Ladybirds cruise in 36th semifinals

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands freshman Morgan Coffey (35) goes up for a shot against Dayton's Mallory Kubala in the 36th District semifinals Wednesday. Highlands won 78-33.

The Highlands Ladybirds basketball team had no problem punching its fifth straight ticket to the 9th Region Tournament with a sound 78-33 victory over the Dayton Lady Devils in the 36th District semifinals on Tuesday at Bellevue.

Highlands (20-10 overall) jumped out to a 35-6 lead after the first quarter and led 46-16 at halftime. The Ladybirds forced the running clock in the third quarter leading 68-28 entering the fourth quarter.

The Ladybirds will battle the Newport Ladycats (13-13) for the 36th District championship Thursday at 7 p.m. Newport upset second-seeded Newport Central Catholic, 62-58 in the other semifinal game.

Highlands outscored Dayton, 1.16 to .50 in points per possession. The Ladybirds saw 14 players score. Freshman Zoie Barth scored 23 points to lead the way with Brianna Adler contributing 15 and Lauren Epperson 10.

Dayton (17-10) did not have anyone reach double digits. But the Lady Devils saw Lindsey Trimnell and Mallory Kubala score eight points each.

Highlands made 26-of-53 shots for 49 percent including 3-of-15 from three-point range for 20 percent. The Ladybirds also made 23-of-27 free throws for 85 percent.

Dayton hit 13-of-43 shots for 30 percent including 4-of-11 three-point tries for 36 percent. The Lady Devils also made 3-of-7 free throws for 43 percent.

Highlands also won the rebounding battle, 35-23. Epperson led the way with six rebounds.