The East Cougars put on a shooting clinic at the 8th Annual Jimmy V Tournament on Saturday, December 21st at Cherokee High School, winning 72-38. Both teams came in ready to defeat, as East was coming off an undefeated preseason and Gloucester Catholic was coming off a win in their season opener.

The East Cougars were led by Ryan Greene (‘20), Drew Greene (‘22) and Jake Green (‘22) who combined for 55 points. Each of these players contributed something different to the first game of the season. Drew Greene scored 23 points, including an 11-point third quarter. Jake Green scored six three pointers in his first official varsity game. Ryan Greene dropped 12 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 blocks. Jarren Andrade (‘20), another impactful player, added to that with 5 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists and 3 steals. Not only that, but the East Cougars managed to score 13 three-pointers and were lethal in transition.

From the start, the East Cougars had control of the game as quick ball movement and feisty defense proved to be too much to handle for Gloucester Catholic. The East Cougars defense held the Rams to a meager three points in the first quarter. The quarter ended with a teardrop in the paint from Ryan Greene and a blitz of threes from Jake Green and Drew Greene.

In the second quarter, the East Cougars went from a 15-3 lead to a 39-17 margin. They played with attitude as a few blocks, steals and celebrations gave East a satisfying lead heading into halftime.

The third quarter began with more dominance as East continued to hit shots and control the pace of play. With five minutes remaining, East heated up and hit a flurry of jump shots that opened up the paint for layups. With a minute left in the quarter, Ryan Greene hit Andrade with a no look pass in transition that got the Saturday morning crowd on their feet.

After the fourth quarter, the game ended with a score of 72-38. Hustle plays from Noah Rose (‘21) and Ben Adler (‘21), as well as a three from Ryan Bloom (‘21), helped bring the East Cougars a win.

The Cougars will hope to ride the momentum of this win as they take on Camden Catholic on December 23rd at Camden Catholic. A new era of East basketball is off to a blazing start.