Cougars Run By Rahway In Opener

The opening contest of the 2023-2024 season saw a Colts Neck squad with several key returnees take on a Rahway team that is growing into its own and is rebuilding its proud legacy with a new generation.

The game was a see-saw battle throughout the first half with both teams finding their sea legs in the opening two quarters. Rahway led at the break 28-25, led by 5’10” senior guard Craig West with 10 points. Colts Neck held serve in the opening half behind a double digit half from 6’7” senior Vova Trotsko.

In the third, the back-and-forth battle continued as the teams traded tough defensive stops, with Rahway holding a tight margin midway through the quarter. The Cougars had several opportunities to form a run but found a lid on the rim from close range and at the foul line which prevented them from making a move to take the lead in the ballgame until a half dozen free throws from senior guard Michael Belcher along with a Vova layup cut the margin to 31-30. Colts Neck found a lead after a Lucas Sloane layup continued their run and gave them a 34-31 lead with just under 3:00 to play in the quarter. Colts Neck came up with a pair of stops to end the third with a 41-36 lead.

Trotsko would find his groove in the fourth. The Cougars senior forward would find Belcher under the basket for a layup, follow a miss with a putback one minute later, then firmly plant Colts Neck in the drivers seat with two more layups to to extend the lead to 12 with under four minutes to play in the ballgame. He would add a pair of free throws at the 3:00 mark to push the lead beyond 15. The Cougars sealed the game at the free throw line late and walked out of Earl H. Walter Gymnasium with a solid double digit win to start the year, with the final score 62-50.

Case Agency Player Of The Game:

Vova Trotsko, Colts Neck.

The 6'7" senior came alive in the second half and sparked the Cougars run to take the lead and not look back. His play on offense was coupled with his ability to influence Rahway shots on defense. Vova finished with 20 points on the night. Honorable mention to Michael Belcher of the Cougars.The Misericordia bound guard also produced a fantastic start to his senior year with 18 points.

Next Up: Colts Neck will host Red Bank Catholic(1-0) on Tuesday at 5:30 PM. Rahway travels to traditional rival Roselle(0-1) on Saturday at 1PM.

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