The Cougar Varsity basketball got back into the win column with a 58-48 win over the Chatham Cavaliers on December 17.
The Cougars got off to a strong start. In the first minute, the teams traded three pointers before Patrick County, behind solid team defense, pulled out to a 13-5 lead with 2:56 to go in the quarter. With smart ball movement and offense and converting turnovers into layups, the Cougars took a 17-10 lead into the second quarter.
The Cavaliers came out in the second with stifling full-court pressure that seemed to steal the Cougars’ momentum. Chatham, who only dressed seven players for the game, also increased the tempo of the game, racing down court off turnovers and rebounds, leading to a 10-3 run that closed the gap to just three points at halftime, 33-30.
Cougar head coach Brian Chitwood was impressed by the effort the shorthanded Cavaliers displayed. “I told their coach at the end of the game that I was very impressed by the energy that those guys played with.”
In the second half, Chatham continued with their fast pace and full court pressure. The Cougars struggled offensively in the early part of the quarter. With 5:37 to go in the half, Chatham tied the game at 35, forcing a Patrick County timeout.
Coming out of the timeout, the Cougars retook the momentum, finishing the half on a 9-5 run that included two offensive rebounds and put backs by Seth Geiger that brought loud cheers from the Cougar faithful and helped swing the momentum to the Cougars who would have a four point lead after three quarters at 44-40.
Chatham got to within two points early in the fourth quarter at 46-44, but the Cougars stepped up their defense and held the Cavaliers to just four more points, and would close out the game with a 10 point win.
Following the game, Coach Chitwood was happy with the win, but knows his team has some things to work on. “We struggled in several ways tonight. We did enough to close the deal. Our kids work very hard and we did what we had to do to get back to winning ways.”
Seniors led the way for the Cougars on the night. Tyler Marshall had 18 points and 7 rebounds while Noah Jessup had 16 points and 3 assists.
Jayden Corns chipped in 8 points, and 8 rebounds and Easton Harris added 8 points and 7 rebounds.
