The JV Cougars improved to 9-1 with their most exciting win of the season on the road at Sanborn Wednesday.

Sanborn was one of the toughest teams the JV Cougars have faced this season. After going down 39-30 at one point in the third quarter, the JV Cougars charged back, never quitting. They entered the fourth down 52 to 48.

Defense was preached the entire game and in the fourth quarter the JV Cougars really turned it up, holding Sanborn to just 7 fourth quarter points. The JV Cougars were down 59-53 with just 1 minute left to play. The Cougars would not let up and kept crawling back. They would go on an 8-0 run in the closing minute, led by great defense, tough rebounding, and their bread and butter transition game. Fast break buckets came from Will Theriault and then Austin Knight who got fouled to make two free throws. The lead was cut to two at 59-57 when Max Scheinblum took charge with under 30 seconds left, getting a rebound and going coast to coast, slithering through the lane to make a tough layup that tied the score at 59 a piece. 

After a Sanborn timeout, the JV Cougars played an excellent defensive possession that led to a rebound and another fast break. Owen Michaels did not hesitate making a beautiful pass to a sprinting Austin Knight who converted the transition lay up to put the JV Cougars up 61-59 with 7.1 seconds left.

Sanborn could not penetrate the JV Cougars tough defensive line up and threw up a prayer three that bounced off the rim as time expired.

Playing a man down after starter Erich Clark left the game for good at the beginning of the 2nd quarter with a rolled ankle, the JV Cougars showed heart, determination, and again came through in the clutch. Trevor Faber played phenomenal defense, racking up steal after steal against the Sanborn offense that led to many of the JV Cougars fast break lay ups. He also chipped in 8 points. Will Theriault added 9 with a great game inside the three point line and energy on the defensive end. Owen Michaels' decision making was a huge factor in the win, he also chipped in 7 points. Max Scheinblum's toughness also played a factor, he chipped in 6.

The JV Cougars again spread the ball around with 9 of the 11 players scoring a bucket on Wednesday. However, Austin Knight again came through to shine in the big moments. He had 8 big points in the third quarter when the JV Cougars needed scoring most and he finished with a game high 16.

The Cougars next game is this Friday at home against Laconia. They then travel to Souhegan on Monday afternoon.