By Stephen Henderson

The Patrick County High School Cougar basketball team hosted the opening night of Conference 32 action last Monday, something that has not happened in recent memory.

The Cougars welcomed the Abingdon Falcons and defeated them 61-55.

Both teams came onto the court ready for action—the Falcons sank a three-pointer on their first possession to set the tone early.

However, the Cougars bounced back with a Hunter Lawless-three-pointer shortly thereafter. The Cougars claimed an early 14-13 lead after the first quarter.

The Cougars maintained a slim lead at the half, 30-26.

Patrick County’s big men came to play in the third period, picking up 21 points while the Cougar defense held the Falcon offense to eight points.

The Falcons took a turn in offensive stride in the fourth, outscoring the Cougars 21-10.

The final was Patrick County 61, Abingdon 55.

Seth Scott was the big scorer for the Cougars with 14 points; he made six of 10 free throws. Hunter Lawless added 10 points, including two three-pointers. Matt Amos and RJ Hagwood each scored nine.

Wednesday, the Cougars traveled to Hidden Valley and were manhandled by the Titans. The final score was 60-29.

The Titan defense all but shut down the Cougar offense, with the Cougars scoring only four points in the first quarter, 12 in the first half.

On the other hand, the Titan offense took advantage of Jonah Fitzgerald’s three-point shooting talents—he scored five in the first period to give them 22 points in the opening quarter.

The Cougars became desperate in the second quarter, fouling instead of controlling their defense.

The Cougars did score 18 points in the second half with RJ Hagwood picking up 12 in the half.