Cougars dominate Mustangs in season opener with convincing 48-28 victory
Sometimes championship teams can come back the next season over-confident and others more driven. The Cottage School Cougars are the latter traveling to the Mill Springs Academy Mustang stables for an AAC season opener. TCS proved they are back to claim a back-to-back title with a dominant 48-28 win.
Wearing new envious uniforms and focused on setting the tone with lock down defense, the mighty Cougars held MSA to just four first half points. TCS jumped on the Mustangs 22-4 this half and continued to ride the stallions with complete control of the reigns, extending the lead with a 22-9 third period. The six time AAC champions cruised to the 48-28 win but do know it was just a start to a long 2021 February journey. Not only do the Cougars have to fend off each AAC school with targets on their backs, but this will be the first year in history they will also compete in a GISA region.
Each year Coach Briggs tests his teams by scheduling a handful of state contending GISA opponents but those are always building blocks to better the program. This season will be the first where TCS will compete in Region 5AA and each of the GISA games matter for a region title and state ranking. Coach Briggs spoke of this challenge; “We have humbly enjoyed the benefit of our hard work and will continue to have fun aiming to keep the AAC dynasty rolling. But now our kids have a great opportunity to see just how strong they can become; not just as a program but mentally to prepare them for the tough hurdles they will endure in life experiences. We are all excited to prepare and compete on this level and will attack it with the same drive that has earned The Cottage School success in the AAC.”
The Cougars will play their home opener versus a GAPPS member, Lyndon Academy Terriers Friday (11/13) at 6:00 PM. Fans in attendance, please wear black for both the girls and boys games. It will be a “Black Out” banner night in honor of the boys title run last season.
Game Notes:
Junior, Alex Hogg continues to improve his skill set and is off to a strong start. He finished with 11 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 blocked shots.
Newcomer, Anthony Kovach showed he belongs in a Cougar uniform, knocking down a record four 3 pointers in his first game as a Cougar. He also broke a record with a newcomer’s first game team high in points. He finished with 14 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals.
Aidan Briggs executed the offense well playing point guard for the first time in his career. The junior led the team with 4 assists, scored 8 points, grabbed 10 boards, and took three offensive charges on defense.
Andrew Dorsey (9th freshman to ever suite up as a varsity Cougar) broke a school record recording the first double-double as a freshman in his first game. He finished with 11 points, 10 boards and added 4 steals.