The Shadow
“Tonight was a good night to get everyone involved,” said Covington coach Mark Pifer.
That is exactly what happened as every Cougar that got on the court contributed to the 39 field goals made as they defeated a short-handed Highland County team that has gotten the injury bug this year, 87-17.
The first two points of the game came at the 7:35 mark and that was the start of a 21-0 run that was snapped by a Highland County free throw with 2:48 left in the first quarter.
The rest of the game featured more scoring that came from fastbreak points off of 13 turnovers, getting open looks in half-court sets or getting tough points in the paint. The good play from the entire team is something that Pifer hopes will carry over into the preparations for the Cougars’ next opponent, James River. “We got to have our best practice of the year tomorrow because we’ve got a huge game against James River on Thursday,” stated Pifer.
Four Cougars hit double figures in the ball game and they were led by Leteashia Clarke who played strong in the paint by scoring 20 points and grabbing seven rebounds. Sa’Mone Moore was the next leading scorer with 17 points, she also had 10 rebounds and four steals. Mary Woodson had an all around good game with 14 points, five assists and five rebounds. Autumn Phillips had an excellent night as well on the court with 12 points, five steals, and four assists.
Rounding out the scoring for the Cougars (2-0 Pioneer, 7-6) was Shermaine Garland who scored a career high of seven points coming off the bench. Bailey Hall chipped in with six points. Scoring three points apiece were Autumn Woodson, Montanna Hall and Daylin Tyree. Briana Moore scored two points.
Leading the Highland County Rams in scoring was Burgundy Hicks with six points.
James River will be coming to the Cougar Den on Thursday night for a big district showdown.
“We have to play well Thursday to do what we want to do.
They’re really athletic, they’re probably as athletic as anybody we’ve played besides R.E. Lee, but I think we’ll be ready. We’re good in our gym and I expect we’ll give a good performance on Thursday,” said Pifer.
