Couriers win one, lose two at Cougar Classic

WINONA LAKE (Fri., Dec. 29, 2006) – Clinton Christian’s 19 unanswered points to start the second half propelled the Couriers to a 61-34 win over host-school Lakeland Christian in the Cougar Classic.

Clinging to a 19-18 halftime lead, eight different Couriers contributed to a 19-0 during the first 6:34 of the third quarter to extend the lead to 20. The Cougars pulled within 38-22 but failed to draw closer.

Todd M. led the Couriers with 14 points including six in the key third-quarter run. Junior classmates Mike T., Caleb M. and Carl M. added 9 each.

Senior Kenny F., whose nine first-quarter points carried the hosts to a 11-8 lead, dropped in 24 points. He was one of only three Cougars who scored.

The Couriers won their fifth straight game against Lakeland Christian since losing 54-45 at Winona Lake on January 7, 2005.

WINONA LAKE (Sat., Dec. 30, 2006) – Doomed by a shooting slump in one game and a game-winning free throw in the other, the Couriers lost twice at the Cougar Classic for their first losing streak since December 2004.

In a midday game, the Huntington Eagles scored 23 of the game’s final 31 points and upended the Couriers 59-51.

The Eagles trailed 43-36 when they took a timeout with 3:41 left in the third period. The Eagles scored seven of the next eight points to narrow the gap to one at 44-43 going into the final period. The Couriers managed just one field goal in the fourth but stayed close until an easy layup off a turnover gave the Eagles a 57-51 lead with :20 left.

Todd’s 20 points and Carl’s 16 paced the Couriers.

The Cougars and the Trinity Titans went through four lead changes and eight ties before Trinity prevailed 47-46 in an afternoon battle. With the game tied at 46 and no time remaining, Trinity junior Mike D. drained the second of two foul shots for the win.

Clinton won overtime battles with Trinity each of the last two years in the tourney. This time, despite scoring leader Luke L.’s recent transfer to South Bend St. Joseph’s, the Titans garnered a hard-fought win of their own.

Todd tied the game at 46 with :52 remaining and led the Couriers (5-3) with 19 points. Caleb chipped in with 14. Carl spent significant time on the bench with foul trouble and finished with just 4 points.

Freshman Mike B. led all scorers with a career-high 25 for Trinity (6-4). With the win, the Titans claimed first place in the Cougar Classic for the first time since 2003.

Howe Military (2-4) travels to Heritage Middle School to face the Couriers Saturday, January 6. The Couriers open 2007 with their fourth of eight games versus IHSAA schools this season.