Cougars Fall in Quarterfinals
The Piedmont Academy varsity boys basketball team was determined to make program history during the 2020-21 season.
Unfortunately, that goal ended with a 71-49 GISA Class AA state quarterfinal loss to Brentwood on Saturday in a game played in Macon. The Cougars finished the season at 18-8 overall.
“Brentwood came out and just didn’t miss,” said coach Will Johnson. “We were able to get them in foul trouble and cut into the lead. It was just an off night for us and a night where everything went Brentwood’s way.”
While Piedmont did go through its region schedule undefeated, the disappointment of not advancing further in the state tournament was evident.
“Whenever we tried to get close, they would extend the lead once again,” Johnson said. “We then had to try and do some different things. We just ran into one of the hottest teams in the state right now. The outcome was just not what we wanted.”
A poor night at the free throw line also hurt the Cougars as they were 7-of-18.
Ryan Holder scored 22 points in the quarterfinal contest while Bradley Greenwood scored 14. Jackson Welch added six points.
Saturday’s loss ended an eight-game winning streak for the Cougars. Ironically, Piedmont defeated Brentwood twice in the regular season although Johnson said the Eagles gained a key player at point guard after Christmas.
“He transferred from Washington County and they were a different team with him,” the coach said.
The Cougars had little trouble in the opening round against First Presbyterian Christian Academy last week.
Piedmont raced out to a 30-5 lead after the first quarter and never looked back in the 90-33 victory. Every player on the roster got on the scoreboard. Holder led the team with 20 points while Luke Welch and Mobley both finished with 12.
Jeb Satterfield, Hudson Reed and Greenwood each added nine points with Jackson Welch adding six. Spencer Carter (five points), Cole Wade (four points), Ethan Brewer (three points) and Ridge Stroud (one point) all contributed to the first-round win.