Cougar’s offensive woes continue; lose 53-38 to AJA
Cougar’s offensive woes continue; lose 53-38 to AJA
1/26/21: The Cottage School Cougars played host to a GHSA member, the Atlanta Jewish Academy Jaguars. It was their second meeting of the season, with TCS taking the first on the road back in early November by just two points. Knowing the game was to be close, shooting percentage from the field and the FT line was of high importance. Unfortunately for the Cougars, those two areas were not fixed over the weekend as the Jaguars used a 19-7 fourth quarter run to finish the 53-38 lopsided win.
TCS brought the same intensity level on defense that has become their identity. AJA loves a lot of possessions and look for a high scoring game. Cottage held a 9-6 edge after one period and were able so slow down that Jaguar offense well enough for just 19 first half points. The issue for Cottage, like Friday and Saturday’s games, missed shots from all over the field-close and far plus another subpar night on the line (2-14), produced a 15-19 deficit to overcome.
Atlanta Jewish took a ten point lead mid-third period (27-17) but the Cougars fought back and with two minutes remaining were down just 27-28. The Jaguars connected on one more shot and a couple of free throws for a 32-28 lead to begin the final frame.
Turnovers were not much of an issue for TCS in this contest as they have improved in this area over the course of the year, but several weak interior passes and poor decisions when on the fast break ended in empty opportunities early in the fourth period. The Jaguars finally broke through offensively, connecting on four consecutive field goals and what was a close contest quickly became all but over. AJA went back up ten points and finished the Cougars off for the 53-38 victory.
Coach Briggs spoke afterwards, “Suroy and I cannot wait for practice tomorrow. We have not had a practice on a court for more than an hour since December the 17th. We have so much to cover but more importantly the boys just need to be together, bonding as a unit in preparation for the next game.”
The Cougars dropped three in a row and are now 8-5. They host GISA region rival, Fulton Science Academy Thursday night at 6:30 PM.
Game Notes:
Aidan Briggs led the team with 17 points and had 6 rebounds.
Alex Hogg led the team with 9 boards and 6 blocked shots to go with 4 points.
Andrew Dorsey had a nice game with 7 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 steals.
Daniel Byman corralled 5 rebounds and added 3 assists and 3 steals.
