Cougars earned their first victory of the 2019-2020 season defeating the Mill Springs Academy Mustangs by the score of 45-16. On a night where PINK was everyone’s favorite color, supporting breast and all cancer research, TCS put on display a defensive performance for the ages.
It took a few possessions before either team scored but once the Cougars made their first basket, the pressure put on MSA continued to mount. The Cottage defense was so dialed in that the Mustangs did not score their first bucket until the 7:04 mark of the second period. That is right, the Cougars pitched a shutout in the first frame. And if not for a missed block out assignment where MSA scored on an offensive put back, they might not have scored until the second half. TCS held a 21-3 edge at the break.
The third stanza was no different as Cottage outscored their opponent 13-2 for a 34-5 lead. In the final quarter, the Mustangs were able to muster an offensive streak midway through to make the end result more respectable. The Cougars prevailed 45-16 and began AAC competition 1-0. On Tuesday (11/12) they will host the most talented team they will face all season; a GISA AA state contender, the Brandon Hall Panthers. This will be a great test for Cottage to see how strong of a team they can become and in preparation for another heated rival, the Howard Hawks come Friday (11/15).
Game Notes:
Aidan Briggs led the team with 15 points and 6 steals, while adding 9 rebounds and 2 blocked shots.
Kyle Kimble put in his second consecutive double digit point total with 13 points.
Alex Hogg pulled down a career high 14 rebounds and stole 4 balls, while swatting 4 shots and scored 4 points. With all these 4’s, if it were spring he would have hit his first grand slam!
Tim Mattioli was a pest all night on defense. He snagged 3 steals, scoring 4 points and added 3 boards and 3 assists.
