NewCath doubles up Highlands, 56-28

G. Michael Graham Photo. Highlands senior Drew Houliston (25) passes the ball against Newport Central Catholic junior Grant Moeves (13) in Tuesday's 36th District contest. NewCath won 56-28 for its eighth straight win in the series.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

NEWPORT – Lately, the home team had dominated the series.

The visiting team sought a signature win in building toward the time when these two men’s basketball teams battled for not just district titles, but 9th Region crowns between 1997 and 2001. The Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds (17-3 overall, 3-0 district) continued that against the Highlands Bluebirds (3-10, 1-2) with a 56-28 victory on The Hill on Tuesday.

NewCath has won eight straight in the series entering the contest dating back to a 58-44 Highlands win on The Hill on Jan. 9, 2010 and 10 of the previous 11 meetings. The Thoroughbreds have also won five straight district championships.

NewCath has clinched the top seed in the district tournament on The Hill in February. Both teams still need to face Bellevue to finish district play. The Thoroughbreds and Newport Wildcats counted the All “A” 9th Region title game as a district game because the regular season game was cancelled.

NewCath used its size and transition game to run away with the win. The Thoroughbreds scored the game’s first 19 points and never looked back building a 42-8 halftime lead. The reserves saw a lot of action in the second half for both teams and the running clock started just 38 seconds into the half.

The NewCath made 24-of-38 shots for 63 percent and 4-of-6 free throws for 67 percent. The Thoroughbreds made 18-of-23 shots in the first half for 78 percent mostly finding their tall posts for easy shots near the basket.

“The lead was nice where I could get (the starters) out and not have to play them the whole night,” said Ron Dawn, NewCath Head Coach. “(The size) definitely helps defensively. They didn’t get many easy shots and we got a lot of easy shots. Our defense led to a lot of those points.”

Highlands made 10-of-41 shots for 24 percent and 3-of-8 free throws for 38 percent. NewCath held the Bluebirds to 3-of-25 shooting in the first half for 12 percent.

“We came out and ran our stuff pretty well,” said Kevin Listerman, Highlands Head Coach. “We got good looks. We didn’t hit anything from (three-point range). We knew we’d have to hit some from there to stretch them then we didn’t do a very good job transition-wise. In the second half, we did a much better job getting our guys back. Offensively, they’re very efficient. They’ve done this to a whole lot of ballclubs this year.”

Sophomore 6-foot-6 inch center Ben Weyer led the way for NewCath with 13 points making 6-of-7 shots including a three-pointer. Senior 6-8 teammate Jake Schulte followed with 10 points and two points with 6-7 post Drew McDonald scoring six points and seven rebounds.

The driving opened up some things outside. Guard Tanner Moeves tallied 11 to lead the Thoroughbreds. He made three three-pointers.

NewCath won the rebounding battle, 28-22 and had 17 assists to five for Highlands. Zack Pangallo tallied six assists to lead the Thoroughbreds and Grant Moeves had three.

“Our offense rotated multiple times,” Grant Moeves said. “We can run to the wing, get the defense moving and find a seam. When our posts (get deep), it’s almost a guarantee every time they’re going to score.”

Justin Weyer scored all 10 of his points in the second half to lead Highlands. That included two three-pointers.

“Justin Weyer finding his touch was a good thing because we’re going to need him down the stretch,” Listerman said. “We hope to have others find theirs some. I give my kids credit. They battled and tried to do what we asked them to do.”

The Bluebirds made five triples, including four in the second half. Kenny Ball had two and Brendan Buten made the other one for Highlands.

Thoroughbreds open the All “A” State Tournament at the Frankfort Civic Center on Thursday against the Owensboro Catholic Aces (11-6). Game time is 1 p.m. Conditioning could come into play in the tournament. NewCath will play five games in six nights if it makes the title game Sunday.

“We hope to have some guys we can bring off the bench to give guys a breather,” Dawn said. “To be in good condition, you have to stay healthy.”

Highlands does not play again until Friday at the Bellevue Tigers (8-7). Game time is 7:30 p.m.