Boys Varsity Basketball
The Storm King Cougars came out roaring for their first game in February on Wednesday, 2/2, versus Marvelwood. From the starting buzzer, SKS put on the heat to achieve an early lead over the Pterodactyls. The Cougars maintained a comfortable margin throughout the game, cruising to the final buzzer and a resounding 67-33 win.
The boys hit the court again on Saturday, 2/5, traveling to East Greenwich, Rhode Island’s Rocky Hill School. The Cougars had a slow start with the Mariners gaining a 27-point lead in the first half. After halftime, SKS rallied to come back and take the lead, ultimately falling 72-76 in the game’s final minutes. On Sunday, 2/6, the boys tipped off in a grueling game against Bridgeport, Connecticut’s Capital Harbor Prep. After a consistent and valiant effort, the Cougars were defeated 71-74 in overtime by the Sharks.
On Saturday, 2/12, the Cougars were hoping for a win when they faced the Hoosac Owls. The score remained tight throughout the game with 4 players in our starting line-up scoring 14 or more points each. Ultimately, the day ended in a 6-point loss for Storm King, 78-84. Motivated after the loss, the Cougars came out fast against the NYMA Knights on Wednesday, 2/16, gaining a 10-2 lead in the first few minutes of the game. However, they lost momentum as the game progressed, ending with a 12-point loss at the final buzzer, 38-50.
The tides turned for the Cougars when they hosted Hoosac on their home court on Saturday, 2/19. Keeping the score close from the start, the Cougars went into halftime with a 6-point lead. They widened the gap to a 10-point lead in the first few minutes of the second half and never looked back. The Cougars’ strong defense and relentless pressure on the Owl basket had SKS cruising to the final buzzer and a decisive win, 79-54.
The next day, SKS fought hard but struggled versus Hamden Hall on Sunday, 2/20, until the Cougars rallied late in the second half for a great comeback in the last 2 minutes. The day was capped by a game-tying basket by “RJ” D. ’22 who went the length of the floor in 4.4 seconds. The Cougars succeeded in overcoming the Hornets 82-75 in overtime.
The team took this winning momentum to play South Kent on Wednesday, 2/23, where they started off strong against the Cardinals keeping the score close through the first half tied 57-57 at the buzzer. In the second half, the score remained close with South Kent’s narrow lead beginning to widen toward the final buzzer. The Cougars ultimately fell to the Cardinals 75-84 despite a strong effort. To end the month, the boys will have a shot at redemption when they host Capital Prep here the Mountain on Saturday, 2/26.
Girls Varsity Basketball
Rebounding from their loss to South Kent at the end of January, the girls varsity basketball team began February with a resounding win, 58-39, over School of the Holy Child on Wednesday, 2/2. Excitement was high for the Cougars the following weekend when they traveled to Boston to tip-off against The Winchendon School. Following an earlier defeat on their home court, the Cougars were hoping for redemption against the Wapitis in the rematch. Unfortunately, the Cougars fell again to this strong opponent, 42-71, after a valiant effort, gaining more valuable experience on the court.
On Sunday, 2/6, the girls made their way to Gill, Massachusetts, to face the Hoggers at Northfield Mount Hermon School. Once again, the Cougars played hard, demonstrating some excellent play, but ultimately fell 38-79 to the Hoggars’ relentless pressure on the Cougar basket.
Next up, the girls hosted Putnam Science Academy on their home court on Wednesday, 2/9. Early on, the Cougars gained a narrow lead but the Mustangs caught up to enter the half with a 2-point lead, 29-31. Play was furious on both sides of the court in the 3rd quarter with both teams tying the score more than once. However, the Mustangs succeeded in widening their lead to 14 points late in the game for a win, 56-64.
Two days later, the Cougars hosted Bradford Christian Academy on Friday, 2/11. It was an exciting start for the Cougars, who scored neck-and-neck with the Sentinels ending the 1st half with a tie score of 33-33. Both teams came out strong after halftime, but the Sentinels managed to gain the lead which they widened throughout the 2nd half. The final buzzer ended the game with an 8-point loss for the Cougars, 71-79.
The Cougars also played on Saturday, 2/12, traveling to Braintree, Massachusetts’ Thayer Academy. After a brave and consistent effort throughout the game, the Cougars fell to the Tigers 45-55. However, the girls were back on track for their game versus Sacred Heart on Wednesday, 2/16, where they came out strong to beat their opponent 69-60.
Taking their winning momentum with them, the Cougars traveled to Simsbury, Connecticut to face the Ethel Walker School Wildcats on Saturday, 2/19. With strong teamwork and play on both sides of the court, the score remained close through the first half with a score of 23-21 in favor of the Wildcats at the halftime buzzer. The Cougars continued their effort into the second half, but their opponent managed to widen their lead during the fourth quarter ending in a 56-45 loss for SKS.
To close out the month, the girls faced Hoosac on their home court Thursday, 2/24. Intense play on both sides kept the score close through the first quarter. The Cougars rallied in the second quarter to gain a 10-point lead and there was no looking back. Up by 16 points at the half, home advantage remained with the Cougars for the rest of the game resulting in a solid victory over the Owls, 58-51.
Wrestling
For the SKS wrestlers, January ended on a positive note, especially for senior Michael H. ’22 who won all 3 matches against NYMA, Hamden Hall, and Greenwich Country Day School. Junior Luke C. ’23 also finished the month with a smile, winning at 126 lbs in overtime against NYMA. According to their coaches, the entire team sported great performances and wrestled hard, ultimately falling to their opponents.
Results:
Storm King vs. NYMA L 6-24
Storm King vs. Hamden Hall L 24-33
Storm King vs. GCDS L 6-42
Their first bout in February brought the SKS wrestlers to Woodhall School for a 4-way tournament including Marvelwood, Suffield Academy, and Greens Farms Academy on Wednesday, 2/2. Junior wrestler Thomas C. ’23 continued the Cougar momentum emerging victorious at 170 lbs over his Marvelwood opponent, followed by Michael at 160 lbs and Luke at 120 lbs.
Next up, the Cougars hosted historic rival New York Military Academy (NYMA) on Saturday, February 5. According to Coach Ciunga, “it was a tough day against NYMA, but the team fought well.” Unfortunately, the Cougars lost every match against the Knights for a 0-45 team score. “Sadly, we had no wins, but next week will be different,” continued Coach Ciunga.
The wrestlers were at home again on Wednesday, 2/16, hosting NYMA for the second time. SKS junior Luke C. won by pin at 120 pounds, with 3 other Cougars winning by forfeit. The rest of the team fought hard against their opponents with SKS falling to NYMA 24-40 overall. The Cougars are looking forward to closing out their season at the National Prep finals on Saturday, 2/26.