Warriors move into South Putnam semifinal

Covenant Christian advanced in IHSAA Sectional No. 44 play Tuesday night, needing overtime to dispatch Monrovia 61-58.

The Warriors jumped out to a 19-11 lead through one quarter, with Jordan Clevenger scoring 10 points in the frame for Covenant Christian.

After three quarters of play, the Warriors held a nine point lead but a late Bulldog rally, keyed by 14 points from Zach Sowers, pulled Monrovia back into the game.

Sowers' three pointer at the buzzer tied the game at 51-all and sent the game into overtime.

Monrovia briefly lead in the overtime period but Clevenger, who scored eight of Covenant Christian's 10 overtime points, was able to give the Warriors a 60-58 lead.

After Covenant added a late free throw, Sowers had one last chance to tie, but his three-quarter court shot hit off the front rim to send the Warriors into the sectional semi-final against Speedway on Friday night.

Clevenger paced Covenant with 27 points, while Ian Asher added 16 and Kenton Hipsher scored 12. Sowers scored 21 for the Bulldogs, with Logan Fite adding 11.

At South Putnam High School

IHSAA Class 2A Sectional No. 44

Covenant Christian 19 11 12 9 10 -- 61

Monrovia 11 14 8 18 7 -- 58

Individual Scoring

Covenant Christian -- Clevenger 27, Asher 16, Hipsher 12, Johnson 6

Monrovia -- Sowers 21, Fite 11, Benefiel 9, Casteel 8, Bolton 5, Gray 2, Sampson 2

Next game -- Covenant Christian will play Speedway in the second game of Sectional No. 44 play Friday, with tip-off scheduled for 7:30 p.m.