NewCath handles OCath; Highlands girls lose at buzzer

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The defending tournament champions started the boys basketball tournament off with the expected bang.

The Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds (18-3) handled the Owensboro Catholic Aces, 60-39 to open the All “A” State Tournament on Thursday. All games are taking place at the Frankfort Convention Center.

The Thoroughbreds see different players lead the way in scoring each night and Thursday was no exception. Zack Pangallo led the way with 19 points making three three-pointers. Teammates Drew McDonald and Tanner Moeves followed with 12 and 10 respectively.

NewCath had seven blocked shots to two for OCath. McDonald and Ben Weyer turned away two each for the Thoroughbreds.

The Aces did not see any player reach double-digits. Ryan Clark led them with nine points.

NewCath faces Green County (11-8) at 6:30 p.m. in the tournament quarterfinals. The winner battles either Lexington Christian (13-7) or Louisville Holy Cross (14-4) at 6 p.m. in the semfinals Saturday.

Basketball, Girls:

Covington Holmes 56, Highlands 54:

Jynea Harris scored just before the final buzzer to lift the Lady Bulldogs to the victory. Highlands has lost two in a row playing its third game in four days.

The Bluebirds (14-5) made a valiant comeback attempt down 41-31 entering the fourth quarter. They outscored the Lady Bulldogs, 23-15 in the final frame.

Brianna Adler and McKenzie Leigh led the Highlands comeback attempt scoring 17 and 14 respectively. Adler made five three-pointers and Leight hit 9-of-10 free-throw attempts.

Highlands does not play again until Saturday at home against Conner. Game time is 7:30 p.m.