Dawgs, Lady Dawgs return to action after holiday break layoff
By TJ MAXWELL
Cove Leader-Press
Normally, the Copperas Cove Bulldawgs’ and Lady Dawgs’ basketball teams would be coming off a long weekend of holiday tournament action and getting set to return to district action with 20 or so games in their rearview mirror and looking to make a run at a playoff spot.
This year, however, the Covid-19 pandemic wiped away those tournament games and saw each team play just one game over the holiday break before getting back to the tough test that is District 12-6A.
The Bulldawgs lost a tough road matchup with Lake Travis 64-56 while the Lady Dawgs also hit the road to take on Class 5A No. 6 Georgetown where they would come out on the wrong end of a 52-35 decision.
The Bulldawgs (5-4 overall, 1-1 District 12-6A) will have another touch test when they host the high-scoring Belton Tigers (11-2 overall, 2-0 in 12-6A), led by TJ Johnson, after opening district play against the no. 11-ranked Ellison Eagles before the Christmas break.
On paper, the Tigers appear to have a slight advantage with a scoring average of 71 points per contest while giving up 56 points per game.
The Bulldawgs average 63 points per game on the offensive end while giving up 65 on defense.
The game isn’t played on paper, however, so we’ll see what happens on the court tonight.
The Lady Dawgs (5-11, 0-4 in 12-6A) will be looking for their first district win tonight on the road against the Belton Lady Tigers (4-9, 1-2 in 12-6A).
The Lady Dawgs look to have the advantage in this contest statistically with a scoring average of 42 points per game while surrendering 47 points per contest. The Lady Tigers are averaging just 35 points per game on offense and give up 43 points per game on the defensive end.
The Lady Dawgs suffered a three-point loss at home against the two teams’ only common opponent in Killeen while the Lady Tigers eked out a three-point win over the Lady Roos in Killeen.
The Lady Dawgs needs this win to keep pace in the race for the four playoff spots.
Both varsity games are slated for a 7 p.m. tipoff.