Covington’s Claudia Harrington shoots over Tri-County North’s Nani Garcia Monday night at Trotwood-Madison High School.
Ben Robinson|GoBuccs.com
Covington’s Maggie Anderson shoots against Tri-County North’s Rilee Terry (5) as Mackenzie Bacher looks on Monday night at Trotwood-Madison High School.
Ben Robinson|GoBuccs.com
TROTWOOD — It was a typical first tournament game for the Covington girls basketball team.
After an slow start, the second seeded Lady Buccs took control in the second quarter and handed Tri-County North a 60-32 loss in Trotwood D-IV sectional action.
Covington, 18-4, will now face Troy Christian in second-round action at 7 p.m. Feb. 15 — but first will look to earn a share of the TRC title when they host Lehman Catholic Wednesday.
“It was a typical first tournament game,” Covington coach Brandon Studebaker said. “We were playing in a different environment. It was a look for the shooters. We are used to the wall being closer to the basket.”
And Jessica Spitler’s Tri-County North team came out played with a lot of heart, as the Buccs found themselves leading just 12-8 with 6:08 remaining in the first half.
“You have to give them credit,” Studebaker said. “Their coach has done a nice job and they are much improved this year. They have won nine games. They came out in box-and-one on Claudia (Harrington). We haven’t seen that in awhile. It took us a little while to adjust and we got in some foul trouble early.”
But, Covington outscored North 16-4 the rest of the half to open a 28-12 lead and the Buccs were never seriously challenged in the second half.
“It was just a matter of getting into system,” Studebaker said. “Once we got going, we were fine.”
Claudia Harrington led Covington with 22 points and Claire Fraley added 12 points.
Carlie Besecker scored nine and Maggie Anderson added six points.
Nani Garcia led North, 9-13, with 12 points and Rilee Terry scored nine points.
