Capital Cougars Take the Top Spot in League

The Capital Christian Cougars boys varsity team travelled to Lindhurst last night to meet their league rival, the Lindhurst Blazers. Going into the game both teams were 4-0 in League with very similar records, the Cougars 17-4 and the Blazers 16-5.

Capital is number one in their D5 division, the Blazers are number three in their D3 division. There was a lot riding on the game for both teams - the win would grant the sole number 1 spot in the Golden Empire League.  

The Cougars got off to a great start with an opening dunk from senior Matt Donlan quickly followed by a steal and layup from sophomore guard Marcelas Perry.  The Cougars had 5 different players score in the first quarter and led 19-10 at the end of the first quarter.

The Blazers were shellshocked by the many scoring options created by the quicker, taller Cougars. Point guard Tyler Jennings was continually finding the scorer and had 8 assists by halftime - he finished with 13 for the game. At halftime it was 37-24 Cougars.

The Cougars came out revitalized after the halftime break and put on another 20 points in the next 8 minutes to lead 57-36. It was make or break for the Blazers and their home town crowd inspired them to put on a 13-0 spurt to open the fourth quarter before the cougars once again took the upper hand.

A full court length assist from sophomore Nifae Lealao to freshman Trey Belton quickly followed by another Tyler Jennings assist to Belton sealed the deal. The Cougars won the game 73-58.

Senior Matt Donlan led the scoring with 28 followed by freshman Trey Belton with 20; Lealao 12,  Perry 7; Wilson 2; Jennings 2; Mosley 2.

The Cougars are now on an 11-0 winning streak and will play again Friday night at Capital Christian against the Marysville Indians. It's a big Friday night of basketball with two boys and two girls games. JV girls at 3:30, JV boys at 5:00, Varsity girls at 6:30 and Varsity boys at 8:00.

Editor's note: Tracey Donlan's son, Matt, plays for the Cougars.