The Copper Basin Lady Cougars basketall team traveled to Chattanooga Tuesday, December 10, to take on the Chattanooga School for the Arts and Sciences Lady Patriots.
The Lady Cougars started out strong and never let up in the district game, topping the Lady Patriots 51-43.
Senior Hailey Brackett was a force in the paint, scoring eight points on four, two-point buckets in the first quarter. Skyler Nipper also had success down low, scoring three, two-point buckets for six points. Riley Smith got a two-point shot to go as well for a 16-point first quarter for Copper Basin.
The Lady Cougars held CSAS to 12 points in the first for a 16-12 lead. Brackett continued to lead Copper Basin on offense in the second, scoring four points on a two-point bucket and two free throws. Emily Hemming and Nipper scored a two-point bucket each to cap an eight point second quarter for the Lady Cougars. The Lady Patriots tied Copper Basin with eight points in the second as the Lady Cougars hung on to a 24-18 lead at halftime.
Hemming and Smith came out hot in the third quarter as the duo combined for eight points on two, two-point buckets each. Raegan Higdon, Nipper and Laney Jory scored a two-point basket each to give the Lady Cougars 14 points in the third. Copper Basin’s defense was solid in the third, holding the Lady Patriots to nine points as the Lady Cougars increased their lead 38-27 heading into the fourth quarter.
The free throw game was huge for Copper Basin in the fourth quarter as the Lady Cougars converted 11-17 from the free throw stripe. Hemming scored a two-point bucket and converted five free throws, while Brackett netted a two-point basket and three free throws.
Higdon converted two free throws and Nipper converted one for a 13-point Lady Cougar fourth quarter.
CSAS tried to make a comeback, scoring 16 points in the fourth, but Copper Basin held off the Lady Patriots for a 51-43 district win.
CBHS 16 08 14 13 - 51
CSAS 12 06 09 16 - 43
Lady Cougars summary:
Points: Brackett 17, Hemming 13, Nipper 11, R. Smith 6, Higdon 4, Jory 2.
Free throws: Hemming 5-5, Brackett 5-8, Higdon 2-4, Nipper 1-2, R. Smith 0-2.