Lin’s 21 Points, Perfect Free-Throw Shooting Lift Cougars Past Ridge

Nicholas Mistretta

MHS ’79 Cougar Sports Correspondent

SKILLMAN — Behind a poised, 21-point performance from Ethan Lin and a strong second-half push, the Montgomery Cougars boys varsity basketball team edged Ridge, 44–37, this week to improve to 13–3 on the season.

In a game defined by defense and half-court execution, Montgomery did just enough on both ends to fend off a Ridge team that refused to go away.

The Cougars opened with a 9–4 lead after the first quarter, but Ridge settled in during the second, outscoring Montgomery 10–7 to trim the margin to 16–14 at halftime. The game’s turning point came in the third period, when Montgomery found its rhythm offensively, putting up 16 points to Ridge’s 12 and creating just enough separation heading into the final eight minutes.

Lin was the steadying force throughout, attacking the basket and knocking down perimeter shots. He finished with 21 points, connecting on five two-point field goals and a three-pointer, and was a perfect 8-for-8 from the free-throw line. His trips to the line in the second half were critical in keeping Ridge at arm’s length as the visitors tried to mount a comeback.

Montgomery also received key contributions from its supporting cast:

• Mike Simborski scored 10 points, including two three-pointers.
• Shriyans Mallavarapu added 7 points, going 3-for-5 from the field and 1-for-2 at the line.
• Connor Benedict and James Kamara each hit a three-pointer, finishing with 3 points apiece.

In all, the Cougars knocked down five three-pointers and went 9-for-12 from the stripe, closing out the game with timely shooting and composure in late-game possessions.

Ridge (6–8) countered with a balanced attack. Gabe Kielb, Jake Springsteel and Owen Kovacs each scored 9 points, while Oliver Hockstein added 4 and Jack Donley and Dimitri Romer chipped in 3 apiece. Ridge used its defense to stay close, generating 13 steals and battling on the glass, but could not quite erase Montgomery’s second-half lead.

Down the stretch, the Cougars’ ability to get stops and convert free throws proved decisive. Ridge matched Montgomery nearly point for point in the fourth quarter (12–11), but never managed to overtake their opponent.

Photo Credit: Nicholas Mistretta/headlinenewsmontgomery.com