Each Cougar Scores in 51-6 Triumph Over Tapestry
In a season that seems to be filled with memorable team performances, Cottage’s win on Friday night against Tapestry might be the most unforgettable so far. Each member of the Cougar roster has contributed to the success of the team, but for the first time this season, in a rare and impressive feat, every single player on the Cottage roster scored a basket in the game.
The Cougars two team captains set the tone for the game by putting together great individual performances that brought out the best in their teammates. Senior Alyssa Briggs had one of the most remarkable performances in her career at Cottage, recording a school record 14 assists in the game. This is more than has ever been recorded by a player on either the boys or girls Varsity teams. In doing so, she also recorded her second triple double of the season with a jaw dropping final stat line of 11 points, 13 rebounds, 14 assists, 5 steals and a block.
Junior Finley Love came out of the gates blazing, scoring 14 of her game high 16 points in a flurry of baskets that put the game away early for the Cougars. She also finished with 5 rebounds, 5 steals and an assist.
Senior Kendall Betzer capped off a 22-0 run in the first quarter with a beautiful bucket off the glass that sent the crowd into a spasm of ebullient glee. She scored again in the second quarter finishing up with 4 point night.
Bonnie Bolton-Hogg has quickly made a name for herself as an outstanding defender. As a seventh grader, she has stepped in during critical moments in Varsity games and made an impact. Her defensive aptitude was on full display on Friday night as she grabbed a career high 6 steals and forced the Titans into several other turnovers. She also grabbed 5 rebounds and hit a jumper in the 3rd. Gabby Pressnall continued to play like a seasoned veteran recording a team high 7 steals and a basket in the game as well. Her defensive prowess helped the Cougars to record 35 steals in the game.
Grace Workman has been a key scorer and defender for the Cougars all season long, but in spite of her diminutive stature, she found a way to grab 5 rebounds in a forest of tall, athletic players. She also scored 4 points and ripped 3 steals away from the opponent.
Sophomore Malia Richards hit her patented short corner jumpshot in the game as well as a layup off of a steal, finishing with 4 points. Freshman Natalie Taylor continues to menace the opposition on the boards, grabbing 4 rebounds and also pitching in with 3 steals and a beautiful bankshot bucket in the third quarter. 8th grader Sara Tolchinsky, a recent addition to the Cougar roster, got into the act by scoring two baskets against the Titans, finishing with 4 points. Eleanor Gaffneystone, known primarily as a defensive stopper, continues to flourish on offense, recording another 10 foot jumpshot that showed an ever-improving sense of touch.
The Cougars are now 4–0 in AAC play, tied for first place in the conference. They finish up the first half of the season with three more games, including a road tussle with Al-Falah Academy at Lucky Shoals Park on Thursday at 3 pm.