WHAT A GREAT NIGHT!

Covington seniors Gracie Anderson (left) and Carlie Besecker (right) were honored before their final game on the home floor. ©Ben Robinson/Color Green Photo

COVINGTON – Despite a 51-40 loss to Miami East, the regular season finale between the Lady Buccs and Lady Vikings was a very exciting game for a huge crowd that was able to witness a great performance by both teams.

The final score wasn’t a reflection of just how close the game was as Covington was within four points, 44-40 with just over two minutes to play. A big shot from behind the arc by junior Katie Paulus put the Vikings up 47-40, which forced Covington to foul over the remainder of the contest.

Paulus had a huge night for Miami East, dropping in 26 points, with 15 of them coming on five treys.

The tone of the game was established early as both teams traded blow-for-blow from the outset. Miami East built a 14-10 lead after one, but Covington bounced back to take a 27-19 lead at the break.

What sparked Covington were five three-pointers in the second period – three by Gracie Anderson, one by Avery Koffer and one by Maggie Anderson.

Covington extending its lead to 32-21 midway through the third period, which forced a Miami East timeout.

Once the Lady Vikings returned to the floor they implemented a full-court press on defense, which turned the momentum as Miami East outscored the Lady Buccs 30-8 over the remainder of the game.

Despite the loss, the overall performance was one of the most impressive of the season for the Lady Buccs due to the effort. This is something the Lady Buccs can build on, which hopefully leads to a long tournament run.

Covington closes out its regular season with an overall record of 17-5 and 12-2 in the TRC, which is second in the league.

Miami East finished the regular season unbeaten at 22-0 and 14-0 in the league for a TRC Championship.

Maggie Anderson connects on a three-pointer in the first half. ©Ben Robinson/Color Green Photo

SCORE BY QUARTERS:
Covington – 10 – 27 – 35 – 40
Miami East – 14 – 19 – 29 – 50

COVINGTON SCORING:
Gracie Anderson – 12
Avery Koffer – 10
Carlie Besecker – 7
Delaney Murphy – 5
Maggie Anderson – 4
Gabrielle Hartwig – 2

MIAMI EAST SCORING:
Katie Paulus – 26
McKayah Musselman – 10
Jacqueline Kadel – 8
Maryn Gross – 3
Logan Phillips – 4

THREE-POINT SCORING:
Covington: Gracie Anderson (4), Avery Koffer (2), Maggie Anderson (1), Delaney Murphy (1)
Miami East: Katie Paulus (5), Jacqueline Kadel (2)

Avery Koffer puts up a shot between two Viking defenders. ©Ben Robinson/Color Green Photo