HOOPS PREVIEW: Covington boys looking ‘to do the one thing we’ve been missing’

Head coach: Charles Mitchell (ninth season)

Last season: 10-13, lost in region semifinals

Key players lost: Devin Dean, Tyric Winfrey, Bremoris Tipton

Key players returning: Holden Warmath, Eli Ford, Tyler Hollins, J.T. Mason, Jordan Clemons, Rodriquez Adams

Covington head coach Charles Mitchell shook his head and laughed last week when asked to talk about his returning players.

“Man, we’ve got plenty, but most of the team are hurt right now,” Mitchell said. “We may have to hang on until January.”

Among the players currently sitting out due to to injury are senior Rodriquez Adams, junior Omar Winfrey and junior Holden Warmath, a 6-3 shooting guard who led the team in scoring last season with 18 points per game.

Other key players returning who are healthy include sophomore Eli Ford and junior J.T.. Mason, both of whom started last year and will be key players again. Senior T.J. Rivers and junior Jordan Clemons are pair of guards with plenty of experience. Cedric Sanders and Paxton Messer are pair of shooters and Elijah Bland is wing who’s role could increase this season.

After winning 24 games and finishing a win away from the state tournament two seasons ago, Covington took a step back last season after losing a lot of talent. The Chargers have been close to earning a state berth several times over the last decade.

“The goal is the same,” Mitchell said, “to do the one thing we’ve been missing … get to state.”