The Copper Basin Lady Cougars traveled to Benton, Monday, January 27, for a catfight against their in-county rival the Polk County Lady Wildcats.
Copper Basin fell behind early, but a 21-point fourth quarter put the Lady Cougars back in the game. Time expired before Copper Basin could complete the comeback attempt as the Lady Cougars fell to the Lady Wildcats 47-40.
Copper Basin scored eight points in the first quarter, with senior Emily Hemming leading the way with four points on two, two-point buckets. Hailey Brackett showed her range by knocking down a three-point basket, and Raegan Higdon fought her way to the free throw stripe, converting one free throw. Polk County was able to score 16 points in the first as they led 16-8.
Brackett led the Lady Cougars in the second, scoring four points on two, two-point baskets, while Higdon rattled in a two-point bucket to cap the scoring the second quarter. The Lady Wildcats were able to outscore Copper Basin 8-6 in the second quarter to lead 24-14 at halftime.
Skyler Nipper and Brackett scored a two-point basket each in the third, while Higdon converted one free throw for a five point Lady Cougars third quarter. Polk County tallied seven points to increase their lead 31-19 to start the fourth.
The Lady Cougars found an offensive rhythm in the fourth quarter, stringing together 21 points. Hemming battled to bring her team back, scoring seven points on a two-point bucket and five free throws. Higdon got a long range three ball to fall and a two-point basket for five points, while Nipper converted a free throw. Sydney Hickey and Riley Smith scored four points each in the fourth, with Hickey netting a three ball and a free throw. Smith rattled in a two-point basket and two free throws. Polk County was able to score 15 points in the fourth, barely holding the Lady Cougars off as Copper Basin fell 46-40.
CB 08 06 05 21 - 40
PC 16 08 07 15 - 46
Lady Cougars summary:
Points: Hemming 11, Brackett 9, Higdon 9, Hickey 4, R. Smith 4, Nipper 3.
Free throws: Hemming 5-7, R. Smith 2-4, Nipper 1-2, Higdon 2-5, Hickey 1-4.