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Dustin Kimmel scored all 11 of his points in the first half to get the Buccs rolling.
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Team
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CCC
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ALL
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Ansonia
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11-0
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18-2
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Covington
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10-1
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12-8
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National Trail
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9-2
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17-3
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Bethel
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4-4
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8-6
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Twin Valley South
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5-4
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9-6
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Newton
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4-4
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6-9
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Tri-Village
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4-4
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7-8
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Arcanum
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4-4
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6-9
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Tri-County North
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1-8
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2-13
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Franklin Monroe
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1-7
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5-10
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Mississinawa Valley
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2-5
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2-10
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Bradford
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0-11
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1-19
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December 27, 2003 – COVINGTON
Poor free throw shooting has plagued the Buccs throughout their first six games. They were able to overcome the struggles from the line to win their first four games. But, as the competition became stiffer, the Buccs found out they couldn't afford those missed opportunities and expect to win.
That was the case tonight as the Buccs connected on only 10 of their 22 free throw attempts in a 59-45 loss to Marion Local. To make matters worse for the Buccs, they turned the ball over 20 times.
"This was a good measuring stick for us at this point," said Covington coach Roger Craft. "Marion Local is a good team, so for us to beat these types of teams, we have to shoot better and take care of the ball."
The game throughout was physical as Marion Local jumped out to a 17-8 lead after one period of play.
The Buccs managed to play the Flyers even in the second period, but was never able to close the gap before halftime. Covington only connected on 1 of 6 free throws in the half, 3 of those on the front end of one-and-ones. Thanks to aggressive defense, the Buccs managed to hold Marion Local to only 9 points in the period to go in at halftime only down 26-16.
"Those missed free throws really hurt us in the first half," commented coach Craft. "If we make the front end of the one-and-ones, it's a different story going into halftime. Instead, we are down by ten and have to play catch-up in the second half."
If the first half was one to forget for the Buccs, the third period was a nightmare. The Buccs only connected on 1 field goal in the third as Marion Local tourched the nets for 22 points in the period to increased their lead to 48-24 heading into the final 8 minutes.
"We had problems attacking their zone defense, which they play very well," said Craft. "They (Marion Local) are very physical on defense and when your not shooting the ball well, it's tough to get anything going offensively."
Even with their struggles, the Buccs came storming back in the final period. Covington outscored Marion Local 21-11 in the final 8 minutes, but the 24-point cushion the Flyers had built was too much to overcome.
"I'm very proud of the way the kids fought back late in the game," complemented coach Craft. "There's no quit in this group at all. We're a little disappointed now, but we'll take this game and learn from it. The things that are hurting us now are correctable."
Matt McCord led the Buccs with 11 points, while Dustin Kimmel knocked down 10 points. Gene Studebaker came off of the bench to score 8 points, including a 3-pointer.
Ross Mohler had a solid night under the boards with 14 rebounds, while McCord pulled down 9 rebounds of his own.
The Buccs fall to 4-2 on the season and host Russia next Tuesday, December 30.
Covington Scoring:
Matt McCord – 11
Dustin Kimmel – 10
Gene Studebaker – 8
Brady Reck – 6
Dusty Rhoades – 6
Ross Mohler – 2
Dallas Burelison – 2
Scoring by quarters:
Covington ........8......16.....24.....45
Marion Local....17......26.....48.....59
Records:
Covington 4-2, Marion Local 3-1
Note: Due to the Ohio State football game on January 2nd, the time for the Buccs' game against Franklin Monore that same night has been changed. The junior varsity game will begin at 4:30pm and the varisty game will begin at 6:00pm. The OSU football game starts at 8:00pm EST.
