Cougars Storm Into AAC Conference Play With a 46-7 Victory over Cumberland
Cottage opened up the 2023-24 AAC season with high expectations, coming off of 3 consecutive conference titles. They quickly established why they are the team to beat in the conference with a stunning defensive performance that led to an overwhelming victory on Friday night. Using the new “Exorcist” Press Defense (because it makes the other team’s head spin), the Cougars were able to grab an improbable 27 steals over the course of the game. This led to a number of breakaway layups and other tremendous baskets in transition.
The Cougars came out of the gate roaring led by Alyssa Briggs, who had racked up 20 points by the end of the first quarter, scoring on an assortment of nifty moves, breakaway layups and jumpshots. She did not take a shot after the first quarter and finished going 10 for 12 from the field, showcasing magnificent efficiency. In her short time on the floor, she also grabbed 6 rebounds, 5 steals, and handed out two gorgeous assists.
Finley Love continued to be a one woman wrecking crew on defense, jumping in and out of passing lanes and causing general mayhem in the front court. She finished with 9 hard earned points, 5 steals, 3 boards and 3 assists.
Gabby Presnall had a career high 9 point performance along with 6 steals. As an eighth grader, she continues to show a talent for controlling the flow of the game for stretches of time. She is working on seeing the whole floor and not being hesitant to make the extra pass on the fast break to get her teammates involved.
The story of the night might very likely be the debut of 9th grade center Natalie Taylor. She showed no fear starting in the game and managed to grab 14 rebounds in a truly memorable start to her high school career. She scored one point, but her ability to force difficult shots by Cumberland and her complete control of the glass as a rebounder was a dimension this Cougar team truly needed.
And, of course, what game report would be complete without a mention of the dazzling contributions of 6th grade star-in-the-making Grace Workman. Grace, who not only enjoys basketball, but plays tackle football during the Fall, was reminiscent of 49er Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott, as she zoomed around the floor making a series of spectacular defensive plays where her exceptional footspeed allowed her to run down an opponent on a fast break and either stop their progress or steal the ball. She finished with 4 points and 4 rebounds, but she increased the intensity of the team in every moment she spent on the floor and made intangible plays that was a big part of the defensive prowess shown by Cottage throughout the game.
Malia Richards had an excellent game as well. While Malia is more comfortable as a traditional jump shooter, she has worked hard in practice and in games at driving to the basket and forcing the action. It is quite clear that when she masters that component of the game, she will be almost impossible to stop. She also had her best rebounding game of the year, snagging 7 boards and ripping 3 steals.
Bonnie Bolton-Hogg was called on late in the game to play some point guard and she handled it with style and court awareness. She continues to be a menace on defense, again grabbing 3 steals.
Eleanor Gaffneystone continued to be a big part of the heart and soul of the team by using her toughness to fight for rebounds and loose balls. She is entirely unafraid to do whatever she must in order to help the team.
The Cougars are back on the hardwood on Wednesday against conference foe Mill Springs. Even though it’s early in the year, Mill Springs is a potential contender for the AAC title and scoring an early season statement win against them could help move the Cougars a giant step closer to another title.