Cougars Have Perfect Three Game Stretch

The Piedmont Academy varsity boys basketball team was in need of a win last Friday.

The Cougars fought and eventually got it at the expense of an old rival as they held off Gatewood 52-48 at home. Ryan Holder paced Piedmont with 19 points. Holder was recognized Friday night for breaking the 1,000-point mark earlier this season.

Luke Welch also finished in double figures against Gatewood with 11 points while Cole Wade scored eight. Bradley Greenwood and Jackson Welch both finished with six points.

The Cougars led 21-16 at halftime and 36-28 after the third. The Gators would outscore Piedmont 20-16 in the final eight minutes but would fall four points short.

“We had an important three-games stretch in which we needed to get back on track and it all started with Gatewood,” coach Will Johnson said. “It was a battle to the end. It was a big rivalry game and we didn’t enter it with much positive momentum.”

Holding on late for the win was important for the team, the coach said.

“We handled the moment well,” Johnson said. “It was a good win for us and allowed us to build some confidence.”

The following day saw the Cougars return to region action with a 56-39 road win against Oak Mountain. Greenwood had a strong performance with 24 points while Holder finished with 12.

“Oak Mountain focused on limiting Ryan so it was good to see other players step up,” Johnson said. “Luke and Bradley are key players for us.

Overall, we handled the road trip on Saturday well after a tough win the previous night.”Piedmont won its third game in as many outings on Monday as the Cougars defeated Griffin Christian 67-47.

Luke Welch had a big offensive output with 24 point, including six 3-pointers, while Holder added 20. Greenwood also finished in double figures with 12 points. Senior Jeb Satterfield added seven points.

“Griffin Christian is a very scrappy and athletic team,” Johnson said. “We were down 14 in the first half but then rallied to win by 20. That’s not something you see happen a lot. We never panicked and things finally began clicking for us.”

The coach said he was impressed the contribution of Satterfield, a new player to the program who stands 6-8. Satterfield also had 13 rebounds and six blocks.

“He is making an impression on a lot of teams,” Johnson said. “This is his first year playing in several years. We wish we could have had him sooner.

The coach said Spencer Carter is also making some key contributions for the Cougars.

The wins improved Johnson’s team to 7-3 overall and 2-0 in region play. Piedmont will travel to John Milledge Academy on Thursday for a 7:30 p.m. non-region contest and venture to LaGrange Academy on Friday for a 7:30 p.m. region matchup.

Johnson said the matchup with John Milledge, a Class AAA team which entered this week undefeated, will be a game in a great atmosphere.