 |
| Captains, Seth Mohler and Gene Studebaker look to lead the Buccs to another successful season. |
|
|
Untitled Page
|
Untitled Page
 |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
Team
|
CCC
|
ALL
|
|
Covington
|
10-2
|
13-7
|
|
Newton
|
10-2
|
15-5
|
|
Mississinawa Valley
|
9-3
|
11-9
|
|
Twin Valley South
|
8-4
|
13-7
|
|
Tri-Village
|
8-4
|
11-9
|
|
Arcanum
|
7-5
|
12-8
|
|
Ansonia
|
7-5
|
11-9
|
|
Franklin Monroe
|
5-7
|
9-10
|
|
Bethel
|
5-7
|
9-11
|
| Miami East |
4-8 |
5-15 |
|
Tri-County North
|
3-9
|
4-16
|
|
National Trail
|
1-11
|
1-19
|
|
Bradford
|
0-12
|
1-19
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Covington Buccaneers suffered some huge losses to graduation from an 18-5 team of a year ago that tied with Bethel for the top spot in the CCC.
Gone is Dusty Kimmel, Richard Canan, Nick Meyer, Corey Sprankle and leading scorer Darin Rhoades.
Although the Buccaneers suffered significant graduation losses from a year ago, expectations remain very high. That's because the Buccs retain the services of co-captains Seth Mohler and Gene Studebaker and there are talented players moving into starting positions.
Studebaker returns for his fourth season as a Buccaneer starter after earning all-conference recognition as a freshman and junior and honorable mention as a sophomore. The 6'3" senior guard is very versatile and athletic. Last season Studebaker averaged 11.9 points and 6.4 rebounds per game.
Mohler has been a rebounding machine for the Buccs over the passed two seasons, leading the team as a sophomore with 7.0 boards per game. The 6'5" senior is very strong and athletic. Last season Mohler averaged 7.0 points and 6.3 rebounds per game and his defensive play was outstanding.
Joining Mohler and Studebaker in the lineup will be 6'6" senior Derek Brumbaugh, 6'2" senior Drew Craft, and 6'0" senior Corey Patty.
Brumbaugh played primarily at the reserve level a year ago, but had some big games for the Buccs when called upon at the varsity level. The 6'6" senior has soft hands for a big man and has the ability to wreak havoc for opponents on the inside.
Craft is a solid perimeter player who understands the game. He handles the ball well and is versatile enough to play in the post.
Patty is another strong perimeter player who has a knack for hitting the tough shot in traffic. He can take the ball to the basket with authority and rebound with the best of them.
Depth may be a strong suit for the Buccs as some very capable players will be waiting in the wings to come off the bench. Time will tell how well they perform, but Coach Craft and his staff have numerous options, including the rest of the seniors...Bryant Hale (5'10), Brian Beckstedt (5'8) and Matt Thomas (6'0").
Juniors Jordy Burelison (5'10), Kyle Simon (6'0") and Matt Varno (5'10") are also capable options.
Burelison may find himself in the lineup a good bit due to his ball handling skills. He's an excellent perimeter player and can run the point.
Simon gives the Buccs an inside and outside scoring threat, while Varno is hard-nosed and aggressive.
Three sophomores will be battling for varsity time as well.
Andy Sparks (6'3) has the body and physical tool to be a dominating player. He possesses great instincts for a young player, which could result in significant playing time off the bench.
Nate Lavey (5'7") and Kyle Kanet (5'7") both could contribute at the varsity level due to their quickness and strengths handling the ball.
The Buccaneers are entering their 16th season in the Cross County Conference and look to remain at the top of the standings. To do so, the team will have to overcome varsity inexperience to compete with the upper echelon teams in the conference.
They'll have too. It's expected in Covington.
