New Madison – January 21, 2005
Tonight’s game was a face off between two teams who both have a good argument f having played the most brutal schedule thus far this season. Covington on paper appeared to be more successful with a 7-7 overall and 5-2 in the league. Tri-Village was 4-9 overall and 3-3 in league play. The game turned into a defensive battle with 6 lead changes and 8 ties but…the Patriots who struggled in prime time this year gained a bit of confidence tonight finding a way to win down the stretch 43-40 to help make the Homecoming festivities more enjoyable.

The Patriots leaned on senior Corey Jay in the opening stanza, as he would score all 8 of the team’s points. Richard Canan dropped in a 3 bomb and Darin Rhoades scored 6 including a jumper as time expired giving Covington a one point lead 9-8. It was apparent early on the game was going to be a very physical contest when Dustin Kimmel would miss most of the first quarter with a gash next to his eye that would require treatment.

The Buccaneers would take advantage of Kimmel’s return in the second quarter as he scored inside drawing a foul on Jay for a three-point play. Covington would expand their lead to 16-8 and at 5:54 Coach Sagester saw enough and called a timeout. Josh Fisherback would respond hitting a trey ending the Patriots scoring drought. The Patriots last score was with 4:21 seconds to play in the first quarter. The two teams traded a basket and then Sam Lindamood tossed in a three at 3:22 and TV had cut the lead 18-16. Then with 3:00 minutes to play Jay would pick up his 3rd personal earning him a spot next to the coach on the bench. Lindamood responded with a jumper in the lane and the game was tied 18-18. Kimmel followed that with a half hook in the lane but… TV’s Cameron Quinn would answer with two inside and the game was knotted 20-20 at the half.

Rhoades got things started in the third with a jumper but Tri-Village would run off 8 straight points Jay with 6 and Quinn 2. Nick Meyer scored two for the Buccs at 1:57 but Lindamood jumper with 47 seconds gave TV a 30-24 lead. Covington played for the last shot of the quarter and everybody knew Rhoades would be the trigger but instead Gene Studebaker launcher a 26 footer that splashed the net and the Buccs pulled to 30-27 and gained momentum for the final period.

Rhoades would tie the game 30-30 with a three to start the final stanza. Then it was the inside game as Jay and Quinn scored two inside while Covington’s Kimmel scored 4 points and at 4:03 it was 34-34. Lindamood dropped his second three on the night at 3:31 but Rhoades answered with a three and then made a steal and his lay-up at 2:51 gave the Buccs a 39-37 lead. Jay would be fouled and step to the line for a one and bonus at 1:55 netting both of them again tying the game 39-39. Lindamood would step forward hitting a big jumper from 15’ at 1:10 giving TV the lead again 41-39. Studebaker would be fouled dropping 1 of 2 with 48 seconds to play. Covington pressuring the ball in the backcourt forgot about Jay who was left all alone down the floor and Fisherback found him for an easy basket and Tri-Village led 43-40. Covington got one last three-point attempt but missed and off the rebound the Buccs tried to kick it out for one more attempt but time expired and the Patriots finally got a win in a tight ballgame.

Corey Jay led the way with 20 points, 10 rebounds, 5 blocked shots and 6-7 from the free throw line. Sam Lindamood added 12 big points, 7 assists and rebounds with Cameron Quinn pulling down 9 boards.

“This was a quality win for us tonight,” said Coach Sagester. “It was a good night for the Patriots and a good night for everyone.” “We beat a good team who has quality wins against Russia and National Trail and played a difficult schedule like we have.” “This is good for our program and our kids and lets us know we are improving,” commented Coach Sagester.

Tri-Village also won the JV contest against Covington 33-23 led by Mark Wheeler with 12 points and David Barger with 11.

For the Homecoming the King was Ryan Snyder and the Queen Mollie Shane.

Box Score
Tri-Village Patriots
Pipenger – 0
Fisherback – 3
Foreman – 2
Snyder – 0
Quinn – 6
Lindamood – 12
Jay – 20
Totals – 43

Covington Buccaneers
Studebaker – 6
Rhoades –15
Canaan – 6
Kimmel – 9
Meyer – 2
Totals – 40

Score by quarters:
Tri-Village……8…20….30….43
Covington……9….20….27….40