Hoops Roundup: HHS boys, girls, NCC boys post victories

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands Bluebirds basketball team rallied from 12 down to win in the Queen City on Tuesday.

Highlands (9-13) knocked off the host Cincinnati Schroder Jaguars (2-11), 42-41. The Bluebirds did not lead until 20 seconds remained in the game.

Jake Gronotte led the Bluebirds with 10 points. Teammate Luke Turner followed with eight.

The Jaguars saw two players reach double-figures. Ditalion Battle led the way with 14 and Kenny Duke had 11.

The Bluebirds do not play again until Friday. They travel across the Licking River to face the undefeated Covington Holmes Bulldogs (23-0). Game time is 7:30 p.m.

Highlands girls 78, Beechwood 39:

The Bluebirds (17-7) put out their highest point total of the year in the home win over the Lady Tigers (7-14). They also improved to 4-0 when scoring 71 or more points in a contest.

Highlands jumped out to a 20-9 lead after the first quarter and exploded for 29 in the second quarter to go up 49-18. The largest lead for the Bluebirds was 75-35 in the fourth quarter.

The Bluebirds shot an astounding 31-of-47 for 66 percent for the game, including 9-of-19 from three-point land for 47 percent and 20-of-27 for 74 percent in the first half. Highlands also made 7-of-9 free throws for 78 percent.

The Lady Tigers made 15-of-42 shots for 35 percent, including 5-of-19 from downtown for 26 percent. They also made all four free-throw attempts.

Highlands dominated the rebounding battle, 32-12. McKenzie Leigh led Highlands with 11 rebounds.

Jesse “Dirt” Daley led Highlands with 22 points making 11-of-12 shots and four rebounds. Alex Combs followed her with 14 points making 4-of-5 three-point shots. The Bluebirds outscored the Lady Tigers, 28-10 in the paint.

Vanessa Fisse followed with nine points and Brianna Adler made two three-pointers on her way to eight. Adler tied Leah Schaefer with a team-high four assists.

Beechwood put two players in double-figures. They were Allison Johnson with 12 and Olivia Stokes with 11.

Highlands returns home Thursday against Covington Holmes (11-11). Game time is 7:30 p.m.

Newport Central Catholic boys 55, North College Hill (Oh.) 51:

The Thoroughbreds crossed the river Tuesday and downed the former Ohio state power for their 11th consecutive win two days after winning the All “A” State Tournament.

NewCath (23-2) placed three players in double-figures led by Nick Seibert with 15. Drew had 13 points and seven rebounds with Jake Schulte scoring 10 points and grabbing eight rebounds.

The Thoroughbreds made six three-pointers and 9-of-13 free throws for 69 percent. Michael Bueter hit two on his way to eight points with Zach Pangallo, Seibert, Jake Haas and Ben Weyer making one each.

The Trojans saw three players score 10 each. They were Jujuan Linzy, Michael Shaw and Kendall Green. Green added a three-pointer.

North College Hill made five triples and 6-of-9 free throws for 67 percent. Green made one of those three-pointers.

NewCath hits the road again Friday at Bishop Brossart (19-4) for a 7:30 p.m. contest.

36th District Pairings Set:

The 36th District Basketball Tournament blind draw took place at noon Tuesday.

The tournaments to be held at Highlands came out identical. The Highlands and Newport Central Catholic basketball teams face off in the semifinals on Feb. 19. The girls teams play at 6 p.m. and the boys take the floor at 7:45 p.m. On the other side, the Dayton and Bellevue squads face each other on Feb. 18 and those winners take on the Newport teams on Feb. 20. The boys championship game is Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. and the girls championship is Feb. 22 at the same time.