The JV Cougars got back on track last night grinding out a close game on a long road trip to Hanover 46-45. 

Owen Collins started the night off with a three pointer, but the JV Cougars feel silent for much of the quarter, letting Hanover score 11 straight points and ending the quarter down 11-5. The JV Cougars came out with little energy, little chemistry, and a lack of desire. 

After their quarter huddle, the boys jumped out with a play harder attitude and played JV ConVal basketball like we have seen much of the season. Something the team has been searching for as of late. Due to their hard play, intense effort, and aggressive style, the JV Cougars scored 23 points in the quarter. They went into halftime with a 28-23 lead.

The game continued to go back and forth, the JV Cougars again falling back to be their own worst enemies with silly mistakes, blunders, hero-ball and lack of team play.

They found themselves up three with a minute to play, but careless turnovers and bad shot selection allowed Hanover to come back and take a 45-44 lead. Erich Clarke finally went to line and made two clutch free throws to give the JV Cougars back the lead.

After a Hanover timeout with roughly 9 seconds to play, the JV Cougars pressured the inbounds. Hanover sent the ball up the sideline to their best player, the games highest scorer, who missed a wide open three at the buzzer. The JV Cougars didn't make it easy on themselves but improved their record to 11-5 on the year.

Owen Collins showed up with his offense, scoring 8 points including two three pointers. Erich Clark hit four clutch free throws down the stretch and finished with 12 points. Max Scheinblum, always steady and always consistent, broke his spark and energy to the game again. He ended with 8 points.

The JV Cougars have another tough road game on Friday night at Coe-Brown.