February 28, 2012 > Newark Men's Basketball looks good in first NCS contest Newark Men's Basketball looks good in first NCS contest By John Suza, Photo by Mike Heightchew Newark Memorial High School Cougars moved past the Dougherty Valley Wildcats (San Ramon) in their first round of North Coast Section play 48-31. Even with a slow start, the Cougars got on track near the end of the first period, hitting outside and three-point shots to open an eight point lead. The Wildcats were stubborn and allowed Newark a net of only one more point in the second period. But the second half revealed a fired-up Cougar squad that snuffed out any hope for an upset. Number one seed Newark controlled the court with power and speed that would not be denied. The Wildcats were unable to follow on missed shots as they tried to keep pace with the Cougars. Newark's next opponent is Mt. Eden (Hayward; 19-7), a battle of big men - 6'6" Shamil Sharma and Kevin Clerkley of Mt. Eden Monarchs - under the basket.