North Putnam falters against conference rival Cascade

Saturday, December 18, 2010

ROACHDALE -- Through the first eight minutes of Friday night's game against the Cascade Cadets the North Putnam Lady Cougars held their own trailing 15-11 at the end of the first quarter.

Unfortunately for the Cougars that was as close as they got to the Cadets as Cascade pulled away in the second quarter. By halftime the Cougars found themselves down by a score of 38-16.

North Putnam coach Jim Brothers said he knew going into Friday night's game that Cascade was going to create a challenge for his team.

"I was proud of the girls no matter how far we got down tonight they continued to fight," said Brothers.

After 32-minutes of action the Cougars were on the losing end of a 66-35 margin.

"They just came out and took over in the second quarter," said Brothers. "Our turnovers hurt us."

In the first half alone the Cougars committed 27 turnovers, something Brothers said his team needs to clean up as they finish out the year.

"We need to be more consistent and take care of the ball," he said. "We play good in spurts we just haven't been able to put a full game together."

It was the pressure defense of the Cadets that gave the Cougars fits throughout the night. As the Cadets would double team the player bringing the ball up the court forcing several turnovers.

When the Cougars did get the ball across half court they couldn't find the bottom of the basket as they were having a cold shooting night. The Cougars shot 14-39 on the night for 35-percent.

Leading the way for the Cougars was Senior Megan Robinson with 11 points. She was the only Lady Cougar to score in double figures. Junior Mackensey Asbell had eight as the next highest scorer.

For the Cadets, seniors Brittney Sallee and Bridget Smith had 16 points.

The Cougars have a couple of weeks off over the holiday break they won't return to the court until Jan. 6 when they face Fountain Central.

With the lose the Cougars are now 3-8 on the year.

At North Putnam

North Putnam -- 11 5 13 6 -- 35

Cascade -- 15 23 22 6 -- 66

Individual Stats

North Putnam -- Megan Robinson 11, Asbell 8, Morgan Robinson 7, Maggie Pinney 6, Lucas 3. Totals: 14-39 FG, 1-4 3PT, 6-17 FT, 35 TP.

Cascade -- Brittney Sallee 16, Smith 16, Brandyce Sallee 11, Powell 10, Tomblin 7, Stein 4, Ott 2. Totals: 26-61 FG, 7-24 3PT, 7-10 FT, 66 TP.