Panthers' Covington revs up after slow start

Proviso West’s Robert Covington is defended by Lake Park’s Charlie Johnson.
(Scott Powers/For the Sun-Times News Group)

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Proviso West coach Tommie Miller wasn’t happy with Robert Covington after one quarter on Saturday.

Two points and two rebounds just wasn’t enough from Covington in Miller’s eyes. He expected much more.

After getting on his star between quarters, Miller started to get what he wanted. Covington responded and finished with 21 points, 10 rebounds, three steals and three blocks in No. 23 Proviso West’s 71-62 win over visiting Lake Park in a nonconference matchup.

“He’s got to be nastier,” Miller said. “He has the ability. He still plays with the team. ‘No, Rob, take the shots. No, Rob, go to the basket.’ I want him to play bigger.”

Covington, a 6-8 forward, doesn’t deny it.

“I do,” he said. “I need to be more aggressive. Down the stretch, my team is going to need me to step up in bigger games.”

Covington has made progress. He’s more aggressive now than he was during the AAU season with the Illinois Bobcats and more so than the beginning of the high school season. He especially showed that as he led the Panthers to the championship game of the Proviso West Holiday Tournament.

Colleges have also taken notice. He has offers from Howard, Idaho State and Sacramento State. Ball State, Loyola and UIC are among the other schools interested. Wisconsin-Green Bay was at the game on Saturday.

“The tournament has opened so many options,” Covington said.

Dontae Moore (20 points, five steals) and Tremel Owens (12 points, eight rebounds, four steals) contributed for Proviso West (10-5).

Danny Baylis (20 points), Matt Drufke (14 points) and Lucas Antioho (nine points, 15 rebounds) led the Lancers (5-10).