Varsity Cougars defeat Mustangs 46-37
12/10/20: The Cottage School Cougars made a five mile trip to Fulton Science Academy on Thursday night. The Mustangs also compete in region 5AA GISA so this marks the Cougars third region contest of the season. A tough battle throughout with FSA in the lead for most of the game, but TCS managed to swing the momentum in the fourth creating a late game run for the 46-37 win.
The score showed 33-32 Fulton Science with just four minutes remaining in the contest. After forcing a turnover The Cottage School strategically executed their offense and found Reese Bentley slashing through the lane. Teammate Daniel Byman, made a quick lead pass to the basket and the Cougars took their first lead since late in the first period (more on Daniel’s passing below).
TCS made two more points but the Mustangs answered with a long jump shot and the clock read 36-35 Cottage with less than three minutes left. At this point the Cougar defense tightened up as FSA turned the ball over and took poor shots, which allowed for TCS to finish the game on a 15-2 run; earning the 46-37 victory.
The two teams remained tied at 11 apiece after the first quarter. The Mustangs made a surge late in the second for a slim 20-19 edge at intermission. It was the third period where Fulton Science appeared to take control taking two separate five point leads but the Cougars stayed focused in the final minute to keep it close; down just 32-29 to start the fourth.
The Cougars are now 1-2 in region 5AA, 1-0 in AAC, and 6-2 overall. They will play Atlanta Classical Academy-GHSA next Thursday to finish 2020 before going on winter break. Varsity boys play at 4:30PM, followed by the ladies at 6:00 PM here at TCS on 12/17.
Game Notes:
Daniel Byman controlled the tempo on both ends of the floor. He only had one turnover and dished out 8 assists. It was the first time a Cougar recorded eight assists in a game since Chris Taura did it twice in 2015. Daniel also added 5 rebounds and 4 steals.
Aidan Briggs led the team with 16 points, scoring 12 in the final four minutes. He also added 8 boards and 3 steals.
Reese Bentley had a consistent game adding 10 points and 5 rebounds.
Alex Hogg had an off night shooting with just two baskets but played extremely well in the paint on defense. He hauled down 8 rebounds and blocked 6 shots.
Blake Lackey’s toughness provided key stops throughout. His effort earned him 7 rebounds and 2 steals.
Anthony Kovach dialed up two three pointers in the first half for 6 points.
