UPPER LAKE >> The Upper Lake Cougars shut out an opponent in the first quarter for the second game and second night in a row Friday en route to a 70-30 North Central League II victory over Roseland Collegiate Prep at Upper Lake High School.
After blanking Tomales 30-0 in the first quarter on Thursday, the Cougars outscored Roseland College Prep 11-0.
“I don’t know what the secret is,” Upper Lake coach Justin Dutcher said when asked about his team’s defense blanking an opponent in the first quarter of back-to-back games. “I’ll have to figure it out so we can keep doing it.”
While the Upper Lake offense didn’t have the night it had against Tomales, the Cougars, now 2-1 in league play and 7-8 overall, certainly weren’t lacking for defense.
“They just hustle and fly around,” Dutcher said of his players. “We just flat out shut them down.”
Upper Lake picked up the pace at the offensive end in the second quarter and had a 34-8 lead by halftime. The Cougars allowed only one field goal and six free throws in the first half.
“We’re quick, athletic and aggressive,” Dutcher said in describing the strengths of the Upper Lake defense.
Kenny Hodges’ 19 points paced the Cougars and he also had eight rebounds and five steals. Isaiah Garcia added 14 points, six assists and five steals. Andrew Brackett pulled down a team-best 14 rebounds.
Upper Lake takes a step up in competition Tuesday at home against Sonoma Academy.
