Highlands Freshman Football Loses First

The Highlands Bluebirds freshman football team (8-1) lost 10-3 at Ryle on Thursday for the first loss of the season.

Highlands travels to Beechwood on Thursday. Game time is 6 p.m.

Highlands Baseball Records 25th Win

The Highlands Bluebirds baseball team recorded its 25th win of the season against just nine defeats in a 4-2 9th Region win over the visiting Ryle Raiders on Wednesday.

Bluebirds Earn Another 9th Region Road Win

Highlands Moves to 2-0 for First Time since 2012-13 Season

PHOTO: G. Michael Graham. Highlands senior Ben Sisson blocks a shot against Boone County on Thursday.

The Highlands Bluebirds basketball team had not started 2-0 since the 2012-13 season.

That changed Friday when Highlands ventured to Union and recorded a 58-48 win against its second 9th Region opponent from the 33rd District in as many games. The Bluebirds have won the last three meetings against the Raiders (1-2 overall).

More Region Wins for Bluebird Softball, Baseball

Softball Celebrates Senior Day in Style

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior Baylie Ormes waits during a break in the action against Newport on Thursday. All nine Bluebird seniors started Senior Day in a 17-2 win over Newport.

The coaching staff made sure the nine Highlands softball seniors had a memorable day Wednesday.

All nine started, played the entire game and had at least one hit in the 17-2 four-inning run-ruling of the Newport Ladycats in 36th District play. Highlands moved to 11-8 overall and 2-0 in district play with the victory.

Racking Up Wins for Bluebird Hoops

Barth Scores 1,500th Career Point as Both Highlands Teams Win

PHOTO: Jared MacDonald, Maysville Ledger-Independent. Highlands freshman Emma Riccobene (31) shoots between Mason County's Rachel Payne (34) and A.J. Reed (11) in the first half Thursday.

The Highlands Bluebirds girls basketball team wanted to go back to taking care of the ball the way the Bluebirds have done in the past unlike what happened in the loss at Cooper on Tuesday.

Highlands (12-6 overall) turned the ball over less and used a nice game defensively to pull away from the Mason County Lady Royals (10-6) by a 46-37 count Thursday in Maysville. Highlands had just 13 turnovers and Mason County had 20.

Counter-Ending to Highlands Soccer Season

Ryle Tops Bluebirds, 3-1 for 9th Region Championship

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior Nick Gish fires a penalty kick earlier in the week against Covington Catholic. He is one of six seniors on the team that finished 15-8 this year.

It not be a traditional soccer strategy.

But the bottom line is it worked. The visiting Ryle Raiders let the Highlands Bluebirds dribble into the attacking zone of the field then counter-attack in the 9th Region boys soccer championship Saturday at Tower Park. The Raiders walked away for a 3-1 victory and their first region championship since 2011 when they finished state runner-up losing 3-0 to Louisville St. Xavier in the state championship.

Grinding Out Victories

Highlands wins close ballgames

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior Jenna Martin (13) fires up a free throw in a recent game. Martin scored 16 points as the Ladybirds downed Mason County, 46-43 Thursday.

Down the stretch, the Highlands Ladybirds basketball team (12-4 overall) made the crucial plays when needed to pull off the huge 46-43 non-region home win Thursday.

The Mason County Lady Royals (11-3 overall) came into the game ranked 11th in the latest BluegrassPreps Top 20 poll and Highlands found itself ranked 17th. Mason County also entered the game on a 10-game winning streak and held a record of 5-1 against 9th Region opponents including a win over 12th-ranked Covington Holmes. Its two losses came to 19th-ranked Ryle and 3rd-ranked Mercer County. Highlands moved to 2-2 against the current Top 20.

Ryle downs Highlands in region championship rematch

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands junior Bradley Greene lays down a bunt in a recent game.

In a rematch of last year's 9th Region title game, the visitors fell 6-1.

Bluebirds fall to visiting Raiders

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands sophomore Braden Posey drives to the hole in a recent game against Campbell County.

The Highlands Bluebirds basketball team dropped its seventh straight, 59-47 to the visiting Ryle Raiders on Thursday. Highlands is 2-9 on the season.

Highlands earns elusive 9th Region crown in convincing fashion

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. The Highlands players celebrate after winning the 9th Region title Wednesday. The Bluebirds will make their first state tournament appearance since 1973.

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior and Tournament Most Valuable Player Jake Whitford (4) goes up to make a play.

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior Brady Murray slides in safely in the third inning to score the game's first run. He came all the way around from first base on the play.

