The Year 7 Carisbrooke Cougars put in a fantastic team performance today as they defeated Ryde School 28–17 in an exciting and action-packed match which has now led to the boys winning four games in a row, which is a new record for the Carisbrooke sides in year 7.

The Cougars came out firing in the first quarter, showing confidence and composure from the tip-off. Joshua led the charge early, scoring 6 superb points, while Albie added 2 to help Carisbrooke race into an 8–4 lead. The energy was high, the defence was sharp, and the ball movement was impressive. However, just as it looked like the Cougars would take full control, Ryde hit a dramatic last-second buzzer beater to close the quarter, keeping the game alive and adding a bit of tension to proceedings!

Not to be rattled, Carisbrooke stepped it up another level in the second quarter. The scoring was shared beautifully across the team, with baskets from Joshua, Jenson, and Sullivan stretching the lead. One of the standout moments of the game came when Joshua drove hard to the basket, drawing the defence before delivering a perfectly timed dish to Jack, who finished confidently for his first points of the game, a brilliant example of teamwork in action! By half-time, the Cougars had built a commanding 16–4 lead and with Jake and Jenson closing down any scoring opportunities for the opposition close to the basket, blocks from Joshua and Sullivan attacking anything that came near him, the game was looking like being a one-sided match going forwards.

However, the third quarter brought a shift in momentum as Ryde began to find some rhythm. Despite this, Carisbrooke were still able to win the quarter 8–6, Carisbrooke thanks to some gritty team defence and continued scoring threat.  Albie was picking off interceptions with ease, Reuben was getting into passing lanes and Thomas was increasing his attacking presence, leading to Ryde having to collapse their defensive structure, which led to more open shots for the Cougars. Jenson was beginning to open up the game by pushing the fast break and, on another night, could have added another 10 points to his total should the ball fall in his favour. Halfway through the third quarter, an unfortunate injury to Joshua meant the team had to adjust quickly, leading to some changes in rotation that unsettled the flow slightly. However, the Cougars showed resilience and continued to battle on both ends of the court, with debutant Oscar showing composure at both ends of the court and contributing well on the rebounds.

In the final quarter, Ryde pushed hard in an attempt to claw their way back into the game. Rotations continued, energy levels were tested, and the pressure mounted. But Carisbrooke had already laid the foundations earlier in the match. The team spirit never wavered, and one of the defining moments came from Jake, who produced the defensive highlight of the game by bravely stepping in to take a charge despite the game already being over, a huge play that lifted the team and demonstrated real courage and commitment.

In the end, the Cougars’ strong start and excellent teamwork proved decisive, sealing a well-deserved 28–17 victory.

A fantastic team performance with great scoring, resilience, and defensive effort. Well done Year 7 Cougars and to Ryde School for making it a good battle throughout.