Sheffield head coach Jordan Copley stressed ball control after the loss and that the Wolverines need to be more disciplined in their play and opportunities.

“We have got to protect the ball,” said Coach Copley. “I’ve been saying it all year. We’re the type of team that wants to control the clock. We get into these running matches and especially when you’re down it’s tough. We got to keep control of the ball better to win basketball games.”

With 1:47 left to go in the second quarter, Sheffield’s leading scorer, Tyler Hepinger, with 20 on the day, hit a 3-pointer to reach exactly 1,000 career points. Hepinger was 14 points shy of the 1,000 mark coming into the game.

“It’s a fantastic milestone,” Copley said. “I’m really proud of him. He’s worked really hard to get there. Four years he’s put in the work. He’s an excellent player. I couldn’t ask for anything more than that.”

Times Observer Photo by Cody Elms Tony Richards makes a move trying to get the Wolverines back in the lead in the second half Saturday afternoon at Sheffield High School.

The last Wolverine boys basketball player to achieve this milestone was Copley’s older brother, Robin, in 2004 who accumulated more than1,500 points in his career.

“Congratulations to Tyler on reaching this milestone,” said Robin Copley “It’s a testament to his talent, hard work, and effort. Not only is this a great accomplishment for him, but it’s a great accomplishment for his teammates and the coaching staff. I think it’s something they can all be proud of.”

Following the game, Hepinger who never thought as a freshman that he would hit 1,000 points, was very grateful for the people who helped him along the way to be the first player in 17 years to achieve this mark.

“It’s crazy that it’s been that long since it’s happened,” said Hepinger. “I’m grateful that I was able to do it this year with all the support, family, friends, teammates and coaches. It was great to make it happen.”

Behind Hepinger’s 20 points, Tony Richards drilled three 3-pointers on his way to 15 points; and Lucas McNeal, Connor Finch and Conner Johnson all contributed with 4 apiece.

SHEFFIELD (47)

Hepinger 5 7-8 20, TRichards 3 0-0 15, McNeal 2 0-0 4, Finch 2 0-0 4, Albaugh 0 0-0 0, Johnson 0 2 0-0 4, Copley 0 0-0 0, Silvis 0 0-0 0, Mott-Macalush 0 0-0 0, Lobdell 0 0-0 0, ARichards 0 0-0 0, Hardwich 0 0-0 0. Totals 14 7-8 47.

DUBOIS CENTRAL CATHOLIC (56)

Starr 1 2-2 3, Armanini 3 2-2 8, Kasko 6 4-6 16, Srock 4 3-7 14, Foster 0 2-2 8, Foster 0 2-2 8, Way 1 0-0 2, 1 0-0 2, Maurer 1 0-0 2, Jenkins 1 0-0 2, Kness 0 0-0 0, Paisley 0 0-0 0, Gupta 0 0-0 0, Hickman 0 0-0 0. Totals 17 11-19 56.

3-point goals — Sheffield, Hepinger, Richards 3; DCC, Srock, Foster 2.

Sheffield 13 13 12 9 — 47

DuBois Central Catholic 13 15 16 12 — 56