PORTALES, N.M. – Eastern New Mexico men's basketball did not have to look far for their newest freshman guard. The team is bringing Lovington, N.M. native Kayle Covington to the Greyhounds for the 2025-26 season.

"We are excited to get Kayle on the court," said head coach Daven Võ. "He brings toughness and athleticism that we don't usually see in a true freshman.  Being a local kid from the area, we know he will wear green and silver with pride."

Covington is a second team all-state selection who graduated from Lovington High School. As a senior, he averaged a double-double with 20+ points and 12+ rebounds per contest and scored in double digits every single game. He was named the co-MVP of district 4-4A and finished with 21 double doubles. In a win over in-state foe Goddard, the Hounds signee finished with a season-high 33 points.

Over his three seasons with the varsity program, he helped the Wildcats finish second in the district twice and qualify for the state tournament twice. He also helped the team make it to the quarterfinals of the 2024 state championship.

Covington was selected to participate in the 2025 New Mexico High School Coaches Association All-Star weekend where he led his team with 27 points and won the dunk contest. The newest Greyhound was ranked in the top five by Prep Hoops among all players in New Mexico.