Cougars Fall In Season Opener Against #3 Richard Bland

Recap by Aaron Meekins

The opening night match-up, tabbed Halloween Hype Night by host and preseason #3 Richard Bland College, should have been a battle of top nationally ranked programs with the Frederick Community College Cougars ranked at #17. However, a six hour bus ride through horrendous traffic, which caused the game to start later than scheduled, and a poor shooting night led to a season opening defeat for the Cougars. Richard Bland (1-0) outlasted the Cougars (0-1), holding the lead throughout the game despite a strong second half run by the Cougars to win 81-59. 

The Cougars started the game aggressive, attacking and getting into the double bonus by 15 minute mark of the first half. With 9:02 left in the first half, the Cougars were down 13-19 thanks to four free throws each by Rashard Lewis and Eric Blankson. However, that six point deficit would be the closest the Cougars would get in the half, as the host team pulled away for a 39-21 halftime lead. Foul trouble and poor field goal shooting plagued the Cougars in the first half, as multiple starters were forced to the bench and the Cougars ended the half shooting 28% from the field.

At the beginning of the second half, with its starters back in the game and adjustments made by Coach Emonte Hill, the Cougars made a strong run pulling within nine points with 15:30 remaining in the game. After the strong run, the gas started to run out and fouls began to accumulate leading to Richard Bland pulling away to regain their halftime lead and maintaining their lead to take the victory. The Cougars played near even basketball with the host team in the half, 38-42. 

Eric Blankson led the team in scoring with 12 points (10-14 from the free throw line), with Morris Robinson, Rashard Lewis, and Jacob McIntosh following with 11, 9, and 8 points respectively. Ambrose Hicks led the Cougars off the bench contributing 6 points.

Despite the outcome, the Cougars are hoping to use this as a great learning opportunity moving forward. With no players returning from last year's 22-8 team, many players played in their first college game, or first college game in almost two years, and a few Cougars were unable to suit up for the season opener. The Cougars return to action in the Frederick Tip-Off Mixer this Friday, November 6 at home versus Delaware Technical Community College with an 8pm tip off time. On Saturday, the Cougars will face-off with Monroe Community College at 3pm. Come out and support the Cougars!