FLORENCE - From the last out in last year's title game, the returning players primed up to come back and ram through the doors to that elusive 9th Region baseball crown.

Ryle stops NewCath momentum

The underdogs needed another big performance to make a surprising return to the 9th Region baseball title game.

Highlands shuts out Ryle, 7-0

The Highlands Bluebirds baseball team picked up its first shutout of the season Wednesday.

Highlands earns first region win

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands junior Mitch Cain (5) puts up a shot in a game earlier in the week. Cain scored 16 points to help the Bluebirds win their first 9th Region contest of the year at Ryle on Thursday.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands Bluebirds basketball team earned its first 9th Region win on the road Thursday.

NCC boys down Ryle; Highlands boys defeat Scott

G. Michael Graham Photo. Newport Central Catholic head coach Grant Brannen (center) goes over strategy in Tuesday's home game against Ryle. The Thoroughbreds own the most wins in Kentucky with an impressive 27-2 record.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

If there is a time to get a game like this out of the way, it’s before the postseason because a game like this then could mean the end of the season.

The Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds managed to defeat the pesky Ryle Raiders, 63-54 Tuesday on the hill. But they did not put away the visitors from Union like they normally do to opponents.

NewCath won its 15th straight contest to move to 27-2 overall and 15-1 in 9th Region play. Ryle dropped to 10-15.

“(Ryle) is a grind it out, 9th Region team,” said Grant Brannen, NewCath head coach. “I went to watch them against Milford (Ohio). They ended up losing by 19 (61-42). But they were winning midway through the third quarter. We didn’t play NewCath basketball so that’s disappointing. But it’s a win so we’ll take it. I told them we have the most wins in the state of Kentucky and we have to keep that going.”

In the end, the Raiders had no answers for the Thoroughbred size. NewCath won the rebounding battle, 27-18. Sophomore 6-foot-6-inch Drew McDonald led the way with 21 points and eight rebounds. McDonald made all seven free-throw attempts.

“We just have to come out with intensity, match the other team, get big leads and put them away,” McDonald said. “You never know what you’re going to get in the 9th Region. It’s the most competitive region in the state.”

The Thoroughbreds put four starters in double-digits. Zach Pangallo followed McDonald with 14 points on two three-pointers with teammates Jake Schulte and Michael Bueter scoring 13 and 11 respectively. Bueter also nabbed seven rebounds and dished out six assists.

Both teams consistently found ways into the paint to create high-percentage shot opportunities. NewCath had 17 assists to nine for Ryle.

Both teams shot 50 percent from the field. NewCath made 23-of-46 attempts including three three-pointers and Ryle hit 20-of-40 with two three-pointers.

Both teams also shot well from the free-throw line. The Thoroughbreds hit 14-of-18 attempts for 78 percent and the Raiders made 12-of-17 for 71 percent.

Drew Mays and Travis King constantly penetrated the lane for Ryle and made things happen. Mays scored 16 points to go with five steals and King scored nine and dished out four assists.

“In past years, Coach Brannen said we’ve had problems with strong guards,” Pangallo said. “We just have to get in the weight room a little more, move our feet and play solid defense.”

The Raiders saw two other players reach double-digits. Post Will Stuhr scored 12 and Mark Fussenegger had 11. Stuhr also had six rebounds.

The Thoroughbreds used a 6-0 run in the first quarter to take the lead for good at 12-8. They led 12-10 after the first quarter and 27-22 at halftime. The Raiders cut the margin to 20-19 at one point in the second quarter.

The teams traded baskets constantly in the third quarter as NewCath managed to increase its lead by just a point and lead 46-40 entering the fourth quarter.

The Raiders cut the lead to four with 6:50 remaining at 48-44 after a Fussenegger score. But the Thoroughbreds answered with a 10-0 to give themselves some breathing room at 58-44 with two minutes left following two Pangallo free throws.

Ryle did not cut the margin back to single digits until 35.2 seconds remained when Mays recorded a steal and score. The NewCath reserves got into the game in the final two minutes.

NewCath concludes the regular season with another 9th Region battle at Conner (12-13) on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. The Thoroughbreds hope to avoid what happened last year when the Cougars won 49-47 on the hill.

“That’s going to be tough out there on their Senior Night,” Brannen said. “We just have to be ready to go.”

Highlands boys 46, Scott 38:

The Bluebirds won their second straight with a home win Tuesday.

Highlands improved to 11-15 after winning just 10 games last year. The Eagles fell to 13-12.

The Bluebirds trailed 33-28 entering the fourth quarter. But they erased with four minutes remaining winning the quarter, 18-5.

