NC takes fourth in rugged KOB Tournament

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds boys basketball team hoped to come away with third place in the rugged King of the Bluegrass Tournament.

But the Thoroughbreds (5-2) could not hold on to a fourth-quarter lead in the consolation game against the Louisville Pleasure Ridge Park Panthers on Monday in a 78-70 defeat. The Panthers (6-2) outscored the Thoroughbreds, 29-13 in the fourth quarter to pull off the win.

NewCath led 39-26 at halftime and 57-49 entering the third quarter. The Thoroughbreds’ largest lead of the game was 39-24 toward the end of the second quarter.

Lamontray Harris and Antonio McDaniels led the comeback effort for the Panthers. Harris scored 30 and McDaniels had 26. Harris made 11-of-15 shots in addition to 7-of-9 from the free-throw line and McDaniels made 5-of-7 from three-point land and all seven free-throw attempts.

The Thoroughbreds saw four players reach double-digits. Posts Drew McDonald and Jake Schulte led the way with 17 and 16 respectively. Guards Zach Pangallo and Tanner Moeves followed with 14 and 10.

NewCath made 26-of-54 shots for 48 percent, including 8-of-19 from three-point range for 42 percent. The Thoroughbreds shot better at the free-throw line making 10-of-16 for 63 percent.

PRP made 27-of-51 shots for 53 percent, including 7-of-13 three-point tries for 54 percent. The Panthers also made 17-of-24 free-throw tries for 71 percent.

NewCath next plays in the Republic Bank of Kentucky Tournament at Lexington Catholic starting on Friday at 3 p.m. The Thoroughbreds face either Cordia (5-2) or Warren Central (5-1).