Cougars out claw the Panthers in rematch of AAC final last season; 53-31
11/2/2022: The Cottage School Cougars played host to their first game of the season versus the Atlanta Area School for the Deaf Panthers. The last time these two met was last February when the Cougars cut down their third net in a row! With a completely new squad, the refurbished Cougars proved the program prevails not just the names. TCS gained an early lead and never looked back taking the Panthers down 53-31 and begin the 2022-2023 season 1-0.
The Cottage defense continues to make the league fear competition. TCS held AASD to just 8 first half points as they had an 18-8 lead. If not for a lid on the home teams’ rim, the Cougars could have been up 20-30 points.
At the break Coach Suroy and Richie discussed how pleased they were with the team’s focus. “Our energy is amazing! You guys trusted each other in help-side and hustled from the tip! Our easy bunnies will go in so don’t worry about that.”
Sure enough to begin the third frame Jack Kane, who had struggled to make a layup early, made two straight to extend the lead. The Cougars went on one last run and all but put the game away, ahead 31-14.
Both teams raced for a high scoring fourth frame, but TCS was never in jeopardy. Cottage won 53-31 and begin the AAC season 1-0. Next contest is on the road versus a GIAA team, Notre Dame Academy on Friday night.
Games Notes
The most experienced of the new bunch, Braden Kramer, led the team with 15 points, 4 assists, and 4 steals.
Jack Kane followed with 10 points and a team high 8 rebounds.
Jackson Barnes struggled offensively, playing with a jammed taped finger, but did not let his team down. His defense and offensive execution were outstanding. He snagged 5 boards, had 3 assists, 2 steals, and 3 points.
Andrew Dorsey led the team in deflections with at least twenty! His active hands spearheaded the defense! Dorsey finished with 8 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals.
Freshman, Maxwell Lagan had a cool 6 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 blocked shots.
Weston Kershner displayed intensity on defense and poise on offense. His confidence led to two big outside shots, scoring 5 points. He also added 4 steals, 2 assists, and 3 rebounds.
Jason Donaldson was all over the court. His hustle provided 6 boards, 2 steals, and 3 points.
Liam Walsh also added 2 steals and hit a free throw.
Nick Elliott made a great pass for a basket and gathered 2 rebounds.
And to round out the 2022-2023 Cougar team, the birthday boy—Michael Coryer made it a party at the end. He paid attention to instruction putting himself in the right position. His teammates fed him and Coryer banked in an 8-foot basket just before the final seconds. Happy Birthday Michael and Go Cougars!
