BOSTON, Mass. -- As the CCSC Cougars competed in the MCSAO Tournament this past weekend at U-Mass Boston, a mix of feelings went through each player’s mind.  However, the thought of sophomore Bayoan Garcia was clear; he predicted that the Cougars would win the entire event Friday night before the tip of the first game.  At that point, never would anyone believe that this brand new team of younger kids could defeat the best of the best and win the tourney.

In the quarterfinal round the Cougars defeated No. 2 seed Codman Academy, 51-45.   Remarkable teamwork resulted in a win for the Cougars.  Bayoan Garcia contributed a game high 18 points, which was well above his average of 13 points per game.  Jude Odige supplied 14 points to the scoreboard, also above his season average of nine points a game.  Geo Morgan scored nine points and had a total of 11 rebounds.

As a team, the Cougars had a game total of 30 rebounds and only nine turnovers.  They dominated the field with a recorded 15 assists and eight steals. 

Although the Lady Cougars fell to No. 2 seed Health Careers in the first round, they played their hearts out.  In their first tournament appearance in history, the girls represented CCSC well before being overtaken 32-23.  HCA jumped out to a big lead, but CCSC cut the gap late in the second half with an effective full court press.  Desirae Johnson scored a career high 12 points and was nominated for all-tournament.  Rachel Jean-Louis and NayNay combined for 11 boards in their last game of the season.

In the second installment of the tournament for the boys, the Cougars overcame Foxboro, 49-45.  The joint effort displayed by the members of the team once again resulted in a win for the Cougars.   Geo Morgan supplied an outstanding 15 points and a recorded 13 rebounds.  Michael Elysee contributed 13 point and eight boards.  Both Bayoan Garcia and Jude Odige supplied eight points each.  Wale Wright delivered four points and five rebounds.

Once again as a team, The Cougars proved to be unstoppable.  Though they had a recorded 16 turnovers, they made up for the stat with a staggering 46 rebounds.  They proved to be a team solely based on group effort with a team total of 13 assists. 
  
After playing two unbelievable games, the Cougars finally made it to the last match, the championship game.  This time they faced No.1 seed Health Careers Academy, which twice dismantled CCSC during the regular season.  The final score this time was 45-39 with the Cougars on top.  The game, meaning so much to both the teams, was a display of astounding teamwork on both sides.  Though Health Careers scored the first points of the game with a three pointer, the Cougars came back strong, soon pulling ahead.  At the end of the first half the Cougars were up 23-18, and they continued strong play into the second half by extending their lead to as many as nine.

Bayoan Garcia had a remarkable 12 points and seven assists.  Geo Morgan contributed 10 points to the scoreboard.  Both Wale Wright and Jude Odige scored six points each.  Michael Elysee delivered seven points to the board and 12 rebounds.  Chuck Tibbs had a game total of four points and four rebounds.

The Cougars proved that they deserved the championship by displaying teamwork that can only result in victory.  As a team they had 31 rebounds and 14 assists. 

Bayoan Garcia was named MVP of the tournament and freshman Geo Morgan was named to the all-tournament team.  The Cougars proved that age isn’t everything even though they overcame the odds by playing mostly against juniors and seniors.  They dominated the field in ways they had never done before, resulting in a well-deserved victory celebration. Congratulations to the CCSC Cougars.