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| Corey Sprankle puts up a shot in the Buccs' win over National Trail. |
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Team
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CCC
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ALL
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Covington
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10-1
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16-4
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Bethel
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10-1
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15-5
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Tri-Village
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9-2
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13-7
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Twin Valley South
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8-3
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15-5
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Arcanum
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8-3
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15-5
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Newton
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5-6
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7-13
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Ansonia
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5-6
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8-12
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Franklin Monroe
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4-7
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5-15
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Mississinawa Valley
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3-8
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6-14
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Tri-County North
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3-8
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6-14
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National Trail
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1-10
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1-19
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Bradford
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0-11
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1-19
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January 20, 2006 – COVINGTON
In a game that started out showcasing high-scoring offenses and finesse basketball and ended up with a physical style of play, the Covington Buccaneers adjusted and cruised to a 65-50 win over National Trail.
"The game got a little physical down the stretch, but we kept our composure and made the plays we needed to get the win," said Covington coach Roger Craft. "Our guys have been through just about every situation and our experience paid off."
Covington ran up and down the floor in the opening 8 minutes for a 26-17 lead. Richard Canan and Darin Rhoades both canned treys as Rhoades scored 11 points in the stanza.
The game took an immediate turn in the second period as neither team could buy a basket. Both offenses combined for 10 points in the quarter as Covington increased it's lead to 32-21 at the half.
"We missed some open looks at the basket before the half," said Craft. "They (National Trail) slowed the game down, but we missed too many shots."
Covington increased the pace in the third period, but National Trail matched the Buccs point for point.
Covington received six points in the stanza by Gene Studebaker and baskets by Dusty Kimmel and Seth Mohler, while the Blazers benefitted from two big treys by Kevin brower and buckets by Jordan Holsapple and Dustin Nutt to keep the margin at nine, 44-35.
"Give National Trail credit," complemented Craft. "They have improved greatly and they shot the ball very well tonight."
The game quickly turned into a physical contest in the final stanza as both teams combined for 19 free throw attempts in the final 8 minutes of play. Covington converted on 11 of 14 free throws in the final stanza and five buckets to outscore Trail 21-15 for a 65-50 win.
"I'm pleased with the way we moved the ball and shot from the free throw line," Craft said. "We have to shoot better from three-point range because we only shot 2 of 10 from behind the arc. I think our two three-pointers were on our first two attempts of the game, so we missed eight straight."
Despite their struggles from behind the arc, the Buccs made up for it by dominating the boards. Covington recorded 35 total rebounds to National trail's 13. Nineteen of Covington's rebounds were on the offensive end with Kimmel and Studebaker each pulling down 7 offensive boards.
"Rebounding was the key," said Craft. "Anytime you have 19 offensive rebounds and two guys pulling down 7 apiece, obviously that's huge."
Three Buccaneers scored in double figures with Gene Studebaker and Darin Rhoades each scoring 19 points each. Richard Canan dropped in 10 points, while Dusty Kimmel and Seth Mohler each had eight points.
Kimmel pulled down 11 total rebounds and recorded 4 assists, while Mohler grabbed 8 rebounds and Canan dished out 7 assists.
"Dusty (Kimmel) did a nice job inside," Craft described. "He moved the ball around inside and found the open man. You have to be pleased when your big man has four assists and 11 rebounds."
Covington improves to 11-1 overall and 7-0 in Cross County Conference play.
The Buccs have now won six straight as they head into Saturday's contest with New Bremen, who has won nine straight.
"That will be a great game and atmosphere to play in," concluded Craft. "They (New Bremen) are on a role right now as they have beaten some quality teams. We'll have to come out ready to play."
Scoring by Quarters:
Covington .............26.......32........44............65
National Trail .......17........21.......35............50
Covington Scoring:
Gene Studebaker - 19
Darin Rhoades - 19
Richard Canan - 10
Dusty Kimmel - 8
Seth Mohler - 8
Corey Sprankle - 1
National Trail Scoring:
Kevin Brower - 21
Dustin Nutt - 9
Jacob Eales - 7
Jordan Holsapple - 4
Steve Gosnell - 2
Dillon Constable - 2
Michael Dixon - 2
Mark Moses - 2
Derek Bane - 1
Three-point Scoring:
Covington: Darin Rhoades (1), Richard Canan (1)
National Trail: Kevin Brower (5), Jacob Eales (1)
Reserve Score: Covington 52, National Trail 36
