JV Boys Defeat Alumni in 39 – 38 Victory
The Cottage School JV Cougars earned their first win of the season on Saturday at Homecoming vs the JV Alumni team! The JV Cougars mounted a second half comeback to force overtime and won a thrilling 39-38 contest that had players and fans alike feeling the Cougar spirit!
Grant Osgood and Matthew Placide got the Cougars started offensively in the first quarter. Though the alumni sharpshooters were on target, the JV Cougars remained focused on the defensive end to keep the game close. Dustin Bartolome-Behrens and Hunter Cool added tough rebounds and hustle in the paint, while Reese Silverman and Andrew Marriott provided perimeter pressure. After 1 quarter, the JV Cougars trailed by a point, 8-7.
The alumni found their range in the second quarter, as 3 3-pointers helped them extend their lead. Paul Altermatt and Austin Schwartz appeared in the quarter with each player providing an offensive threat. Javier Cremer and Alex Yager were involved in the rebounding efforts, and Liam Walsh got going offensively to keep the JV Cougars competitive. At the half, the JV Cougars were behind 21-14.
The JV Cougars emerged from the break focused and determined to earn their first win of the season. They dominated the alumni in the third quarter, winning the quarter by a score of 8-4 and narrowing the lead to 25-22. Liam Walsh continued to lead the offensive charge with 7 points, and Ben Gardner and Bryce Dickerson were unselfish in their ball movement and defensive intensity. As the quarter ended, it was clear to all in attendance that the game would come down to the final possession.
The JV Cougars received a boost to start the fourth quarter as Elijah Joiner arrived and entered the game. HIs 5 points were crucial to the JC Cougars’ efforts to complete their comeback. Though the alumni stayed hot from deep, the Cougars wore them down and were able to force overtime.
In overtime, the JV Cougars’ collective heart won out. Alumni Kent Chambers and Jake Daunt tried their best to spoil the afternoon for the JV boys, but a 3-pointer from Liam Walsh and an Elijah Joiner layup proved to be enough to hold off the alumni. At the final buzzer, the JV Cougars celebrated their first win of the season 39-38.
The Cougars now take this momentum into the AAC Playoffs as they face off against Cumberland Academy on Tuesday. A win will propel them into the championship game. Please come out and support us as we try to repeat as AAC Champs!
