Cougars get big win against Winslow

As one of the final games before Monday's playoff cutoff date, the Cougars simply had to beat Winslow Township for seeding purposes. They accomplished this and more by beating Winslow 65-53.

The Cougars distributed the ball very evenly in the first quarter. Jake Gurkin ('12), Sam Rose ('11), Chris Santo ('11) and Marc Schlessel ('12) each scored to give the Cougars the 19-13 advantage. Schlessel started to heat up towards the end of the quarter, hitting two threes to extend the East lead.

Sam Rose opened the Cougar scoring in the second by hitting a three-pointer to open the gap to five after Winslow scored the first four points of the quarter. Santo then hit two free throws followed by threes from Gurkin and Schlessel to open up the lead to 11. Winslow closed the gap to six before Schlessel hit yet another three. The Cougars carried a 35-26 lead into the half.

Winslow made the game even closer in the third. They cut the lead to three before Gurkin hit a shot to bring the Cougar lead to five. Santo and Melleby scored later in the quarter to fend off Winslow as the tried to take the lead. They never could though, as East took a 43-39 lead into the fourth quarter.

Melleby hit a three-pointer to open the quarter. After a Winslow score, Schlessel hit another three to bring the lead to eight. Santo brought the lead to ten on the next possession before Winslow proceeded to cut the lead to six. After two more Santo free throws, Winslow went on a mini-run to cut the lead to three. Santo refused to let the Cougars lose the lead as he scored yet again. After another Winslow three, the Cougars finally managed to pull away behind a Gurkin offensive rebound putback and a Santo steal followed by a dunk on the breakaway. The Cougar lead was six as Winslow attempted to have a miraculous comeback but ended up going backcourt right after the inbounds pass for a turnover. The Cougars never gave Winslow another glimmer of hope on the way to the 65-53 win.

Player of the Game-Gurkin. Although he was only the third-leading scorer on the team, Gurkin put up the double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds. He also manned the middle very effectively as he garnered five blocks.

Other Key Stats

Santo-18 points, 9 rebounds

Schlessel-19 points, 4 assists

Rose-6 points

Melleby-8 points

Gold- 9 assists