All Saints Defeated by Oakland Christian in Regional Battle
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Cougars season ends in Regional loss. (MyBayCity Photo by Kevin Kula)
Driven by an intense fire to win, the Cougars battled to take the Regional title in Deckerville Wednesday night. The Cougars worked hard all season for this moment. With thoughts of nothing save bringing the trophy back to Bay City All Saints, the Cougars used every trick they had against their opponent, the Lancers from Oakland Christian.
Senior Preston Oakes gets this shot off under pressure. (MyBayCity Photo by Kevin Kula)
Junior Josh Sutton's shot is deflected by (21) Kurt Schneider (MyBayCity Photo by Kevin Kula)
Hull(50) ends up with this errant pass from the Lancers. (MyBayCity Photo by Kevin Kula)
However, the Cougars were in for a shock right from the beginning. For the first time since the regular season, the Cougars were on the defensive. Blasting past the Cougars defense, that had worked so well in the past, the Lancers surprised everyone in the gym with their offensive and defensive skills. Scoring easily, the Lancers built an early lead with still over five minutes to go in the first period.
Below: (Left)Oakland Christian scoring was a familiar site Wednesday night. (Right) (21) Kurt Schneider gets a jumper over ASC's Walker.(MyBayCity Photo by Kevin Kula)
Perhaps it was the cheers from their fans that brought the Cougars out of their daze, but, whatever the reason may have been, the Cougars came back with a passion and fought back against the Lancers. The Cougars offense finally found their fire and used it to narrow the scoreboard gap.
Becca gets the crowd Fired-Up!. (MyBayCity Photo by Kevin Kula)
With the yells of support coming from the Cougar's fans, the Cougars actually bridged the gap and took the lead away from the Lancers. Despite all their efforts, the Cougars just couldn't match the intensity of the Lancers. The Cougars lost their lead when the Lancers slammed in a three pointer near the very end of the second period. Nonetheless, with the score at 31-30 at the half it was still anyone's game.
Below:(Left) Preston Oakes gracefully gets 2pts. (Right) Mario Walker spins around (33) Jon Wilkie.(MyBayCity Photo by Kevin Kula)
For the Cougars and their supporters, the sight of Preston Oakes shooting free throws became a familiar sight; as he went 16 for 17 on the line. However, the third period was where everything fell apart for the Cougars. While the Lancers offense made easy work of the Cougars defense, on the flipside, their defense successfully managed to shut down the Cougar's big guns. Ollie Hull manage only 11 points, and Preston Oakes tallied 20 points; most of them from free throw opportunities.
Below:Free throws added extra points for the Cougars(Left)Senior Marc Kwapiszewski sets for the shot . (Right)Kwap lets this one sail!(MyBayCity Photos by Kevin Kula)
Above:(Left)Ollie Hull was 1 for 2 on the line. While Preston Oakes was 16 for 17 scoring 20 points total. (Right and Below)(MyBayCity Photos by Kevin Kula)
The Cougars hopes of victory were almost totally crushed in that awful third period. The score at the start of the fourth period was 52-38. However, the diehard Cougar fans seemed to hardly notice the score. Never ceasing their endless chants of support, they hoped to inspire their disheartened team into a frenzy. Sending each Cougar onto the court in the fourth, Coach Mike Showalter let everyone have their shot at the juggernaut Lancers.
Coach Showalter talks strategy before the 4th. (MyBayCity Photo by Kevin Kula)
Despite the Cougars desperate tactics, their fire was finally extinguished as the last second ticked away; taking with it the Cougars 2008 season. The Lancers became Regional Champs with a 81-60 win. As Coach Showalter stated later "The better team won tonight."
Despite the Cougars bitter end, Sophomore Adam Pijaszek are already looking towards next year with optimism saying simply, "We have a bright future".
Indeed the lessons from this season will not simply fade away. The lesson the Cougars learned this year will have a massive impact on next season. Preston Oakes, Ollie Hull, Marc Kwapiszewski, Ricky Phillips, and Kevin Klapish will be leaving the Cougars, yet for those remaining, their future next year indeed 'looks bright'!
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