The Copper Basin Cougars hosted the Tellico Plains Bears Tuesday, January 7. For the Cougars, a win would give them a 10-4 record on the year and would put them in the driver’s seat in their district with a 3-0 record.
Copper Basin did just that as they jumped out early and handled business down the stretch for a 47-38 win over the Bears.
The Cougars tallied 12 points in the first quarter, with Tim Fair and Logan Tallent combining for eight points. Fair rattled in a two-point floater and converted two free throws, while Tallent netted a three ball and a free throw. Nate Deal and Logan Burkett were able to grind out a two-point bucket each. Copper Basin held Tellico to nine points in the first as the Cougars led 12-9.
Burkett scored a three ball and two-point bucket to lead the Cougars in the second quarter, while Fair rattled in a three-point bucket to give Copper Basin eight points.
Tellico was held to six points as the Cougars headed into halftime with a 20-15 lead.
Fair erupted for nine points in the third quarter, scoring on a three ball and three, two-point baskets. Tim Jabaley netted four points on a two-point basket and two free throws, while Tallent sank a two-point bucket and converted on free throw for a 16-point third quarter.
Tellico put up 12 points in the third as they trailed Copper Basin 36-27. The free throw game was big in the fourth, as Burkett scored seven points on two, two-point buckets and three free throws. Chase Mickens and Fair scored on a two-point basket each to cap an 11-point fourth quarter. Tellico tried to make a comeback, scoring 11 points, but they were unsuccessful as the Cougars got the victory and are undefeated in district play.
CBHS 12 08 16 11 - 47
TPHS 09 06 12 11 - 38
Cougars summary:
Points: Fair 18, Burkett 14, Tallent 7, Jabaley 4, Deal 2, Mickens 2
Free throws: Jabaley 2-2, Fair 2-3, Burkett 3-5, Tallent 2-5.