Cougars Slay Dragons To Make It Two In A Row

FREDERICK, Md. - There was a lot on the line in Wednesday's game for the FCC Cougars. First, it was a conference game and the Cougars needed the win to break .500 in the conference and work to climb back into the top eight for the state playoffs. Second, it was a Region XX game, and the Cougars needed the win to get back to an even .500. Finally, the Cougars needed the victory to get their first back-to-back wins of the season. After a slow start, FCC was able to accomplish all three as they defeated the Dragons of Howard Community College, 80-68. 

FCC got off to a tough start. The Dragons started the game on a 7-2 run. The Cougars then brought in a new five, and by the 11:45 mark in the first half, the Cougars led 12-11. For the next five minutes, the game was back and forth as both teams played tough defense and limited each other to one shot on each possession. At the1:14 mark in the first half, the Cougars were able to build an eight point lead, and held on to lead at the half 37-31. FCC got balanced contributions from ten different roster players in the first half. They also shared the ball effectively, assisting on nine out of 16 made field goals.

The second half belonged to FCC as they continued to share the ball and get stops on the defensive end. By the 14:00 mark, the Cougars built a lead of 16 points, forcing the Dragons out of their zone defense and causing them to apply man pressure and trapping. This pressure slowly diminished the Cougar lead as FCC failed to convert at the charity stripe. Midway through the second half, FCC was 12-of-23 from the line. The Dragons were able to cut the lead down to five at the 5:36 mark. Frederick was up to the challenge and instead of battling the rest of the way or giving up more of the lead, they went on an 11-1 run highlighted by a touchdown pass from freshman Rashad Woodyard to Anthony Isaac for a breakaway slam. Keon Claiborne was effective from the line in the last minute, converting on five out of six free throws to seal the win for the Cougar, 80-68.

Keon Claiborne had another strong all-around performance for the Cougars filling up the stat sheet with a game-high 17 points, team-high six assists, and five rebounds. Keith Claiborne returned to action pouring in 15 points. Anthony Isaac finished with a double-double, scoring 12 points, a team-high 10 rebounds and five assists. The Cougars moved the ball effectively throughout the game, chipping in a season-high 17 assists as a group.

Frederick (7-9 overall, 5-4 conference) returns to action Saturday afternoon against Montgomery College (14-5, 6-3 conference). Tip-off is set for 3:00 PM.