It took Covenant a couple of minutes, but after the Eagles put together an incredible defensive effort in the first half, holding Eastern Mennonite to just 10 points before the break.
“That’s where we hang our hat, this team has really bought into what we do on the defensive end,” said Covenant coach Travis Johnson. “I thought the first couple of minutes we weren’t doing exactly what we wanted to do, but they got it together. When they put it together like that, you can get a 10-point half.”
That first half effort ensured that a less consistent second half didn’t impact the final result as the Eagles picked up a 50-35 victory over the Blue Flames.
“I was a little frustrated because we kind of walked through that game at the end,” Johnson said. “We’ve got to be able to play 32 minutes, especially against teams in our conference.”
Covenant took a 23-10 lead at the half with that stingy two quarters on defense. Matt Shobe scored seven of his team-high 14 points in the first half to lead the way. The Eagles’ offense clicked nicely at times when they moved the ball quickly and attacked the rim. They didn’t pass as well after halftime, but still managed to keep Eastern Mennonite at bay.
George Brumbaugh finished with 13 points, including a pair of 3-pointers while Matt Cogswell chipped in with 10 points. Cameron Crispins rounded out the bulk of the scoring with six points, getting his largely on the offensive boards.
Covenant jumps back on the floor Friday night against Highland at 5 p.m. before a week-long break. Next Friday they’ll take on Blue Ridge at home.
Fluvanna girls edge Orange County
Despite a slow night for usual leading scorer Kiana Childress, Fluvanna County picked up a big-time road win Thursday night, beating Orange County 49-42.
Bri Harris gave Fluvanna an offensive spark, scoring 15 points including a quartet of 3-pointers, with three of those buckets from beyond the arc coming in the second quarter. Chaniya Brown also got in on the act with eight points.
Childress and Kate Stutz each had six points for the Flucos as Orange came up with a solid defensive effort against the Flucos’ usual offensive leaders. Fluvanna countered by holding Orange post standout Markiana Smith to six points, forcing the Hornets to lean on Elisha Richardson who notched 15 points.
Orange will take on Monticello Tuesday while Fluvanna travels to take on Albemarle.
Buckingham blows out Central
With Michael Allen posting his first career double double, scoring 10 points while hauling in 10 rebounds, Buckingham beat Central Lunenburg soundly Thursday night 62-45.
Leon Ragland led the Knights with 13 points and Tariq Gough posted 12. Hassan Swann equaled Allen’s huge night on the boards with 10 rebounds of his own.
The Knights hit the road to take on Randolph-Henry Friday night.
