Cougars fall to Warriors

Saturday, February 24, 2007

DANVILLE -- Coach Wes Peek's North Putnam Cougars put in a quality defensive effort Friday night against a talented Danville squad.

Unfortunately, North's offense wasn't able to match that effort as they fell to the Warriors, 57-37.

The Cougars came out with a deliberate game plan designed to limit Warrior possessions, and it worked for the first four minutes of the game, as they led Danville 4-2 at the 4:02 mark of the first quarter. That, however, would be the last lead North Putnam would enjoy.

"I thought we did a good job of controlling the pace early," Peek said, "but then it just kinda got away from us."

The Cougars never got untracked offensively, as leading scorer Jake Mullis was shut out in the first half. Mullis's field goal attempts were limited, and when they did get away, they were way off the mark. North Putnam went into the halftime intermission trailing 34-21.

In the second half, the Cougars held Danville to just 23 points, but were able to score only 16 of their, including a paltry five in the decisive third quarter, when North Putnam had ample opportunity to cut into the Danville lead, but couldn't capitalize.

Perhaps the only bright spot for the Cougars in the offensive category was sophomore Griffen Dahlstrom, whose 14 points led North Putnam in scoring.

"Griff probably played as well tonight as he has this year," Peek added at the game's conclusion.

In the end, however, Danville turned in a stifling defensive performance of its own, and simply proved to be too athletic for the Cougars to overcome.

Peek was disappointed in the game's outcome, but was pleased with his team's overall effort.

"I thought we played tough and didn't back down," he said.

Danville's Nick Runiyon led all scorers with 15 points.

North Putnam finished its regular season campaign at 10-9. Danville improved to 12-8.

The Cougars face Tri-West in the opening game of the South Putnam Sectional Tuesday night.

At Danville

North Putnam 9 12 5 11 -- 37

Danville 12 22 9 14 -- 57

Next game -- The Cougars (10-9) face Tri-West on Monday.

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