with 6 steals, 3 blocked shots, & 2 assists.
Alex Hogg connected on two three pointers to earn 10 points. He also snagged 5 boards to go with 4 blocks, 2 steals, and 2 assists.
Matthew Placide corralled 9 rebounds and scored 5 points. He went 1-1 from downtown for his first career 3-point basket!
Braden Kramer moved the ball well with 4 assists to go with 2 steals, 5 rebounds, and 5 points.
The Cougars broke a school record with 14 made three pointers (previous was 10 made twice).
Aidan=6, Alex Hogg=2, and each of these young men nailed one: Blake, Bryce, Ben, Jackson, Matthew, and Braden.
