March 5, 2013 > Cougars advance in Division II Championships Cougars advance in Division II Championships Submitted By Mike Heightchew Newark Memorial's Cougars advanced to the North Coast Section Division II Championship as they overcame a furious first quarter assault by the Montgomery Vikings (Santa Rosa) in the semi-final matchup February 27 at Washington High School (Fremont). The Vikings attacked quickly with a determined offense by shooting stars Keil Long and Alec Raven, hoping to put the Cougars off-balance. It worked, barely, creating a slim one point lead (11-10) at the end of the first quarter. Landing on their feet, the Cougars displayed why they will go to the championship game as they put on a display of all-around basketball prowess. The defense led the way, fighting hard on every play under the basket and smothering Raven and Long with double coverage. As the tone of the game changed, the Cougar offensive power of Jo Jo Zamora (17 points) and Joey Frenchwood (13 points) began to score at will. By the end of the contest, it was clear that the Newark Memorial Cougars (22-7) belong in the championship game facing the Dublin Gaels (24-5) on their home court at Dublin High School Friday, March 1. Dublin advanced to the finals with a convincing win over Mt. Eden (Hayward).