By Stephen Henderson
Three tough teams all in one week resulted in three losses for the Patrick County High School Cougar basketball team. Last Tuesday the Cougars lost to Martinsville 89-21. Thursday they traveled to Abingdon and lost 59-42, and Friday the Cougars hosted Halifax and lost 48-29.
In Tuesday’s game at Martinsville, the Cougars were met by a Bulldog 7-0 streak in the opening minutes and the Cougars were held to only five points in the period. MHS led 21-9 at the end of the first quarter.
Much the same thing happened in the second quarter with the Bulldogs picking up 17 points in only three minutes. RJ Hagwood scored the only basket for PC in the second quarter.
Patrick County scored only 10 points in the second half while the Bulldogs added 42, leaving the final score 89-21.
The Cougars had 32 turnovers in the game.
According to Coach Andrew Terry, the Cougars came out flat and failed to play inspired basketball once they were down so far.
RJ Hagwood scored eight for the Cougars while Seth Scott added five.
In Wednesday’s game at Abingdon, the Cougars opened with a 10-5 lead after the first quarter and maintained some offensive power but dropped their defensive game as the Falcons outscored the Cougars 16-12 in the quarter.
Abingdon found its offensive groove in the third and ran away from the Cougars 23-9 in the period and maintained even play in the final quarter to take the win 59-42.
Seth Scott scored 15 points and had 10 rebounds against the Falcons. Hunter Lawless added nine points, and Brandon Hubbard and Christian Taylor each added seven points.
Friday the Cougars hosted Halifax County High School and lost 48-29.
The Comets mounted an even offensive plan throughout the game, scoring 14, 14, 8 and 12 points in the four quarters. Their defensive efforts was just as even, holding the Cougars to 8, 7, 4 and 10 points in the game.
Once again, Seth Scott was leading scorer for the Cougars with 10 points and eight rebounds. Frankie LaComa, Zach Strole and RJH Hagwood each added four points.
This week the Cougars face three more tough teams; they played at Hidden Valley Monday night, will host Tunstall Thursday and travel to Magna Vista Friday night.
