Varsity Cougars Win Three Straight Road Games
Cougars out claw Jaguars in 56-54 victory
12/5/20: The Cottage School Cougars played a rare Saturday night contest at Atlanta Jewish Academy. The two large cats scratched and clawed their way through four tight quarters. It was not until the final four minutes of the game before TCS reclaimed their first lead since the end of the first period, and held on to win 56-54. Cottage is now 5-1 on the season and have two tough GISA region matchups next week.
As they do each year, the Jaguars came out focused and with high energy. Coach Briggs spoke before the contest; “Suroy and I told the boys to be ready for a fight because AJA never quits. They play smart, love to run, are fundamental, and have fun doing it know matter the score. That energy results in success and we have not beat them in a few years because of it.” True to that, Atlanta Jewish jumped ahead 8-2 early but the Cougars battled back and by the end of the first period Cottage was ahead 14-13.
The two scratched their way through a series of runs by both teams in the next two frames, and going into the final quarter the game was tied at 41.
The Jaguars forced a few early turnovers to begin the fourth and went ahead by six points, but as they did all night TCS would not allow AJA to pull away. With just over three minutes remaining and the Jaguars ahead 46-44 the Cougars converted on two back to back “and 1’s” to take their largest lead of the contest, 50-46. As Coach stated above the Jaguars stayed focused and forced three straight turnovers to tie it at 50 apiece.
Alex Hogg had a game for the ages (more on him below) and teammate, Aidan Briggs were both put on the line under pressure. With poise they both converted on four free throws that ultimately sealed the AJA fate with a Cottage 56-54 win.
TCS will play again on 12/8 here at The Cougar Center at 6:00 PM versus a very strong Solid Rock Academy Lion team that handed TCS their only loss two weeks ago. This game is a change. Cottage was supposed to travel to SRA but a gym issue made for them to come back to Roswell.
Game Notes:
Alex Hogg missed a triple-double by just one rebound. In foul trouble, he still ended with 12 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists. He also recorded 10 blocked shots which breaks a school record, previously held by Chris Schleier in 2006 (9).
Aidan Briggs also battled foul trouble and despite playing less than half the game, he finished with 17 points, 10 boards, and 3 assists.
Reese Bentley made for another big presence in the paint, hauling down 8 rebounds and blocking 3 shots. He also added 7 points.
Blake Lackey provided much needed playing time. With three teammates in foul trouble he was great defensively. He also snatched 4 balls of the glass and scored his first 4 points of his young varsity career.
Andrew Dorsey came through with some big baskets late. He was one of the Cougars making the “and 1” bucket that all but sealed his team’s victory. Andrew added 5 boards.
Anthony Kovach helped the Cougars get back in the game early. When they were down to start the game, he knocked down two back to back three pointers to swing the momentum.
Daniel Byman’s hustle and toughness continues to give his team scoring chances, gaining another 7 steals. He now has 21 steals over the past three games-which is also a school record! He grabbed 7 rebounds to boot.