Luke Turner led Highlands with 27 points. He made two three-pointers and 13 free throws.

The Eagles saw eight players score. But only Nick Jackson reached double-digits with 10 points.

The Bluebirds conclude the season Friday against Beechwood (8-19) in Fort Thomas. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

Highlands girls win big; HHS, NC boys fall

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands Bluebirds girls basketball team handled the Mason County Lady Royals, 71-45 on Thursday.

Highlands led 15-11 after the first quarter and won the second quarter, 21-9 to go up 36-20 at halftime. The Bluebirds also led 53-38 after the third quarter before putting the game away winning the final stanza, 18-7. Highlands scored 14 in a row at one point in the contest.

Highlands saw 10 different players score. Brianna Adler led the way with 15 points. She made 3-of-4 three-pointers. Senior post Jesse “Dirt” Daley followed with 11 points and five rebounds. Emilie Parton followed with nine points making two three-pointers for Highlands (12-6) and Alex Combs had eight.

The Bluebirds made 27-of-50 shots for 54 percent, including 7-of-12 from three-point range. Combs and Vanessa Fisse also made three-pointers for Highlands.

Highlands also shot better from the free-throw line making 10-of-14 for 71 percent. The Lady Royals hit 15-of-22 free throws for 68 percent.

Mason County (11-5) made 12-of-39 shots for 31 percent, including 6-of-20 from three-point range for 30 percent. Alivia Bierley led the Lady Royals with 16 points.

The Bluebirds play host to Ryle at 7:30 p.m. tonight.

Ryle boys 64, Highlands 55:

 

The Bluebirds (6-9) dropped their third in a row in Union on Thursday.

Highlands did put three players in double-figures. Luke Turner led the way with 14. Teammates Jake Gronotte and Drew Houliston followed with 11 each.

The Raiders (8-7) also had three players reach double-digits. Mark Fussenegger led the way with 20 with Tanner White and Will Stuhr following with 14 and 13 respectively.

Highlands returns home for the first time since the second game of the season to face Covington Catholic (14-2) at 7:30 p.m. Monday.

Covington Catholic boys 50, Newport Central Catholic 48:

 

The Colonels (14-2) edged the Thoroughbreds (12-2) in a crucial 9th Region matchup in Newport on Thursday.

Bo Schuh led the Colonels with 12 points.

Campbell County (7-9) comes to NewCath on Saturday. Game time is 2:30 p.m.

Highlands handle Ryle rushing attack, rain

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

UNION – It has been a trademark of the Ryle Raiders.

They spread you out and put one or two running backs in the backfield and try to run the ball at different angles. Ryle came into the year with high expectations with the return of senior quarterback Nathan Davis.

But Davis has been injured a good portion of the year and the Raider offense has struggled. Ryle had eight guys carry the ball against Highlands on Friday. But the Bluebird defense held its own in the 58-13 victory. Davis did not play against Highlands.

The Raiders ran for just 210 yards on 63 carries for an average of 3.3 a touch. Tanner Paulice led the way with 59 yards on 26 carries averaging just more than 2.2 a touch.

“We were trying to get back and really stop the run,” said Matt Gall, Highlands sophomore defensive lineman. “We knew they were going to try to run against us after they saw the (Cincinnati) Elder film. I think we did a good job just playing hard and playing tough. Coach (Highlands defensive coordinator Brian) Weinrich emphasized getting in the backfield and driving them back when we tackled them.”

Playing in the Rain:

The rain kept a lot of people from the game Friday. The temperatures stayed in the 40s and 50s across Kentucky with heavy downpours. The rain came lightly during and after the game.

“I think we just started off slow,” said Jehad Henderson, Highlands senior linebacker. “It was a little cold and a little odd that there weren’t that many people here. It wasn’t our normal environment. But it’s something that has to be done. It’s something that we’ll hit off the bat in the playoffs.”

But that did not hurt Highlands overall. The Bluebirds turned the ball over four times to once for the Raiders. But Highlands still outscored Ryle, 7-0 in points off turnovers.

“It is different,” said Dale Mueller, Highlands Co-Head Coach of the weather. “You have to be able to handle playing with a wet football. We haven’t had much practice in that. We do that in the spring trying to play on wet, cold days. It was a good experience for us being in that situation.”

Injury Delay in Fourth Quarter:

The game was stopped with 8:34 left in the final stanza because of an apparent neck injury to Ryle senior Dylan Plvan.

The Highlands players asked for prayer on Twitter. The ambulance took Plvan to the hospital for precaution even though the announcer said he had movement.

