Cougars Shine in Home Opener With 47-27 Victory over Fulton Science
The Cottage Cougars put on a defensive showcase in their maiden home game of the 2023-24 season, scoring a stunning 47-27 victory over GIAA Conference opponent Fulton Science. From the opening tip, it was clear that the Cougars were looking to make a statement on defense. They came out of the tunnel with fire in their eyes, immediately racing out to a 14-6 first quarter lead and never looking back on the strength of some truly highlight reel worthy baskets by Senior Alyssa Briggs. Briggs continued to cement her legacy as one of the great players in the long, storied history of the Cougar program, dropping a game high 21 points to go along with 12 rebounds and 5 steals. She showcased a variety of moves and scored consistently as Fulton Science used a series of defensive looks to try to slow her down. In a game filled with highlight film worthy moments, she had quite possibly the most memorable play. She sent the building into an ear-splitting eruption with a breathtaking steal and basket in the second quarter. Coach Spillett was so awed by the play that he commented after the game that Alyssa’s hands were so quick on the play that he “wasn’t sure if it was a steal or a magic trick.”
The story of the night was the emergence of Junior Finley Love. Her defensive intensity was nothing short of remarkable. She raced from one end of the floor to the other, making play after play on defense and scoring in transition. Not only did she score 12 points, but she managed to corral 9 steals and forced Fulton Science into rushed shots and turnovers all game long. She was also a significant presence on the glass, grabbing 8 rebounds. She was only 1 steal and 2 assists away from her first ever triple double. Her consistent hustle set the tone for the Cougars and showed a tenacity and relentlessness that wowed everyone in attendance for Cottage’s Annual Pink Out Breast Cancer Awareness game.
Gabby Presnall quickly showed herself to be a valuable part of the Cougar roster, spending long stretches of the game at point guard, a particularly significant feat for an 8th grader against Varsity level competition. She scored 8 points, making several outstanding baskets in transition and forcing a faster pace to the game each time she touched the ball.
Malia Richards threw in 2 gorgeous teardrop jumpers (finishing with 4 points) and sent the raucous crowd into a frenzy with an early first quarter block that sent shockwaves through the Cougar Center.
Senior Kendall Betzer asserted herself on the glass and nabbed 6 key rebounds.
7th grader Bonnie Bolton-Hogg came off the bench and wrangled 3 steals, showing impressive court vision and an uncanny sense of timing, jumping passing lanes and wreaking defensive havoc throughout the game.
Eleanor Gaffneystone continued to earn her reputation as one of the toughest players in all of Roswell, regularly sprawling out on the floor all game long and fighting for loose balls all while playing fearsome defense.
The night was capped off with an incredible debut by 6th grader Grace Workman. Having just joined the team, Coach Spillett and Coach Detz were hoping she would just get a chance to get on the court for the game and get comfortable with the intensity of Varsity level basketball. She was more than ready for the moment. Instead of simply getting used to the flow of the game, she immediately flipped the switch and asserted herself as a force to be reckoned with. She immediately made a remarkable steal, weaved past two defenders and threw in a jaw-dropping shot to seal the victory. She even had her first assist on a dime of a pass to Gabby Presnall who nailed the shot as time expired.
The Cougars are back in action next week with a challenging Wednesday 5:30 road tussle against the always talented Greater Atlanta Adventist squad in downtown Atlanta. Then, they begin AAC conference play at home on Friday against Cumberland Academy at 3:30 pm.