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Seth Mohler recorded a double-double with 14 points and 14 rebounds.
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| Darin Rhoades returned from a dislocated finger to his shooting hand to score 10 fourth period points. |
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Team
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CCC
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ALL
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Ansonia
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10-1
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16-4
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Twin Valley South
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9-2
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15-5
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National Trail
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7-4
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14-6
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Franklin Monroe
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7-3
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10-8
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Covington
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7-4
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11-10
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Tri-Village
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6-5
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9-11
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Tri-County North
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5-6
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9-11
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Arcanum
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4-7
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9-11
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Bethel
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5-6
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8-12
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Newton
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2-9
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4-16
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Mississinawa Valley
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2-9
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4-16
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Bradford
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0-11
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0-20
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February 11, 2005 – LEWISBURG
The Covington Buccaneers closed out the regular season schedule with a 67-56 victory over Tri-County North, Friday to up their record to 11-9 overall and 7-4 in the Cross County Conference. Covington overcame a third period surge from the host Panthers by making plays in the final period to capture the win.
Leading 34-23 after the half, Covington only managed four field goals and 11 points in the third, while North torched the nets for 21 points to close the gap to 45-44. Plus, Covington received a scare as leading scorer, Darin Rhoades left the game with a dislocated finger, only to return midway through the fourth to spark a Buccaneer run of their own.
"I'm proud of the way the kids kept their composure after they (North) made a run," said Covington coach, Roger Craft after his 100th career victory. "We've been in that situation before and I just told the kids it was a matter of making plays and doing what it takes to win; like rebounding, making good choices with the ball, and finding open shots."
Covington made the plays they needed, but none was bigger then a long-range trey by Rhoades with 4:30 left in the game.
With Covington holding a 51-49 lead, Rhoades returned to the game from his injury and buried a trey and then knocked down four straight free throws to push Covington's lead to 58-49. Rhoades, who scored a team-high 21 points, accounted for 10 Covington points in the final 4:30 of the game.
"Darin really stepped up when we needed it," commented Craft. "I was worried about him after he came out holding his hand, but he's a tough kid. He came in and hit the three that gave us a spark."
Much like their last two games, Covington jumped out to and early lead as Richard Canan knocked down 12 first half points to lead the Buccs to a 21-13 lead after one, and a 34-23 lead at the half.
Covington also knocked down four first half treys, two by Canan and one each by Rhoades and Gene Studebaker.
The Buccs also continued a recent trends of getting easy baskets in transition. This was due a season-high 35 rebounds, 17 offensive for the Buccs.
"It's much easier to get out into transition when you rebound well," described Craft. "When you make the other team take difficult shots and get the rebound, you open up your transition game. We did just that tonight."
Fourteen of Covington's rebounds came at the hands of sophomore, Seth Mohler, who also scored 14 points for a double-double, and blocked four shots.
"Seth had a great game tonight," said Craft. "We're very happy when he just rebounds, but he also scored tonight, which is even better."
After Tri-County North came back from an eleven-point deficit to tie the score at 49-49 early in the final period, Covington knocked down 18 of 22 free throws down the stretch to seal the deal.
Both teams saw their fair share at the line on the evening as Covington connected on 22 of 26, and North converted 20 of 29 free throws.
The Buccs held a significant advantage in turnovers with a season-low four turnovers to North's eleven.
"When you take care of the ball, good things happen," said Craft. "Richard (Canan) did a very good job in making the right decisions, especially in transition. I feel very comfortable when the ball is in his hands in transition."
To go along with Rhoades' 21 points and Mohler's 14 points, Richard Canan dropped in 16 points and Gene Studebaker score 7 points and pulled down 8 rebounds.
Tri-County North was led by Mitch Heltsley with a game-high 25 points.
Covington opens tournament play at 7:00 pm next Friday against top seeded Jackson Center at Piqua High School.
Scoring by quarters:
Covington .........21......34.......45......67
TC North ...........13......23.......44......56
Covington Scoring:
Darin Rhoades – 21
Richard Canan – 16
Seth Mohler – 14
Gene Studebaker – 7
Michael Gilmore – 4
Dusty Kimmel – 3
Cory Sprankle – 2
Tri-County North Scoring:
Mitch Heltsley – 25
Ethan Blankenship – 15
Dan Baumgarder – 8
Tyler Dunham – 6
Pierce Putnam – 2
3-Point Scoring:
Covington: Richard Canan (2), Darin Rhoades (2), Gene Studebaker (1)
TC North: Mitch Heltsley (1), Ethan Blankenship (1)
Reserve Score: Tri-County North 38, Covington 37