Cheering for and against Covington Catholic:

The Highlands faithful let out a cheer when it was announced that Conner defeated Covington Catholic, 13-12. That dropped the Colonels to 7-3 overall.

But the Bluebirds could have a reason to cheer for the Colonels if the four host teams from Districts 7 and 8 advance past the first round of the 4A playoffs next week. That would put Ashland Blazer at Highlands and Covington Catholic at Johnson Central.

If Both Johnson Central and Highlands win, Johnson Central would be the host of the regional title game. But if Covington Catholic and Highlands meet for the region title, it would come back to Fort Thomas like last year.

Around District 7:

Overall, District 7 finished 3-2 Friday. Harrison County lost, 38-10 to Woodford County. But Covington Holmes and Pendleton County picked up wins.

The Bulldogs (6-4) dominated the in-town rival Holy Cross Indians, 50-0. The Indians (3-7) have struggled this year after winning the 2A state title last year.

Harrison County finished 1-9. But the Thorobreds won the one game they had to against Pendleton County, 28-0 to make the playoffs.

Highlands, Covington Catholic, Holmes and Harrison County automatically make the playoffs the next two years. Pendleton County has elected not to play in district action the next two seasons.

The Wildcats (2-8) finished the season on a high note. Pendleton County knocked off Bracken County, 26-14 to conclude the season and snap a four-game losing streak.

Around Class 4A:

The Warren East Raiders and Russell County Lakers needed wins Friday to finish as the only undefeated teams in 4A. They earned the perfect 10-0 marks. The Lakers took out Adair County, 66-14 and the Raiders beat Bullitt Central, 35-6.

It remains to be seen if Russell County can get past Boyle County (6-4) and Lexington Catholic (8-2) to the semifinals. The Rebels have won three in a row since the Sept. 28 loss at Lexington Catholic, 24-21.

The Knights battled undefeated Bowling Green (10-0) hard Friday in a 35-21 loss. Both of LexCath’s losses have come to undefeated teams. The Knights fell 62-14 to Nashville Ensworth (10-0), the two-time defending Tennessee Division II-AA champions on Aug. 25.

Highlands smashes Ryle, 58-13

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

UNION – A little optimism abounded for the home team here – for a quarter.

After a turnover-filled first quarter, the Highlands Bluebirds found their offensive groove. The quick-scoring offense put up 31 points in the second quarter and Highlands pulled away from the host Ryle Raiders, 58-13 at Borland Stadium on Friday.

“The guys just played so well after that start,” said Dale Mueller, Highlands Co-Head Coach. “I was really proud of them. They didn’t lose focus at all. They started executing.”

Class 4A’s top-ranked Bluebirds (9-1) quickly swished the bad taste of last week’s 38-24 loss to Cincinnati Elder, which snapped their 28-game winning streak, out of their mouths. The win also marked their first here since their only loss to a Kentucky team since the start of 2007, 28-26 in 2010.

Highlands improved to 82-3 since the start of 2007. The Bluebirds are 77-1 against teams from Kentucky and 5-2 against teams from Ohio during that timeframe.

Highlands outgained Ryle (3-6), 476-235 in total offense. That included 270-25 through the air.

The Raiders had no answer for the Donovan McCoy to Luke Turner connection. Turner hauled in seven receptions for 172 yards and four touchdowns for an average of about 24.6 yards per catch. McCoy completed 15-of-21 passes for 257 yards, five touchdowns and two interceptions.

The Highlands offensive line provided McCoy great protection all night. The Raiders did not record a sack of McCoy.

“We don’t have to protect (McCoy) that long because our wide receivers are so fast and Donovan makes such good decisions,” said Scott Turner, Highlands junior offensive lineman. “It’s just a matter of moving your feet, keeping your head back and arms extended.”

The Bluebirds saw seven receivers make catches. Jaylen Hayes had three catches for 24 yards and rushed for 51 yards and a score. Teammate Jensen Feggins added two catches for 22 yards and Luke Brockett had Highlands’ other touchdown reception. Brockett also made all seven extra-point attempts and a field goal for 16 points on the evening.

Highlands did not dress running back Zach Harris. But the Bluebirds more than made up for that. Josh Watson came in and led Highlands with 63 yards on four carries and a touchdown. McCoy and Ryan Donovan followed with 46 and 40 yards rushing respectively.

The Bluebirds turned the ball four times in the first quarter including their first three offensive plays. The Raiders recovered an onside kick, another Highlands fumble and Ryan Rytlewski and Nick Kennedy recorded interceptions.

But the Bluebirds defense held strong after the turnovers. Ryle did not even make a first down after any of the turnovers. The Raiders punted twice and did not convert on fourth down.

