Cougars Win over Monroe Academy

The Piedmont Academy boys basketball team continued its winning ways last Friday by defeating Monroe Academy 69-39 in the region opener for the Cougars.

Lance Richardson paced the Piedmont offense with 18 points while Josh Phillips scored 15 and Zac Hauther added 11. The Cougars were in control by halftime with a 39-19 advantage.

“After the game I thought it was the best we had played in a while,” said Piedmont coach Chip Champion. “However, after watching the film, I saw some things we still need to improve on.”

The win improved the varsity Cougars to 6-3 overall.

“We need to get everyone on the same page,” Champion said. “We need everyone to play well every game. We are 6-3, so in some ways it’s tough to complain. We are still learning to win, but we are way ahead of where we were last year at this time.

The Piedmont Academy Lady Cougars saw one slip away last Friday as Monroe Academy held on for a 45-40 win. The host Lady Mustangs outscored Piedmont 18-10 in the fourth quarter.

Bailey Myers paced the Lady Cougars with 15 points while Carrie Tucker added 12. Monroe led 19-18 at halftime although Piedmont held a 30-27 advantage after the third quarter.

“It was a disappointing loss,” said Lady Cougar coach Kenny Roberts. “It was our first region game and we would have liked to have won that one. We’ll get another chance at them later this season.”

While the loss was not what Roberts or his players were hoping for in their region opener, the coach said it is simply time to get back to work. The Lady Cougars (3-6 overall, 0-1 in region) will practice several times during their break from school.

“The players are ready to learn,” Robert said. “We are in a process of learning each day.”
The Piedmont Academy basketball teams will return to action next Thursday, Dec. 29, on the road against Flint River before traveling to John Hancock the following day.

The Flint River games begin at 1:30 p.m. with the John Hancock games set for 6 p.m.