Dawgs fall to #1 ranked Ellison in Killeen

By SEAN HANEY

Cove Leader-Press

On Monday night due to a scheduling conflict, the Copperas Cove Bulldawgs traveled to Ellison High School to take on the number-one ranked basketball team in the state, the Ellison Eagles. 

The Dawgs ended up falling big to the Eagles, 97-43, falling to 0-2 on the season. Their first loss of the season came from Liberty Hill, 79-77.  

Going on his sixth year as the Head Coach of the Dawgs, Coach Travis Boyce is looking for the elusive playoff berth which the Dawgs have not seen since the 2016-2017 season in which they lost to Cedar Hill 81-55. 

“Last night was a learning experience for all of us,” Boyce said after the game was over. “We didn’t play well. But granted, you got to give Ellison credit, because a lot of us not playing well had a lot to do with the type of team that they are and the way they play.” 

Alberto Jones is the Head Coach over at Ellison and according to Boyce, “(Jones) has quite a few handful of division one players on that side.” 

Boyce said he wanted to get games like that early on, so that way “we can kind of test and measure up where we stand, and it gives our kids opportunity to see what level and what we need to do to be able to reach that level.”

Henry Sanchez led with 12 points during that game and Mateo Sobers followed behind with 9 points. 

Coach Lawrence Payne stated, “If we had to choose a player of the week it would be Mateo for his relentless hustle and energy. Mateo gives 100% regardless of what’s going on the court.” 

Boyce weighed in on what lies ahead for his team.

“The style of play with Ellison is very similar to the teams that we will see later on down the road,” Boyce said. “Those type of teams, Ellison has that same caliber of team and so you want to see those teams early so that way it’s not a shocker for you later on. That’s why we scrimmage Stony Point as well. 

“So, that’s why we opened up with number seven in the state Liberty Hill. I like to schedule those games. I like to see those teams early and give us a chance to really learn what it is and the level that we need to play in order for us to be successful later on down the road as a coach.” 

On the season the Dawgs have scored 120 points and have allowed 176 points. 

They have a home game tonight versus Killeen High School and hope to have their first win of their season. The Dawgs have until December 20 to get ready for their District games when they take on Pflugerville Weiss at home.