Highlands girls rally past Conner; boys fall to Boone County

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands Bluebirds girls basketball team overcame a bad first half by rallying in the second half to record its 15th win of the season, 54-48 over the host Conner Lady Cougars.

Highlands (15-6) shot just 5-of-29 from the field in the first half for 17 percent. The Bluebirds trailed 28-18 at halftime and by as much as 14 in the third quarter before coming back. They made 9-of-24 shots in the second half for 38 percent and finished 14-of-53 for 26 percent. Highlands won the fourth quarter, 21-8.

“We weren’t very smart in the first half,” said Jaime Walz-Richey, Highlands head coach. “We challenged them to be smarter in the second half. The girls stepped up to the challenge. We didn’t make any adjustments. They just wanted it. We got a lot more steals and a lot more active. In the first half, we were just dead.”

Steals made the difference for the Bluebirds. They turned 12 of Conner’s 18 turnovers into steals and allowed just two steals on seven turnovers. Vanessa Fisse led Highlands with three thefts.

Brianna Adler paced the Bluebird comeback with 19 points. She made 10-of-11 free throws and a three-pointer.

Leah Schaefer also hit double-digits for Highlands. The Xavier signee scored 14 points and nabbed seven rebounds. Alex Combs followed with six points on two three-pointers.

Conner (18-3) made 15-of-41 shots for 37 percent and 13-of-14 free throws for 93 percent. Madi Meyers hit all 10 free throws to lead the Lady Cougars with 18 points before fouling out and Jordan Scott had a double-double with 12 points and 10 rebounds. But Highland did hold Emily Pluto to two points and two rebounds with one assist.

Highlands made it to the free-throw line 18 more times committing 16 fouls to 25 for Conner. The Bluebirds made 23-of-32 free throws for 72 percent.

The Bluebirds also improved to 5-0 at the Conner Gym. Highlands won all four contests to take the Conner State Farm Classic in December.

Highlands travels to Covington Holy Cross (15-3) on Tuesday. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

Boone County boys 54, Highlands 42:

The Rebels (11-9) pulled away from the Bluebirds (7-11) with a 19-9 fourth quarter.

“You never like to lose, but I thought we played well,” said Mike Flynn, Highlands head coach. “I thought we executed well. We only had nine turnovers. Anytime you’re under 10 turnovers, that’s important. We just didn’t shoot the ball well in the second half. Give (Boone County) credit. They made their shots and we didn’t. That’s why we lost the game.”

Defending 9th Region champion Boone County saw three players reach double-digits with the win. Brenden Stanley led the way with 21. The other two Rebels to reach double-digits were Mayberry and Melzer with 13 and 11 respectively.

Drew Houliston led the Bluebirds with 13 points. Bailey Witte and Luke Turner followed with 12 and 10 respectively.

Highlands has lost five of its last six contests and things don’t get any easier on Tuesday. The Bluebirds welcome the 36th District rival Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds (17-2) to Fort Thomas. Game time is 7:30 p.m.