Clutch shooting leads Portageville to 66-54 win over Covington

NEW MADRID, Mo. — Overcoming the limitations of a shortened preseason, Portageville emerged victorious in its season-opening clash at the RiverBend Shootout on Saturday, Nov. 25.

In a remarkable display of resilience and adaptability, the Bulldogs (1-0), despite having only one practice session with their full roster, silenced the Covington Chargers (1-1), securing a 66-54 win with a combination of stifling defense and clutch shooting, converting 6-of-8 shots from the field in the fourth quarter.

“That’s a great way to close out a game,” said Portageville coach TJ Smith. “Hopefully, we continue to shoot the basketball well going forward. I was also pleased with the depth we were able to use, the way we played hard and played fast and made the right decision.”

Portageville's Jamarion Smith (24) scores during a 66-54 win over Covington in the RiverBend Shootout at New Madrid County Central High School on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

The balanced scoring attack, led by Jamarion Smith's game-high 17 points, highlighted the Bulldogs' offensive versatility and depth, with Xayvion Bogan chipping in with 10 points, six rebounds, three assists, and three steals, Brandon West adding nine points, Connor Jefferies contributing eight points and six rebounds, and Mason Adams providing six points and a team-leading nine rebounds.

“All of our starters played phenomenal,” Smith said. “But we played 10 different guys today. That’s something I’m hoping we can do going forward.

AJ Larry had some huge minutes in the post. Layden Kellum handled the ball for us and scored a little bit. Tim Hamilton brought a spark taking care of the basketball and turning it up defensively. Justus Sullivan, another new kid we got this year, is a really good shooter.”

Portageville's Layden Kellum (11) runs in transition during a 66-54 win over Covington in the RiverBend Shootout at New Madrid County Central High School on Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023. Dennis Marshall ~ Standard-Democrat

Portageville will be back in action when it welcomes Caruthersville (0-0) on Dec. 7.

__PORTAGEVILLE 66, COVINGTON 54__

Covington 18 14 8 14 — 54

Portageville 17 16 16 17 — 66

Covington (54) -- Chase Taylor 24, Terrance Miller 8, Charles Taylor 6, Devon Mason 5, Aden Daverall 4, TK Terry 4, Jack Segars 3. FG: 18. FT: 15-23. F: 21. (3-pointers: Miller 2, Segars 1. Fouled out: Chase Taylor).

Portageville (66) — Jamarion Smith 17, Xayvion Bogan 10, Brandon West 9, Connor Jefferies 8, Mason Adams 6, Layden Kellum 5, AJ Larry 4, Tim Hamilton 3. FG: 25. FT: 10-19. F: 20. (3-pointers: Smith 2, Bogan 1, Adams 1, Kellum 1, West 1. Fouled out: none).