Ladybirds win in Leigh's return to action

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands junior McKenzie Leigh makes a move in a recent game. Leigh played for the first time in six games Monday. Highlands beat Cincinnati St. Ursula, 56-24.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands Ladybirds basketball team ventured across the Ohio River and handled a Greater Catholic League opponent Monday for its sixth straight win.

Highlands (23-3 overall) beat the host Cincinnati St. Ursula Bulldogs, 56-24. The Ladybirds had not beaten an Ohio opponent since the 2010-11 season. Highlands recorded a 45-42 road win at Cincinnati Ursuline when Kelsey Dunn, Sydney Groneck and Allie Conner were seniors.

Highlands outscored St. Ursula, .98-.42 in points per possession. Brianna Adler and Alex Combs scored 13 points each to lead the Ladybirds. Adler made 3-of-5 three-point tries.

Highlands saw junior 6-foot-1-inch McKenzie Leigh return to action after missing the past five games. Leigh scored six points, grabbed two rebounds and blocked two shots.

The Ladybirds made 19-of-49 shots for 39 percent, including 9-of-17 three-point tries for 53 percent. They also made 9-of-17 free throws.

The Bulldogs made 9-of-59 shots for 15 percent, including 4-of-26 three-point tries for the same percentage. They also made just 2-of-4 free-throw tries for 50 percent.

Highlands did a great job keeping out of foul trouble. The Ladybirds had just four fouls to 12 for the Bulldogs.

Highlands plays host to Boone County (15-10) on Tuesday. Game time is 7:30 p.m.