The visiting Alexander Cougars turned in two impressive performances, sweeping New Manchester in a basketball doubleheader Friday night at New Manchester High School.

In the girls’ game, the Lady Cougars scored the first points of the game and never trailed in a 44-25 performance.

Alexander’s defense was dominant in the boys game as they went on to a 57-42 victory.

In the opening game, Mollie Brown scored nine points in the first quarter to pace the AHS attack. The Lady Cougars led 17-4 after the first quarter and never looked back.

The second quarter slowed down as both teams struggled to find the basket. New Manchester’s Deesha Brefford scored four points but Alexander had four players score in the period and led 26-10 at halftime.

Claudia Hester hit a three pointer and added another basket in the third quarter to help Alexander increase its lead to 37-16 heading into the final eight minutes.

Brown led the Lady Cougars with 14 points with Hester adding eight, all in the second half.

New Manchester’s Brefford scored in every quarter on her way to 10 points.

In the boys’ game, Alexander took control early. 

Leading 7-6, Hassani Gravett  started an 8-0 run for Alexander to help the Cougars hold a 15-6 lead at the end of the first quarter.

A balanced attack by Alexander and a stout defense forced several bad shots in the second quarter as they led 30-27.

New Manchester attempted to fight back but a furious 11-5 run by Alexander at the start of the second half was too much. Lemarcus Fraizer had four points and Karim Mawuenyega had three in the rally for the Cougars.

For Alexander, Mawuenyega and Frazier paced the attack. Mawuenyega finished with a game-high 19 points while Frazier added eight of his 10 points in the second half.

Ryan Edwards scored eight points to pace New Manchester.

Both teams will now take time off for the Thanksgiving break.

New Manchester will return to action on Nov. 27 when both the boys and the girls travel to North Paulding for the teams first region match-up. The girls will play at 6 p.m. and the boys will follow at 7:30 p.m.

Alexander will also return on the 27th to play cross-county team Chapel Hill at CHHS. Girls will play at 6 p.m. and the boys will follow.