Cougars Blitz Hamilton West Early, Stay Perfect with 75–27 Victory

Nicholas Mistretta

MHS ’79 Cougar Sports Correspondent

MONTGOMERY — Montgomery’s boys varsity basketball team wasted no time making a statement.

The Cougars jumped all over visiting Hamilton West on Friday night, racing out to a massive first-half lead and cruising to a 75–27 win to remain unbeaten at 6–0.

Montgomery erupted for 25 points in the first quarter while holding Hamilton West to just 6, then followed that with a 30–4 second quarter to take a commanding 55–10 lead into the locker room. With the game well in hand, the Cougars rotated freely in the second half, outscoring Hamilton 11–2 in the third before easing to the finish.

Lin pours in 26 to lead balanced attack
Guard Ethan Lin powered Montgomery’s offense with a game-high 26 points, attacking the rim and knocking down outside shots. Lin connected on seven two-point field goals, three three-pointers, and added 3 points from the line, setting the tone during the Cougars’ dominant first-half run.

He had no shortage of support.

• Mike Simborski scored 14 points, hitting four two-pointers and a pair of threes.
• Mohamed Ndiaye provided strong minutes off the bench with 9 points, finishing well around the basket and adding a free throw.
• Connor Benedict chipped in 8 points, including two three-pointers, helping stretch the Hamilton West defense.
• James Kamara added 6 points, while Shriyans Mallavarapu scored 4 and Xavier Harrigan had 2.

Perimeter shooters Sebastian Kyler and James Henderson each hit a three-pointer, finishing with 3 points apiece.

In total, Montgomery drilled nine three-pointers, combining that outside touch with efficient scoring in transition and the half-court.

Defense sets the tone
As impressive as the offense was, Montgomery’s defense was just as dominant, particularly in the first three quarters. The Cougars limited Hamilton West to:

• 6 points in the first quarter
• 4 points in the second
• 2 points in the third

Hamilton West finally found some rhythm in the fourth, scoring 15 points, but by then the outcome was long decided.

For the Hornets, Noreon Martinez led the way with 11 points, including a three-pointer and a pair of free throws. Nakye Bradshaw added 9 points on three field goals and a three, while Dy’zier Williams scored 3, Deshawn Jones had 2, and Luke Radoslovich added 2 from the line.

Montgomery continues its undefeated start and again showed why it is emerging as one of the more formidable teams in the area: deep, balanced scoring, disruptive defense, and the ability to put games out of reach early.

Photo Credit: Nicholas Mistretta/headlinenewsmontgomery.com