Sheffield paces Covenant girls past Rutherford

SPRINGFIELD - Haley Sheffield knows how to celebrate.

In her first game since signing a scholarship offer to play at Asbury College in Wilmore, Ky., Sheffield scored 39 points to lead Covenant Christian past Rutherford 64-41 Monday night.

"Haley played outstanding," Rutherford coach Chris Small said. "She beat us off the dribble. She beat us with the jump shot. She was all around a good player tonight."

Sheffield took over the reins of Covenant's offense after the Lions' starting point guard missed the game due to illness, Covenant coach Ty Farris said. After a quarter of getting used to the position, Sheffield warmed up.

She was 4 of 5 from behind the 3-point line and hit 12 of 22 free throws.

Rutherford's Nicole Daniels scored 14 to lead the Rams (0-2).

Covenant (5-0) took a 20-4 lead after the first quarter and led by 11 at halftime.

Then Farris started to clear his bench too early, he said. The Rams came back to tie the game at the end of the third quarter but the full court press both teams were playing started to wear on Rutherford, Smalls said.

For Covenant, Chelsea McDill had six rebounds and five steals. Heather Smith had nine rebounds and Rachel Phelps had eight. Hannah Dobernig had five assists and six steals.

Covenant host Monroe on Tuesday at 5 p.m. Rutherford hosts Arnold tonight at 7 p.m.