Ryle’s lone touchdown of the quarter came when Highlands did not covert a 4th-and-1 at its own 46. The Raiders drove down to the Highlands 7 after Daniel Osborne ran for 33 yards on 3rd-and-7. On 3rd-and-goal from the 10, Eric Moore found Kyle Pangallo for the touchdown.

It was one of just four passes the Raiders completed the entire game. They were 4-of-13 for 25 yards.

But the Bluebirds erased that 7-0 lead quickly. Brockett hit a 23-yard field goal before Turner recorded touchdown receptions for 44, 12 and 33 yards. Brockett’s 15-yard touchdown reception with 9.6 seconds left in the half to put Highlands up 31-7.

“(Turner) is a senior,” Brockett said. “His leadership role helps us step up our game. We realize what we have to do to get the job done too.”

The Bluebirds extended the margin to 45-7 after the third quarter. Turner hauled in his fourth touchdown pass from 30 yards with 8:59 left and Hayes scored from five yards out. After Hayes’ score, Ryle ran a 16-play drive down to the Highlands seven before turning it over on downs.

The Raiders scored their second touchdown with 9:10 remaining in the game. Cody Anzevino scored from nine yards out.

Highlands scored twice in the final 14.2 seconds. Josh Watson scored on a 43-yard run and the Bluebirds scored their first defensive touchdown of the year on the last play of the game. Griffin Urlage picked off Ryle quarterback Eric Moore and returned it about 60 yards for the touchdown.

The Bluebirds return to Fort Thomas to start the playoffs Friday in a first-round rematch with the Boyd County Lions (5-5). Highlands beat Boyd County, 63-7 last year.

Ryle downs Highlands, 2-0 in season finale

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands Bluebirds soccer team used the season finale as a measuring stick.

Like the Bluebirds, the defending state runner-up Ryle Raiders came to Tower Park on a roll. Highlands had shut out four straight opponents by a combined 12-0 and Ryle had shut out three consecutive opponents.

Highlands hung tough with Ryle but could not dent the scoreboard in a 2-0 loss Thursday. Highlands saw its four-game winning streak snapped and goes into the postseason with a 10-7-2 mark.

“They’re a good club,” said Matthew Winkler, Highlands head coach. “You can see that from the games they’ve played. We expected a good game and they brought a good game to us.”

The Raiders moved to 15-4-1 with their fourth consecutive shutout. Ryle has outscored the opposition 20-0 since losing 1-0 to Covington Cathholic on Sept. 22.

The Raiders opened the season with losses to fourth-ranked Lexington Dunbar (3-2) and sixth-ranked Lexington Henry Clay (2-1) but have gone 15-2-1 since then.

Ryle finished 23-3-3 last year before losing 3-0 to state power Louisville St. Xavier in the state championship. Ninth-year Head Coach Stephen Collins welcomed back eight starters from that team.

“It’s nice to have 13 seniors on the team,” Collins said. “We schedule very strong early with the intent that we’re going to learn and grow. By the end of the season, we hope to catch steam and go into the playoffs on a high (note).”

Highlands ran a typical 4-4-2 (defender-midfielder-forward) attack and Ryle ran a 4-5-1 and got off more shots. The Raiders had 13 shots including 11 on goal to the Bluebirds’ seven with just three on goal. Nick Breslin made 10 saves at goalkeeper for the Bluebirds and Raider goalkeeper Josh Butler made three on his birthday.

Both teams had chances. Ryle had eight free kicks and five corner kicks. Highlands had seven free kicks and one corner kick.

Ryle pulled out a lot of its starters in the second half. Both teams wanted to go into the postseason healthy.

The Raiders had several chances early. Breslin knocked a high kick off Ryle standout Tyrus Sciarra’s foot over the net with 25:57 left in the half.

Ryle struck with 16:40 left in the first half. Connor Jordan knocked in a rebound for the game-winner.

The Raiders received an insurance goal with 25:16 left in the game. Alex Rich scored.

Highlands did have a chance to tie the game with 28:28 left in the half. Chris Garbig drew a yellow card on Ryle just outside the box. He passed to teammate Cole Davis-Roberts for the hard shot. But it deflected off the left bar.

“We played with them as long as they kept the starters in,” Winkler said. “We have work to do to be where we want to be playing our game for districts next week. It’s nice to have a week to prepare, get people healthy and move forward.”

The Bluebirds face Newport Central Catholic next Thursday at 8 p.m. for the District 36 title. Highlands won the regular season meeting at Tower Park, 2-0 on Sept. 22.