NC Hoops teams earn big wins

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds girls basketball team survived a battle of 7-0 teams Friday.

NewCath downed the Glasgow Lady Scotties, 54-50 to open the Gateway Holiday Classic at Montgomery County. Glasgow had recently recorded a huge win over Louisville power Sacred Heart.

Nikki Kiernan and Alexus Mayes once again led the charge for the Thoroughbreds. Kiernan recorded a double-double of 22 points and 10 rebounds with Mayes scoring 15. Point guard Michaela Ware added 10 points.

Sophomore Bree Glover led Glasgow with 30 points. The University of Kentucky has already offered her a scholarship.

“(Glover) is good at going to the basket,” said George Stoll, NewCath Head Coach. “She can do a little bit of everything. We had a tough time keeping her in front of us.”

NewCath did hold Glasgow senior center Shalika Smith to six points. Smith is committed to Western Kentucky University.

The biggest difference in the game is NewCath handled the ball better. The Thoroughbreds forced 23 turnovers and committed just 14.

Glasgow did shoot free throws a little better making 13-of-19 for 68 percent. NewCath hit 15-of-24 for 63 percent.

The Thoroughbreds return to tournament action today against LaRue County (6-2) at 5:30 p.m. in Mount Sterling.

NC boys 64, Cordia 63:

The Thoroughbreds (6-2) held off Cordia to open the Republic Bank of Kentucky Tournament at Lexington Catholic in double overtime.

NewCath’s three bigs led them in scoring. Drew McDonald had 23 with Jake Schulte and Ben Weyer following with 16 and 15 points respectively.

The Thoroughbreds take on Louisville Pleasure Ridge Park (7-2) at Noon today in a rematch of the King of the Bluegrass third-place game. PRP rallied to win it 78-70.