By: NKY Tribune
Covington Catholic showed why it's the top boys' basketball team in state power rankings with an impressive 63-36 win over Holmes in the semifinals of the 35th District tournament on Tuesday at Beechwood High School.
Cole VonHandorf
After taking a 23-12 lead in the first eight minutes, CovCath held Holmes to just two points in the second quarter and extended the margin to 35-14 by halftime.
The Colonels ended up shooting 54.3 percent (25 of 46) from the field compared to the Bulldogs' 31.8 percent (14 of 44). CovCath also had a 33-23 advantage on the boards.
CovCath junior guard Cole VonHandorf made 11 of 12 field goal attempts and scored a game-high 25 points. One of the three sophomores in CovCath's starting lineup also put up some good numbers. A.J. Mayer had 12 rebounds, four points, five steals and two blocked shots.
The only double-figure scorer for Holmes was senior forward Brandon Moore with 12 points. Holmes senior guard Markel McClendon was limited to seven points, 12 below his season average.
CovCath will play the winner of the Holy Cross-Beechwood game in the district final at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. The Colonels have already secured a berth in next week's 9th Region tournament and will be bidding for their third consecurtive regional tirle.