Cougars clamp down defensively in road win over Linton-HMB
A relentless defensive pace and balanced team approach propelled the Central McLean Cougars girls basketball team to a 47-29 road victory over Linton-HMB on Tuesday, Dec. 16, as the Cougars continued their strong early-season run in Division B, Region 4 play.
From the opening minutes, Central McLean dictated tempo with quick rotations, active hands and constant communication on the defensive end. The Cougars consistently disrupted passing lanes, forced rushed decisions and limited Linton-HMB’s opportunities to establish any offensive rhythm.
“The speed at which they move on the defensive end of the court causes lots of uncertainty for teams,” said Central McLean head coach Kipp Sparrow.
That defensive pressure translated into transition opportunities and steady control of the game flow. While Central McLean did not rely on any one scoring run to break the game open, the Cougars gradually extended their lead by stringing together stops and capitalizing on possessions at the other end.
Sparrow credited his team’s ability to read the game and communicate freely rather than playing within rigid systems.