Covenant Christian defeats Speedway 79-59

On Friday, Covenant Christian took control of its sectional semifinal game against Speedway early and never really looked back. The Warriors lead by 9 after the first quarter, by 19 at the half, and cruised to a 79-59 win over the Sparkplugs.

Looking at the two teams, it seemed obvious that Covenant would take advantage of the height advantage of 6-foot-8 Andrew Smith, as no one on the Speedway roster is taller than 6-foot-2.

However, the Warriors (15-6) would not need much from Smith, as guard Derek Miles lit up the Sparkplugs for 35 points.

The first half was all Warriors, as it was mainly a matter of Covenant extending its lead as the half wore on.

The Warriors led 41-22 at the break.

Early in the third, Covenant went on an 8-0 run to extend the lead to 28.

Speedway (5-16) showed some fight, however, and had the lead back down to 19 by the end of the third.

But it was too little, too late, for the Sparkplugs. The Warriors outscored them 20-19 in the final quarter to win 79-59.

Miles led all scorers with 35 points. Seth Bawel was next for the Warriors with 11.

For Speedway, Keenan Lewis was the only double figure scorer with 11, but six different Sparkplugs had seven or more points.

Covenant Christian advances to face Tri-West in the South Putnam Sectional championship game at 7:30 p.m. tonight.

At South Putnam

IHSAA Boys' Basketball Sectional

Semifinal

Covenant Christian (15-6) -- Miles 35, Bawel 11, Smith 8, Owen 8, McClintic 5, Byers 5, Woodruff 4, Mollaun 3.

Speedway (5-16) -- Lewis 11, Daghe 9, Hubbard 9, Avance 8, Linville 7, Prior 7, Duman 2, Fath 2, West 2, Coates 2.

Total fouls--CC 17, Spd 25. Fouled out--Hubbard.

Next game -- Covenant Christian faces Tri-West at 7:30 p.m. tonight in the South Putnam Sectional championship game.