Cougar Sports Weekly Update
By Nicholas Mistretta – MHS ‘79
Cougar Sports Correspondent
February 16, 2025
Wrestling Makes History with Record-Breaking Season
The Montgomery High School wrestling team continues its dominant run, setting a new school record with their 23rd win of the season. This milestone comes in the final season for longtime head coach Jay Stuart, who will pass the torch to Assistant Coach Thigpen next year. The Cougars secured back-to-back victories over the weekend, further cementing their stellar season.
On Friday, Montgomery overpowered Hamilton West with a commanding 57-22 victory. Key wins included falls from Gavin Fong (120 lbs.), Shay Cheskis (132 lbs.), Josh Malek (144 lbs.), Jackson Obe (150 lbs.), Austin Allen (190 lbs.), and Jack Dowling (285 lbs.).
Saturday’s match against Dover proved to be a tougher contest, but the Cougars pulled off a 42-31 win. Highlights included pins from Fong (120 lbs.), Reyes (138 lbs.), Obe (150 lbs.), Allen (190 lbs.), Ahmad (215 lbs.), and Dowling (285 lbs.).
As the team eyes the postseason, their record-breaking success provides strong momentum heading into tournament play.
Boys Basketball Falls in Heartbreaker to Rutgers Prep
The Montgomery boys’ basketball team suffered a heartbreaking loss in the Somerset County Tournament semifinals, falling 71-62 to Rutgers Prep on Saturday.
Despite the loss, Ethan Lin delivered a phenomenal performance, scoring a game-high 31 points, including seven three-pointers. Mike Simborski added eight points, with one coming from beyond the arc. The Cougars fought hard but ultimately couldn’t overcome a strong second-half surge from Rutgers Prep.
With the county tournament run coming to an end, Montgomery will look to regroup and focus on their upcoming state tournament matchups.
Girls Basketball Notches Gritty Win Over Hopewell Valley
The Montgomery girls’ varsity basketball team secured a hard-fought 36-31 victory over Hopewell Valley on Thursday.
Alia Johnson led the charge with 14 points, including three three-pointers. Aliza Schulberg contributed nine points, while Ryane Riddell added eight. The Cougars’ defensive effort proved key in closing out the win.