Perez and Co. keep winning

The Riverdale Baptist Crusaders of Maryland were defeated by the Clark Cougars at the Lone Star Invitational tournament 52-50.  From the DMVElite.com website:

The Crusaders (1-0) won the National Christian School Athletic Association Division 1A championship in April with an 81-56 win over Team FCA from Pennsylvania. Despite that success, the Crusaders still feel like they have something to prove. Durant said he and his teammates were motivated after being left out of ESPN’s Preseason Powerade Fab 50 rankings, which feature No. 3 Oak Hill Academy, No. 4 Montrose Christian, No. 13 DeMatha Catholic, No. 19 Gonzaga and No. 45 John Carroll.

“We should be ranked, like, Top 10 this year,” Durant said. “We’re all seniors and we know how to play the game. We’ve seen the rankings on ESPN, and we’re trying to kill everybody; we’re coming.”

Not so fast was the message from Clark.  Adam Perez had 16 points in the win and solid team play and another great defensive showing gave the Cougars the win.

Up next is Churchill at Churchill this morning.

Perez and Cougars earning respect

After starting the season not ranked in the Express News city rankings, the Clark Cougars varsity basketball team, ranked early on by the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches, makes the Express News list at #4, following wins over Highlands, Reagan and Johnson.  The Cougars also moved up to #8 in the state.

Senior PG Adam Perez was also given a “game ball” by the Express News as a result of his play of late.

The Cougars next compete in this weekend’s Lone Star Invitational, a top-rated national tournament, here in San Antonio.

Keep it up, gentlemen and good job.

Lye hangs 17 on the Jags

The Clark Cougars varsity basketball teams won one but lost one to the Johnson Jaguars.  The girls played first and what looked to be a runaway win to the 12-1 Jags quickly became a contest in the 2nd half.  Down 21-32 at the half, the Coogs cut the Jags lead to 4 after three quarters.  In the 4th, with :50 seconds left in the game, the Cougars tied it at 46 but lost on a last second layup by Johnson.  The final score: Clark 46-Johnson 48.

The boys lead the entire game, including an exciting 4-8 lead after one quarter of play.  Johnson, who played possession ball and shot only 5 times in the 8:00 minute first quarter, fell behind 10-21 at the half.  In the 2nd half, the Jags showed signs of life, cutting the Cougars lead to 5 at one point but Clark turned up the pace on both offense and defense with the result being a 54-37 win.

envision PHOTOS

Cougars hustling to state recognition

The Clark Cougar varsity basketball team easily defeated the Reagan Rattlers, 68-49. Reagan, ranked #4 in the city by the Express News and ranked #17 in the state by the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches, won the NISD tournament last weekend. Clark, unranked by the Express News and ranked #12 in the state, played in the prestigious McDonald’s Texas Invitational tournament last weekend, defeated Richardson Berkner, the #3 ranked team in the state and played tight games with #2 and #5.

Against Reagan, the Cougars displayed an improved defense and had good play from several players, including Adam Perez, Niko Maxwell and John Chapman put up 10 points (despite the Express News stats). The Cougars never were behind during the game and steals by Perez and Justin Brickman and inside defense from Travis Matthews kept Reagan from gaining momentum.

The Cougars are now 6-2 and take on Johnson (2-5) next Monday.

envision! Photos

Courtesy Bill Jones

Congratulations to Cross Country junior runner Austin Wells.  Representing Clark at the Region IV meet, he placed 3rd.  As a result, he will advance to the state meet to be held next week in Round Rock.

Way to go AUSTIN!

#46 Evan Meyer

In the last thirty years of Clark football, since 1981, the Cougars have only missed the playoffs for two consecutive years once – 1999 and 2000. Unfortunately, history may repeat itself as Clark lost to the O’Connor Panthers 31-8 in a season-ending shocker. The Cougars must now hope for a Taft victory over Stevens to claim the final playoff position.

To the players and especially the seniors, thanks for your hard work and dedication to Clark.  You’ve given us some great memories and you’ll certainly be missed.  We’re very proud of you.  Although it may not feel like it now, don’t ever forget; “…it’s a good day to be a Clark Cougar…”

• Express News article/slideshow
• envision! PHOTOS

Here’s a look at those responsible for the 2011 Clark Cougar varsity football players.  You can also see the cheer and dance moms and dads and friends performing (links below).  This event was held at the 2011 Black Out pep rally held each year before the cat fight with O’Connor.

Cheer Parents’ Video

Dance Moms’ Video

2011 JV team members

The JV girls team of Emily Stewart, Emilia Jansse, Madi Claus, Emily Johnson , and Kaylee Johnson competed in their very first tournament of the season on October 31st.  This tournament was a novice 9 hole tournament with the first two hours of the day devoted to instruction by PGA certified golf pro’s.  The girls were able to work on all aspects of their game, from drives to putting, and then take advantage of their practice on the course.  Our girls, many of whom are first year golfers, were able to take what they learned and place 4th.  Way to go team.  We are very proud of your amazing start!

Additionally, the varsity boys are psyched and ready for this weekend!  The team of JT Caldarola, Trevor Colen, Tyler Bercher, Jeremy Gordon, and Jordan Gregory will be participating in the NEISD Texas Shootout.  This two-day tournament at Pecan Valley starts Friday morning at 9:44 a.m. with Clark teeing off at the first hole.  The boys play 18 holes on Friday and then are back on the course Saturday morning for another 18 holes.  If you are in the Pecan Valley area, stop by and cheer the boys on!!

Go Cougars!

Cougars ready to roar!

The Express News game of the Week is the Clark Cougar/O’Connor Panther cat fight that takes place this Friday.  What’s at stake? – the final playoff position for District 27-5A.  You can read what the experts think here.

Thanks, seniors.

The Clark Cougars varsity volleyball team bowed out of the playoffs wth a tough match against defending regional champion CC King in first round action.  The Cougars finished the season at 24-15, an improvement from last season with plenty to build on.

You can read more about the final game here.  Thanks for a great season, ladies!