By Jeremy McDonald

jeremymcdonald73@gmail.com

TURNER, Ore.–  Cascade’s Landon Knox had himself a game in his first game at the 4A-level, scoring 20 points and had flown around the court, fighting for rebounds and steals to help the Cougars with a relatively strong win to open the 2022-23 season.  Making the transition from 1A basketball from nearby Crosshill Christian to 4A basketball almost with ease out there.

“First off, Glory to God, the transition went smoothly.  these guys accepted me and it feels like a family,” Knox starts.  “I could’ve done any of that without the rest of my teammates, they’re working hard on defense and getting stuff where I get looks or they’re looking for me on the offense while we’re running our offense.  Good coaches, good teammates, it’s a good program and it’s something I feel comfortable in and I’m excited for the rest of the season.”

Knox was one of four Cougars who scored in double-figures, the sophomore guard joined by Anthony Best had 12 points. Spencer Horne contributed 11 and Rogue Newton had ten in the 70-50 win.  A good win nonetheless against a Seaside team that was voted seventh in the Preseason Coaches Poll going into the season and are always a tough team to battle, but it also showed the first game gaps that they can work on going into Game 2 and beyond.  

Turnovers, fouls and just mental lapses allowed the Seagulls to pick at the deficit that the Cougars presented them and turned the game into a 29-23 contest late in the first half.  A 5-0 run to close out the half that sparked a 21-12 advantage by the late part of the third quarter had ultimately was the difference in the win as they now prepare for a Philomath-like test Friday in Independence when they take on an athletically and tall Central squad.  Creating energy during that span and sustaining it for the second half with the squad showing glimpses of what they’re capable of.

“Our energy was just so good. Just jumping into our first game, we’re just pumped and we just ran and we’re excited,” Best said. “We’re going to work, we’re going to work.  No team likes us right now and we like it.  The targets on our back.”

The Cougars-Panthers tip off at 7pm at Central High School.

Photos By Jeremy McDonald