Copper Basin’s Cougar basketball team tipped off their 2023-2024 season Thursday, November 16, as they hosted Nantahala at Copper Basin High School. The Cougars raced out to a 38-8 lead at halftime and coasted the rest of the way, grabbing a 71-34 victory.
Seniors Justus Hamby and Avery Crowder scored 22 points, and 21 points, respectively, to lead Copper Basin on the night. In the opening quarter, Hamby scored eight points and Crowder six, as the Cougars jumped out to a 18-2 lead. Senior Reese Parris and sophomore Drew Crowder added a bucket apiece for the Cougars.
In the second quarter, junior Talon Smith led the way with six points and Parris added four more to his total. Junior Carder Lance drained two free throws and both of the Crowders added two points each, while Hamby and freshman Carson Parris scored two points apiece. The Cougars led 38-8 at the halftime break.
Copper Basin kept their foot on the gas in the third period, as Avery Crowder pumped in seven more points and Hamby scored four. Drew Crowder added two free throws for Basin, as they headed to the final period with a 52-22 lead. Freshman Cash Hamby added a free throw for the Cougars as well.
Hamby added eight more points in the period, knocking down two three-pointers, and Avery Crowder added six more points. Smith scored another basket and Drew Crowder made another free throw, while Lance made his third free throw of the night. Copper Basin outscored Nantahala 19-12 in the final quarter to pick up a nice opening night win, 71-34.