The JV Basketball cougars started the year on a high note yesterday with a 42 – 30 victory over Center Academy in their first game of the season. Our “pink out” in support of breast cancer research and awareness was in full effect and the atmosphere in the Cougar Center was electric.
Seth Goldberg got the Cougars started by knocking down a three pointer from the wing. For the rest of the first quarter, though, the Cougars had a tough time breaking down Center’s 2-3 zone. Center started to grab a foothold on the other end of the Court as well. TCS struggled to keep the Center guards out of the paint and the Cougars trailed by a few points at the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter saw more of the same for TCS. The Cougars just couldn’t get a shot to fall and despite playing tough defense, they trailed 20 – 11 at half. Dalton Lantz, Toby Nwokedi, and Connor Hogue all scored in the first half, and Austin Schwartz and Alex Hogg played tenacious defense.
The second half was a completely different game. The Cougars were patient on offense and relentless on defense. Ball movement and improved shot selection on offense helped the Cougars narrow the Center lead. On the defensive end, the Cougars’ help defense frustrated the entire Center team. TCS chipped away at the deficit one possession at a time, and found themselves only down 3 heading into the fourth quarter.
The Cougars saved their best for last. In a ferocious defensive display, the Cougars kept Center from making a single field goal in the final frame. Center’s only points in the quarter came via 4 free throws. This defense led to a deluge of scoring, and the Cougars’ transition game finally got going. DJ Donaldson scored 9 points in the fourth quarter, and Kyle Kimble chipped in 4 of his own. Both the fans and the Cougar bench were immense throughout the second half comeback. Every bucket brought on a roar from the bench, and chants of “D – Fence” echoed throughout the gym. In the end, the Cougars secured a comfortable 42 – 30 win.
