Highlands handles Holmes, 76-60

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands Bluebirds girls basketball team recorded another sound 9th Region home win Thursday.

The Bluebirds (18-7) tallied 28 points in the second quarter to pull away from the visiting Covington Holmes Lady Bulldogs (11-12) on their way to a 76-60 victory. They moved to 11-2 in region play as a result of their 12th win in the last 15 games.

The Twin Towers led the way for Highlands scoring about 53 percent of the points. Leah Schaefer made 9-of-21 shots and 6-of-10 free throws on her way to 24 points to go with eight rebounds, three assists, a blocked shot and steal. Jesse “Dirt” Daley followed with 16 points making 6-of-10 shots and 4-of-5 free throws. Daley also had seven rebounds, two assists and a steal.

Highlands put together its usual balanced scoring. Sophomore Alex Combs followed the Twin Towers with 12 points making 4-of-9 shots including 2-of-6 from three-point range. Senior Emilie Parton made 3-of-5 shots from three-point range for nine points.

The Bluebirds put together another efficient shooting night. They made 27-of-57 shots for 47 percent and 15-of-21 free throws for 71 percent. Highlands also hit half of its 14 shots from downtown. Brianna Adler and McKenzie Leigh also made three-pointers for the Bluebirds.
Holmes made 18-of-46 shots for 39 percent including 4-of-11 three-pointers for 36 percent. The Lady Bulldogs did make it to the free-throw line more making 20-of-30 attempts for 67 percent.

Tamra Holder and Deja Turner led Holmes with 13 points respectively and Jynea Harris followed with 10. The Lady Bulldogs saw nine players score.

Overall, Highlands committed 25 fouls to 16 for Holmes. Two players fouled out for the Lady Bulldogs and three finished with four for the Bluebirds.

Highlands dominated inside. The Bluebirds outscored the Lady Bulldogs, 24-14 in the paint. They also had 1.24 points per possession to .96 for Holmes.

The Bluebirds return home Monday against Woodford County (14-11). Game time is 6:30 p.m.