Cougars Out-Duel Lancers 58-46
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Above: ASC Cougars join together in prayer before the game. Below: Then get fired-up for the big game!
(MyBayCity Photos by Kevin Kula)
Three days after narrowly defeating North Huron to become District champs, the All Saints Cougars faced another ranked team in the first round of the Regional playoffs. The Cougars were pitted against an old rival, the Oakland Christian Lancers - the team that knocked the Cougars out of the playoffs last year. Throughout this game the Cougars fought hard to defend their lead, while the Lancers desperately tried to make a comeback. Ultimately, the game became a battle of endurance and stamina - two traits the Cougars expertly wielded in the decisive fourth period.
Cougars trademark defense goes to work.
(MyBayCity Photo by Kevin Kula)
Though the Lancers won the tip-off, thanks to #21 Kurt Schneider, the Cougars trademark defense was not about to give the Lancers and early lead. After easily shutting down the Lancers offense, the Cougars threw everything they had at the Lancers defenders who struggled to stop the Cougars onslaught. Almost too easily, the Cougar starters racked up a strong 9-0 lead. But the Lancers weren't giving up just yet. On two successful drives, the Lancers scored their first points of the game, and then added a 3 point shot, only seconds, later to put them back in the game. The Cougars answered, and the first period ended with the game favoring the Cougars 13-5.
ASC's defense (BJ Weaver) shut down the Lancers and held them to only 5pts in the 1st.
(MyBayCity Photo by Kevin Kula)
Oakland Christians #23 Christopher Perrin is blocked by Mario Walker and Cameron Coburn.
(MyBayCity Photo by Kevin Kula)
Senior Aaron Janer adds to the Cougars total with a 12pt night.
(MyBayCity Photo by Kevin Kula)
The Cougars took control of the game in the second period with their superb offense. Key shots from #14 Cameron Coburn, and #3 Aaron Janer helped the Cougars rack up an impressive lead. As coach Showalter later attested "we really hit the free-throws tonight." Indeed The Cougars success can be attributed largely to their ability to sink key free-throws. Adam Pijaszek #20 added 5 points out of 6 free-throws to All Saints total, and #14 Cameron Coburn was a sight to behold, making 9 for 10 during the four periods of play. If the Lancers hadn't made the 3-pointers they did in the second period, the game would have been all but won for the Cougars. The Cougars held the lead at 29-17, but many of All Saints seniors were in danger of fouling out, and the Lancers were within striking distance.
ASC's Adam Pijaszek shoots for 3!
(MyBayCity Photo by Kevin Kula)
Lancers chase BJ Weaver down the court.
(MyBayCity Photo by Kevin Kula)
Great shots like this from Cameron Coburn put the Cougars up by 12 at the half.
(MyBayCity Photo by Kevin Kula)
The Cougars returned from the intermission break and once again, gave the Lancers everything they had. The Cougars offense pressed hard, but ran into trouble with fouls, and stubborn Lancer defenders. The Lancers, on the other hand, refused to give up and let their season die. The Lancers played smart and managed to pull off a few plays on the Cougars hardened defenders, but most of their points were coming from a few miraculous 3-point shots. The Cougars definitely controlled the game heading into the final period at 41-33, but the Lancers still had one more surprise for the Cougars.
Cougars fans show what their made of - SPIRIT ! !
(MyBayCity Photo by Kevin Kula)
Surrounded by the team Coach Showalter preps his team for the fourth period.
(MyBayCity Photo by Kevin Kula)
Cougar senior BJ Weaver pounces past #3 Benjamin Schomer for the basket.
(MyBayCity Photo by Kevin Kula)
The Lancers came out strong in the early moments of the final period of play. An invaluable 3-pointer, along with a pair of buckets, put the Lancers just 2 points shy of knotting the game up with only 6 minutes to go. But the Cougars didn't panic. The Cougars toughened up defensively and the offense, led by #3 Aaron Janer, rebuilt the Cougars lead. The Cougars endurance and skill prevented a Lancer comeback and ultimately carried the day 58-46.
Cougars were HOT from the line this night - key to their victory... Above: Adam Pijaszek, Below: Cameron Coburn
(MyBayCity Photo by Kevin Kula)
Senior Brett Campbell adds the last point of the night to the Cougars side of the scoreboard.
(MyBayCity Photo by Kevin Kula)
The Cougars nerve in the fourth period was what won this game. When asked if there was any panic on the Cougar bench during the tense last period, #3 Aaron Janer said there was "no panic, the guards played excellent, and we stepped up our game."
No panic on the Cougars bench.
(MyBayCity Photo by Kevin Kula)
With the victory over the Lancers in the record books, the Cougars move on to play Deckerville on Wednesday in the Regional Final. Coach Showalter is confident the Cougars are up for the challenge saying the Cougars are "a great team, and now we've got a chance to prove it." Aaron Janer says the Cougars are "confident" that they can win on Wednesday. "As long as we come to play our game, we can win" Janer said.
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