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| Darin Rhoades scored a game-high 22 points for the Buccs. |
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| Gene Studebaker knocked down 11 points, inlcuing this long-range trey at the end of the first period. |
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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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December 10, 2005 – COVINGTON
The Covington Buccaneers and the Versailles Tigers hooked up at Covington High School for a non-conference match-up and when the dust settled the Buccaneers walked off the floor with its biggest win in recent memory, 66-53.
"This is a big win for us," said Covington coach Roger Craft. "This game was a good measuring stick to see where we stand. Our performance shows we are heading in the right direction."
In a physical and intense contest throughout, the Buccaneers benefitted from a game-high 22 points from Darin Rhoades and 11 rebounds each from Gene Studebaker and Dusty Kimmel.
The early going was back and forth as neither team could mount much of an offensive dominance. The lead changed five times in the first stanza until Gene Studebaker launched a trey at the buzzer to give Covington a 13-12 lead.
After a Nick Meyer jumper from the baseline increased the Covington margin to 15-12 to open the second, Clint Hufford canned a trey and Jeremy Shardo knocked down a jumper to give the Tigers the lead right back, 17-15.
Covington took the lead back on its next possession as Darin Rhoades drove to the basket for two points and was fouled. The senior then connected on the free throw to give the Buccs a one-point lead, 18-17.
The lead changed hands again on another Shardo jumper, but Covington took the lead back for good on a Richard Canan lay-up, 20-19.
The Buccs closed out the first half with an 8-3 run to take a 28-22 cushion into the locker room at the half.
"They (Versailles) came out playing physical, but our kids matched their intensity," said Craft.
Covington found the hot hand in the third period by torching the nets for 20 points in the period. After a Shardo bucket opened the second half, Covington went on a 20-5 run over the remainder of the third to take a 48-29 lead.
Darin Rhoades came up big in the third with seven points, including a long-range trey.
Versailles made an attempt to get back into the contest in the final 8:00 and eventually cut the Covington lead to 57-46 midway through the stanza. Plus, Rhoades was forced to the bench with his fifth foul with 4:58 left in the contest.
Fortunately for Covington, the Buccs converted on 18 of 24 free throws in the final period to take a 66-53 win.
"I'm proud of the effort the kids gave tonight," concluded Craft. "Our kids really wanted this game and they came out and played with emotion and intensity."
Three Buccaneers scored in double figures on the evening with Darin Rhoades leading the way with a game-high 22 points. Richard Canan dropped in 14 points and Gene Studebaker scored 11.
Versailles was led by Jeremy Shardo with 16 points and Adam Barga contributed with 12 points.
The Buccs held a 31-22 rebounding advantage with Kimmel and Studebaker pulling down 11 boards each and Seth Mohler grabbing 7 rebounds.
Versailles turned the ball over just 7 times, while Covington committed 9 turnovers.
The Buccs connected on 28 of 43 free throws, 18 of 24 in the fourth period alone. The Tigers converted on 9 of 16 free throws, but struggled from behind the arc by connecting on 3 of 23 attempts. The Buccs shot 50 percent from three-point range, connecting on 4 of 8 attempts.
Covington improves to 3-0 on the season, while Versailles evens its record at 1-1.
The Buccs travel to Arcanum on Friday in a Cross County Conference match-up.
Scoring by Quarters:
Covington ..........13.........28.......48......66
Versailles ...........12.........22.......29......53
Covington Scoring:
Darin Rhoades – 22
Richard Canan – 14
Gene Studebaker – 11
Dusty Kimmel – 8
Seth Mohler – 8
Nick Meyer – 4
Versailles Scoring:
Jeremy Shardo – 16
Adam Barga – 12
Tony McNeilan – 8
Jayson White – 7
Zac Richard – 4
Clint Hufford – 3
