Cougars Face Tough Foes; Perfect in Region
Piedmont Academy’s varsity boys basketball team had undefeated John Milledge Academy on the ropes last Thursday but in the end could not deliver the knockout punch.
The Cougars used a methodical approach in the home contest and had a game at a potential game-winning 3-pointer but the Class AAA Trojans held on for a 35-32 win.
“All week we talked about selling out on defense,” coach Will Johnson said. “We held them to 35 points which should mean a win. Unfortunately, our late game execution hurt us. We got out of what we wanted to do for about three possessions. John Milledge doesn’t let you have anything easy.”
Jackson Welch was the lone Piedmont player in double figures with 10 points but the Cougars used a slower tempo to shorten the contest. Luke Welch added eight points while Ryan Holder scored seven.
Piedmont led 20-19 after the third quarter after trailing 12-11 at halftime.
“It really came down to who was going to make the baskets they needed to,” Johnson said. “We lost the turnover battle. John Milledge also had 10 points off turnovers and we had four. We have to start learning from the experiences in games like this or it will continue to be ‘we should have won’ in big matchups like this one.”
The Trojans moved to 16-0 with the win.
“You have to give them credit,” Johnson said. “They are undefeated for a reason. We are also what we are for a reason. We have several close losses this season but we have to learn from them and not repeat the same mistakes.”
The schedule remained tough for the Cougars on Saturday as they traveled to Creekside Christian Academy in McDonough. Piedmont fell 80-43 to a team that Johnson said he believes is the best in AAA.
“They are lightning quick and don’t turn the basketball over,” Johnson said. “If anyone beats them for the title, I’d like to see it.”
The Creekside Christian Academy Cougars are loaded with talent including senior Shaqir O’Neal, the son of NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal.
Luke Welch led Piedmont with 13 points in Saturday’s game while Bradley Greenwood scored eight and Holder scored seven.
The Cougars got back on track Tuesday with an important region win against visiting LaGrange Academy. Piedmont is now 11-7 overall and 5-0 in region play after the 60-37 win on Tuesday.
Cameron Mobley paced the Cougars with 14 points while Cole Wade added 12. Spencer Carter finished with eight points with Greenwood adding seven.
Piedmont will travel to St. George in Milner on Friday before hosting a rematch between the schools on Saturday. The Cougars will then host Augusta Prep on Tuesday.