VEEDERSBURG — Fountain Central and Covington always provide a show when the two WRC rivals square off. After capturing the Bi-County title over the Trojans earlier this year, the 7th ranked Mustangs hosted their rivals again on Thursday in front of about as many people as the Fountain Central gym could hold. Both student bodies were admitted into the game for free for the game as part of student appreciation night. Both fan bases were treated to a thriller, but it was the FC fans who went home happy as they saw their Mustangs notch a 37-32 win.
With 1:52 left in the first half, Isaac Gayler gae the Mustangs the lead for good at 18-16. Both teams continued to to play stout defense and the Trojans drew as close as two at 32-30 with 3:01 left in the game, but the battle-tested hosts held on and earned a hard fought win in a well played game.
“I never have to say that these kids don’t give everything they had,” Mustang coach Greg Dean said. “They laid it all on the line and continued to battle. Covington came out and had a great game plan and we just kept adjusting and it took a little longer than normal, but we got over the hump. I’m really proud of them for sticking with it and getting the win.”
Dean made sure he gave the fans the credit that they deserve for showing out ans supporting both teams.
“What an atmosphere to play a high school basketball game in,” he said. “Our school was really jacked up all week for this game as they were getting ready for this. I’m really happy to have the support that we do because our students did a fantastic job tonight.”
Covington did hold the Mustangs to their fewest points they’ve scored all season (previously 42 vs Crawfordsville). Despite not putting up a boat load of points, the Mustangs as they have a lot this season relied on their defense to step up and get stops.
“We guarded really well tonight and Luke Foxworthy did a great job on (Duncan) Keller (held scoreless). In the second half we just found ways to get buckets. Both Isaac Gayler and Owen Acton got us second chance points with offensive rebounds. At the end of the day we found a way and that’s all that matters.”
Isaac Gayler led the Mustangs with 13 points in the win with Owen Acton added 11. Will Harmon scored nine, and both Mason Larkin and Brayden Prickett ended with two. Austin Stein led all scorers in the game with 22 points for the Trojans. He had 16 at halftime.
With the win Fountain Central improves to 14-4 on the season and remains perfect in WRC play at 5-0. Covington falls to 10-10 and 3-2 in conference play. The Mustangs have a goal of being crowned WRC champions and with the win over the Trojans, they’re well on their way to doing just that with just two WRC games left.
“Tonight was a big step in that direction,” Dean said. “To win this conference, you’re going to have to go through Covington. Parke Heritage is good and that’ll be a challenge when we go to their place next Friday. Then North Vermillion was able to shock Covingotn last week but we still have to take it one day at at time. It starts with South Newton on Saturday.”
That game against South Newton will be on the road for the Mustangs and will be an afternoon contest which tips at 1:30.
