Cougars protect home court from Knights with 47-41 win
11/10/2022: The Cottage School Cougars played host to the Stonehaven Knights and earned a hard-fought victory, 47-41. It is the first time these two schools competed in a varsity contest. Last year they played in a JV boys’ game and Stonehaven blew the JV Cougars off their court. Half of that JV team moved up to varsity so for them, it was sweet revenge!
With TCS leading just 44-39 with less than two minutes remaining, Weston Kershner swished a three pointer for his lone basket of the night to all but ice the game. Coach Briggs spoke on the shot, “What great confidence the young man displayed. Stonehaven made it tough for our team to score tonight so we had to make good on as many opportunities possible. With a key possession, the guys showed poise, reversed the ball to Weston (who had not made a basket at this point), and he set his feet, caught it in one motion, and let it fly—splash! It is that kind of make that give players more confidence each night.” The Cougars protected the pumpkin by forcing the Knights to chase and/or foul. With great teamwork, TCS was able to sneak in two made layups to avoid late game free throw pressure. Cottage holds on 47-41!
The Cougars set the tone early with intense, cohesive team defense. Stonehaven had some athleticism, but TCS were always in help-position forcing the Knights to take off balanced inside shots and rushed jumpers. This led to an incredible defensive display after seven minutes. The home team lead 10-0 with just .55 seconds remaining in the first period. Almost pitching an early shutout, two straight turnovers created baskets for Stonehaven and at the end of the frame the score read 10-4.
The second period gave Stonehaven confidence as they outscored the Cougars 13-7 and the two teams were tied at the break at 17. Cottage regained an edge with a 13-8 third stanza but the Knights fought back again and midway through the fourth frame, the score was tied at 35 apiece.
The Cougars take their 2-0 record on the road Friday night to face Cross Keys High School for a 7:00 PM jump ball.
Games Notes
Braden Kramer led the team again with 11 points and moved the ball brilliantly.
Jackson Barnes scored 8 points and made huge late game assists that led to clinching the games’ victory.
Andrew Dorsey did his damage early before foul trouble and later fouling out. He finished with 9 points and led the team in steals with minimum minutes.
Jack Kane led the team in rebounds and scored 6 points.
Words cannot express the effort from Jason Donaldson. He was all over the floor aiding to his teams win. Jason put in six of his seven points in the final period.
Weston Kershner played the entire game and moved the offense as well as a varsity first-timer could have done it. He finished with 6 points adding three free throws to that clutch 3-pointer.
Liam Walsh came in and played some valuable minutes when two of his teammates were in foul trouble.
The support and positivity from the bench played a huge role in a statement win for this young varsity group.
