VERSAILLES – When you are a young basketball team who enters the season with just one returning starter, it takes time to establish an identity and develop continuity.
Covington is in that situation this season, but the Buccaneers are showing signs of promise two games into the season despite falling to 0-2 after a 64-50 loss to a very talented Versailles team on Saturday.
Coming off of a frustrating defeat to Troy Christian just 24 hours earlier, the Buccaneers put forth a gutsy effort against a Versailles team that is traditionally strong on the basketball court. Yes, Versailles came out on top on the scoreboard, but the Buccaneers made the Tigers earn a win the hard way.
The game was close through three quarters as Versailles held a 43-38 lead heading into the final frame. Unfortunately for the Buccaneers, Versailles closed out the game with a 21-12 scoring advantage to make the final score much wider that what the overall contest showed.
Each period prior to the final quarter was very close as Versailles held a 14-12 lead after one and a 28-25 lead at the break. The Buccs stayed in contention through three quarters, trailing by only five points.
One Tiger player took over the game by scoring 11 of the 21 points put up by Versailles in the final frame, Connor Stonebraker. He finished with a game-high 27 points and was the overall difference in the game.
Still, Covington gave an effort that is something to build on as seven players contributed to the point total. Sophomore Brogan Angle had a break-out performance by leading Covington with a career-high 19 points – 12 of those coming on three treys.
Britton Miller, the lone returning starter from a year ago, scored nine points, while Connor Humphrey had 7 points and Gunner Kimmel scored 6 points.
The Buccaneers fall to 0-2 on the young season, but with the effort and positive attitudes the kids displayed on the floor is a sign of positive things to come.
Next up for the Buccs is the home opener against rival Bethel on Friday.
SCORE BY QUARTERS:
Covington – 12 – 13 – 13 – 12 = 50
Versailles – 14 – 14 – 15 – 21 = 64
COVINGTON SCORING:
Brogan Angle – 19
Britton Miller – 9
Connor Humphrey – 7
Gunner Kimmel – 6
Bryson Hite – 5
Tanner Palsgrove – 2
Mic Barhorst – 2
VERSAILLES SCORING:
Connor Stonebraker – 27
Jace Watren – 16
A.J. Griesdorn – 13
Drake Ahrens – 6
Ethan Dickey – 2
THREE-POINT FIELD GOALS:
Covington – Brogan Angle (3), Bryson Hite (1), Gunner Kimmel (1), Connor Humphrey (1)
Versailles – J. Waltren (4), C. Stonebrakwr (1)
