The home opener of the 2015-2016 Cherry Hill East basketball season was full of spirit as the roaring Cougars began their season 2-0. In the books is the 61-49 win over Glassboro High punctuated with a cheering Countrymen fan section behind them. The first quarter set the mood for the competition, ending in a 9-9, neck-to-neck tie.

In the first quarter, Senior guard Olin McClendon (‘16) scored three points, and center Timmy Perry (‘16) scored six points. Perry was able to throw down a huge dunk which encouraged the spirits of the East Countrymen and gave the team momentum to take the lead in the second quarter.

Never looking back, East lead the second quarter 31-19 thanks to junior guard, Joey DiAntonio (‘17) and McClendon both adding eight points to the scoreboard.

In the third quarter, East triumphantly continued to lead the game, with six more points from Perry, and three foul shots from guard Josh Hall (‘18). East was able to stop an aggressive Glassboro from coming back in the game, outscoring them 13-11. In the fourth quarter, East was able to fend off more comeback attempts by Glassboro, thanks to three 3-pointers from DiAntonio, adding to his game high of 21 points and five 3-pointers. Also, McClendon made four foul shots, allowing him to finish with seventeen points and Perry, was able to finish with 16 points and 17 rebounds. Other scorers in the game were Evan Campbell (‘17) with two points in the second quarter and Lee Rosen-Swell (‘16) with two also in the second quarter.

East has done very well in their last two games, even after losing some of their top players who helped the team win 2 consecutive championships. Nevertheless, there are many new contributors to help keep the team alive, such as new starting point guard, Campbell, guard DiAntonio, and Hall. East looks to start the season 3-0 as they host Lindenwold on Wednesday, December 23, in Cougar Country.