NOLENSVILLE — What looked like a runaway in favor of Nolensville early turned out to be a closely contested third quarter in Cascade's season opener on Tuesday night.

Nolensville was able to connect on seven first-half treys and built a 14-point halftime lead, which Cascade cut to single figures in the third quarter.

In the end, the Knights had a little more gas in the tank and was able to outlast Cascade's rally for the 59-44 win.

“We looked like a team that hasn't played in a while and hasn't had a chance to go against somebody else. Once we settled in and had a chance to running our stuff—we dumped the ball inside and had some success there, made some free throws and then made some stops,” Champion coach Chris Lawson said following his debut as Cascade's new head coach.

“We slowly chipped away. I think we will get there, but it's just a work in progress right now.”

Cascade liberally substituted throughout the game, giving Lawson a chance to mesh different lineups on the court and gauge the potential of his squad.

“When the lights come on and the popcorn starts popping, you can see who is ready and who can play at a varsity level. I was able to see several guys tonight and kind of see what they could do against a really tough opponent,” he said.

Nolensville exploded out of the gates and posted a 10-0 lead barely three minutes into the contest, utilizing an effective three-point attack, and a steady mix of Davin Watkins' ability to drive the paint.

The Knights maintained their double-digit lead through the half, but saw Cascade make a considerable run throughout the third quarter that cut the Knights' lead to three points following a three-pointer by Lucas Clanton with 2:30 left in the quarter.

While Cascade was able to put a scare in the Knights throughout the third quarter, the home team was able to fend off the rally and outscore Cascade 14-7 throughout the fourth quarter to preserve the 15-point win.

With Nolensville thriving from the perimeter in the first half, the Champions took away Nolensville's ranged attack in the second half and kept the Knights scoreless from three-point range in the final two quarters.

Senior Seth Countess led the Champs with 11 points, but it was Ethan Swan's effectiveness in the paint that gives Lawson high hopes for the season's potential.

“He's only been at practice for three days at this point. He showed a little bit of rust as far as knowing where to go and what to do. When we could get him the ball on the block, he did a pretty good job,” he said.

Watkins led all scorers with 19 points, while Max McAllister chipped in 11 for Nolensville.

Cascade will host its home opener against the Webb School on Friday evening at 7:30 p.m.

Cascade 7 12 18 7 — 44

Nolensville 18 15 12 14 — 59

Cascade: Seth Countess 11, Ethan Swan 9, Landon Lane 6, Jackson Davis 5, Lucas Clanton 5, Jacob Curl 4, Jayden Gulick 2, Alex Allison 2,

Nolensville: Davin Watkins 19, Max McAllister 11, Grady Powers 9, Riley Byron 7, Vaughan Jaworski 6, Ashton Smith 5, Keidron Batey 2.

3-Point goals: Nolensville (7): McAllister 3, Watkins 2, Smith, Powers; Cascade (5): Lane 2, Countess, Clanton, Davis.

Halftime score: Nolensville 33, Cascade 17.