Cougar Basketball Teams on Road

The Piedmont Academy varsity basketball teams had a successful trip to Nathanael Greene Tuesday night.

The Lady Cougars recorded a 49-44 win while the boys posted a 53-28 victory. The win improves the Piedmont girls to 2-2 this season while the boys upped their record to 4-1.

In Tuesday night’s road win, the Lady Cougars were paced by Carrie Tucker, who continues her hot start to the season. Tucker finished with 25 points and had 15 steals along with eight rebounds.

Kirstie Lewis added eight points and had four steals while Emily Beckham contributed seven points.

The boys used a 20-4 third quarter to take control of their contest Tuesday. In a game where 57 total fouls were called, Piedmont was able to get separation in the third quarter.

Zac Hauther had a double-double with 16 points and 12 boards and was 4-of-4 from the foul line. Micah Tyler added nine points and was 5-of-6 from the free throw line.

“We were somewhat sluggish in the first half,” coach Kenny Roberts said. “Still, we were able to come out strong in the third quarter and build a lead in what was an ugly game overall.”

The Piedmont teams will host Monroe Academy in the region opener Friday at 6 p.m., followed by a non-region contest Saturday at 1:30 p.m. against John Milledge, also at home.

Prior to Tuesday night’s games, the Piedmont Academy varsity basketball teams competed in a tournament in Dublin last weekend.

The tournament, hosted by Trinity, was played Friday and Saturday. The Piedmont teams opened the tournament against Class AAA Westfield.

The Piedmont boys suffered their first loss of the season falling 63-50 in the opener. Playing without Lance Richardson, who was competing in the All-Star football game, the Cougars were led by Taylor Jackson who scored 19 points, including three baskets from 3-point range.
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Josh Phillips also made three 3-pointers and finished with 12 points. Hauther finished with seven points.

Piedmont was just 8-of-21 from the free throw line.

Roberts said his team allowed too many offensive rebounds by Westfield, including 14 in the final two quarters.

The Cougars rallied to defeat Macon Area the following night 57-41. In control by halftime with a 35-16 cushion, Roberts was able to play all 16 team members.

Phillips finished with a team high 13 points (three 3-pointers) while Hauther and Tyler both scored eight. Hauther also had six rebounds. Cris Jackson finished with five points and eight boards while Whit Morgan scored six points with an additional eight rebounds.

The Piedmont Lady Cougars fell to Westfield 45-41 in their tournament opener despite 22 points from Tucker. Lewis added six points while Beckham and Mary Beth O’Brien both scored four. Beckham had 10 rebounds while O’Brien added eight.

Trailing by two points in the final seconds, the Piedmont girls had a chance to tie the score but committed a turnover which led to Westfield’s final basket.

The Lady Cougars defeated Macon Area 49-45 in the game for third place. Tucker finished with 15 points, 11 rebounds and five steals. Beckham also had a big performance with 12 points, seven boards and five steals.

Meg Eckerle came up with her best game of the season with nine points. O’Brien finished with four points but was a force once again on the boards with nine rebounds.