BUCCS CLOSE OUT REGULAR SEASON AT 8-14

Gunner Kimmel and the Covington Buccaneers fell to state-ranked Troy Christian in the final regular season game. ©Ben Robinson/Color Green Photo

TROY – The Covington Buccaneers lost the regular season finale to Troy Christian 59-45 to finish their record in the TRC at 3-11 and enter the post-season tournament with an 8-14 record.

For the second straight time Covington struggled hitting shots early, which led to a 25-7 deficit at the end of the first period.

“The first quarter hurt is again,” said Covington coach Logan Carey. “When we do what we’re coached to do, good things usually happen.”

The Buccs continued to battle and played fairly well over the final three periods. But the early deficit was too much to overcome.

“We controlled the pace better in the second quarter and got great shots,” continued Carey. “They (Troy Christian) are the fifth ranked team in the state of Ohio for good reason, but we just showed that we’re capable of hanging with them. Trusting and believing in each other is going to be very important if we want to make a tournament run. We’re capable of doing just that.”

The Buccaneers have the potential to have success in the post-season tournament, but to do so they will need to put together four solid periods in each game.

Covington opens up the tournament against Legacy Christian at Piqua High School on Saturday, February 24th.

SCORE BY QUARTYERS:
Covington – 7 – 19 – 28 – 45
Troy Christian – 25 – 35 – 54 – 59

COVINGTON SCORING:
Bryson Hite – 12
Connor Humphrey – 11
Brogen Angle 10
Tanner Palsgrove – 6
Sam Grabeman – 3
Britton Miller – 3

TROY CHRISTIAN SCORING:
Parker Penrod – 23
Frank Rupnik – 17
Christian Brusman – 8
Max Barnishin – 6
Riston Taylor – 2
Josiah Myers – 2
Matthew Wynne – 1

THREE-POINT SCORING:
Covington – Connor Humphrey (3), Bryson Hite (2), Brogen Angle (2), Tanner Palsgrove (1), Britton Miller (1)
Troy Christian – Parker Penrod (6), Frank Rupnik (1), Christian Brusman (1)