2019CCLCB

Covington Catholic vs. Lexington Catholic (Boys)

Lexington Catholic High School

Lexington, KY

December 4, 2019

Covington Catholic coach Scott Ruthsatz started the following lineup: 6-4 So. Colin McHale, 6-1 Sr. Joseph Moser, 6-5 Sr. Neil Green, 6-0 Sr. Grant Disken, and 6-3 Jr. Donovan Stocks.  Lexington Catholic coach Brandon Salsman countered with 6-2 So. Jack Gohmann, 6-2 Sr. Jackson Smith, 6-4 Sr. Peyton Pelfrey, 6-1 Jr. Ben Johnson, and 6-3 Sr. Luke Wedding.

6-1 Jr. Ryan Russell hit a free throw with one second on the clock to give Lexington Catholic a 59-58 victory over Covington Catholic.  There were five lead changes and seven ties in this game.  Covington Catholic came out blazing and led the Knights 24-12 after the first quarter mainly on the long range shooting of Grant Disken and Donovan Stocks.  Lexington Catholic ratcheted up the defense and trailed 38-35 at halftime.  Covington Catholic connected on 10 of 14 from beyond the arc in the first half.  Lexington Catholic outscored the Colonels 12-4 in the third quarter to earn a 47-42 after three quarters.

The fourth quarter was hotly contested and Neil Green hit a free throw to tie the game for Covington Catholic with six seconds remaining in the game.  Ryan Russell received the ball on the baseline and incidental contact was made and much to the dismay of the Covington Catholic fans a foul was called and Russell connected on the first free throw and intentionally missed the second and Lexington Catholic held on for the victory in a thriller.  Both these teams should enjoy stellar seasons as Lexington Catholic has a “throwback team” of ball handlers, good shooters, and hard-nosed defenders.  What will Covington Catholic look like later in the year?  Will football superstar 6-5 Sr. Michael Mayer play basketball or will the Notre Dame signee focus on his football future? 

Covington Catholic also has two talented transfers in 6-3 So. Walker Horn and 7-1 Sr. Noah Hupmann as well as promising young big man 6-5 Fr. Chandler Starks waiting to get playing time.  Grant Disken and Donovan Stocks provide excellent shooting and there are several players that will provide the mental and physical toughness.

Lexington Catholic shot 40% from the field including seven of 17 from the three point line.  The Knights connected on 20 of 27 free throws, pulled down 22 rebounds, and scored 16 points off 17 Covington Catholic turnovers.  Covington Catholic shot 42.1% from the field including 12 of 22 from beyond the arc.  The Colonels connected on 14 of 19 free throws, pulled down 30 rebounds, and scored four points off seven Lexington Catholic turnovers.

Ben Johnson led Lexington Catholic with 22 points including two three point baskets, five rebounds, and three assists.  Luke Wedding added 12 points on four three point baskets.  Peyton Pelfrey recorded 10 points, eight rebounds, and three assists.  Jack Gohmann also scored 10 points.

Grant Disken led Covington Catholic with 26 points including six three point baskets, seven rebounds, four assists, and two steals.  Donovan Stocks added 13 points including four three point baskets, four rebounds, and two steals.  Joseph Moser recorded seven points and four rebounds.

Covington Catholic,24,14,4,16,58

Lexington Catholic,12,23,12,12,59

Covington Catholic (58) – McHale 5, Moser 7, Green 5, Disken 26, Stocks 13, Hupmann 2.

Lexington Catholic (59) – Gohmann 10, Smith 2, Pelfrey 10, Johnson 22, Wedding 12, Russell 3.

A special thanks to the Lexington Catholic Stats Crew for providing the comprehensive statistics for tonight’s game.