Highlands boys, NC girls conclude regular season with wins

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands Bluebirds basketball team finished the regular season with some momentum.

The Blue birds (8-13) handled the host 11-15 Beechwood Tigers, 67-48 on Friday. Highlands has won two in a row and went 8-7 after an 0-6 start.

The Bluebirds saw five players reach double-figures in a balanced effort. Brendan Buten led the way with 19 points and Drew Houliston followed with 14. Brandon Hergott and Mitchell Cain scored 11 each with Parker Harris scoring 10.

Highlands earned the third seed in the 36th District Tournament at Newport Central Catholic on Wednesday. The Bluebirds face the Newport Wildcats (15-10) for the right to advance to the 9th Region Tournament at 7:45 p.m.

Basketball, Girls:

Newport Central Catholic 50, Conner 42:

The Thoroughbreds (24-4) finished the impressive season with a three-game winning streak.

NewCath finished 5-1 following the All “A” Tournament. The Thoroughbreds won just twice after that tournament last year.

NewCath saw three players reach double-digits. Ansley Daveport finished with 14 points scoring nine in the fourth quarter to help the Thoroughbreds pull away.

The dynamic post duo of Nikki Kiernan and Alexus Mayes had double-doubles for the Thoroughbreds. Kiernan had 10 points and 14 rebounds with Mayes scoring 10 points and nabbing 10 rebounds.

The host Thoroughbreds open the 36th District Tournament on Tuesday against Newport (19-8). Game time is 7:45 p.m.