A potent offensive attack has been the trademark of the Copper Basin Cougars in their first two outings of the 2024-25 basketball season as the team has put 140 points on the scoreboard in its first two games.
The season opener November 18 against North Georgia Christian Academy (NGCA) saw Copper Basin score 69 points to the opponent’s 45 in a game played at Copper Basin.
Four Cougars scored in double figures led by the team’s two seniors, Talon Smith who had 15 points and Carder Lance who was right behind with 14. Dawson Pittman added 11 and Drew Crowder was on his heels with 10.
Also putting points up for the Cougars were Darrius Harris with seven, Carson Parris with five, AJ Pero who had four, and Cash Hamby with three.
NGCA held the Cougars close in the first period, the home town favorites leading 19-15 at the buzzer,
Then the second quarter rolled around and at halftime the Cougars’ lead had increased to 17, as the hosts outscored the visitors 21-8 to take a 40-23 lead.
Copper Basin maintained its momentum in the third stanza, outscoring NGCA 17-10 before closing out the final quarter 12-12.
The following night, November 19, the Cougars hosted Nantahala and repeated a strong offensive performance. But Nantahala proved a much tougher opponent.
Led by Harris’ six first quarter points, the Cougars led their opponents 13-12 at the end of the first stanza.
The second period saw Copper Basin inch ahead to a five-point, 33-28 lead behind 10 points from Smith.
At the end of the third, Basin led 57-45, and at the final buzzer claimed a 71-67 win as Nantahala had fought back hard in the final period.
Smith led the Cougar attack with 24 points, followed by Lance with 13 and Harris with 10. Parris tossed in nine Cougar points followed by Pero and Pittman with six points apiece and Crowder with five.