LADY BUCCS HOLD OFF NORTHRIDGE

Maggie Anderson got swarmed by Northridge defenders, but the senior standout used her strength and ability to take advantage of fouls and accumulate a game-high 22 points. ©Ben Robinson/Color Green Photo

COVINGTON – The Covington Lady Buccs put together a dominating first half and found themselves in a tough battle down the stretch, but were able to hold on for a 42-37 victory over Northridge.

The win was very critical as it put the Lady Buccs two victories ahead of Northridge and Milton-Union in the TRC standings. Covington is now 10-0 in the league, while Northridge is 7-2 and Milton-Union is 6-2.

The first half Covington put together defensively was obviously the most impressive performance so far this season as the Lady Buccs prevented Northridge from scoring any field goals. The Polar Bears only scored three points in the first half, all on free throws.

Senior Gabrielle Hartwig had a huge impact for Covington on defense due to several blocked shots and her ability to pull down several rebounds, which prevented additional scoring opportunities for Northridge.

Meanwhile, Northridge played well defensively too as Covington only managed to drop in four buckets in the first half – three treys by Maggie Anderson and a runner by Avery Koffer. The remaining six points in the first half for Covington came on free throws.

Leading 17-3 at the break, it wasn’t a secured victory for Covington due to the talent Northridge has. The Lady Polar Bears opened up the third period with a three-pointer and another basket to build some momentum. Fortunately, Covington was able to regroup and maintain a 28-18 lead with one quarter to play.

What hurt the Lady Buccs the most in the second half was the foul trouble suffered by Gabrielle Hartwig. When she was on the bench, Northridge was able to score so much more inside the paint.

Covington struggled offensively in the fourth quarter due to so many turnovers and only connecting on two buckets, both on layups by sophomore Emalyn Johnson. Northridge was able to close the gap in the final minute to 38-35 on four two-point buckets and three treys.

Still, despite Northridge making one more basket, Covington was able to hold on for a win as Avery Koffer canned all four free throw attempts in the final twenty seconds.

Overall, Covington connected on seven two-point shots, three treys and made 19 free throws on 25 attempts. The Lady Buccs made 10 of 10 free throws in the final frame, six by Maggie Anderson and four by Avery Koffer.

Northridge made nine two-point buckets, four three-pointers and were seven out of 11 at the free throw line.

Maggie Anderson led the Lady Buccs with a game-high 22 points, while Avery Koffer had eight points. Gabrielle Hartwig and Emalyn Johnson both dropped in six points each.

Covington is now 14-2 overall and look to build more momentum on Monday at home against Troy.

Avery Koffer scores around a Northridge defender. ©Ben Robinson/Color Green Photo
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COVINGTON SCORING:
Maggie Anderson – 22
Avery Koffer – 8
Gabrielle Hartwig – 6
Emalyn Johnson – 6

NORTHRIDGE SCORING:
A’Rayiah McLemore – 14
Davee Beavers – 9
Jayah Martin – 6
Javonah Jordan – 6
Sa’Knia Davis – 2

THREE-POINT SCORING:
Covington – Maggie Anderson (3), Avery Koffer (1)
Northridge – Davee Beavers (2), A’Rayiah McLemore (1)

Emalyn Johnson goes to the basket for a layup against Northridge on Saturday. ©Ben Robinson/Color Green Photo
Gabrielle Hartwig (#11) had a huge impact on defense by blocking several shots. ©Ben Robinson/Color Green Photo