Following the holiday weekend, the North 7th grade basketball squad took to the court on Wednesday evening hosting their crosstown rivals from CMS West. As always, these rivalry games are sure to bring the energy from both teams... and this night didn't disappoint!

After a few lackluster performances, North's A team was looking to right the ship and turn things around. And whether it was playing against their rivals or something else, they came out with a different bounce in their step right from the start. Behind solid defensive pressure and highly efficient offense, the Cougars jumped out in front of the Wranglers with a decisive second quarter. Despite trailing by 2 at the first break, North took a 35-22 edge into halftime. Throughout the second half, the Cougars continued to keep the momentum on their side. Bolstered by 11 points from Crosby Grizzle and 10 more from Viaan Desai, it was really the all-around play of Nathan Campbell that propelled North to the lead as he collected 9 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals, 5 assists, and 3 blocks! Without looking back and giving West a chance, North finished off the first game with a 64-45 victory!

Now it was B team's turn to take the court and try to do the same. Using a full court pressure defense, the Cougars immediately jumped out on top forcing turnovers and converting baskets on almost every possession. Kaden Rose led the Cougars with 11 points on the night, but Andrew Espinoza was all over the court in support with 10 points, 5 rebounds, 5 steals, 5 assists, and a block for good measure. North held a commanding lead at the half, and despite a slow 3rd quarter and running clock in the 4th, they easily cruised to a 48-25 win to keep the home crowd energized!

Could C team pull off the sweep of these rivals? That was the burning question heading into the nightcap. However, the answer would not be decided early as in the other contests, but would rather come down to the last second bounce on the rim to find out. Unlike the first two games, this final game was a tight affair throughout. North continued to play in front, leading at each of the quarter breaks through the game. Gage Burton led the way with 10 points in the paint, 8 rebounds, and 2 blocks to help the Cougars along the way and Ashmit Adhikari added 7 points as well. As the game was winding to the end, North found itself with a 2 point lead in the final minute. But the game was far from over as West found an open three pointer from the corner with about 10 seconds left to take the lead. North brought the ball down the court and ended up with a baseline inbounds play with only a few seconds remaining in their effort to find a last second win. Despite getting off two shots which both looked promising, the final bounce off the rim fell away from the hoop giving the Wranglers a 26-25 victory to end the night.

With the season's end quickly approaching, hopefully you can come out and support the Cougars in their final contests!


UP NEXT:
Away at CMS EAST on Monday 1/26/26; A team starts at 5:00 PM

OVERALL (8-6)
A: 3-3
B: 3-1
C: 2-2

#GoCougars!