Girls Hoops: NC dominates Paintsville, HHS falls

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds had no problem in the All “A” Girls State Basketball Tournament opener on Wednesday.

The Thoroughbreds (18-2) dominated the Paintsville Lady Tigers (11-7) by a 56-26 count at the Frankfort Civic Center. They jumped out to a 27-3 advantage after the first quarter and never looked back.

Paintsville could not handle NewCath’s patented on-ball pressure defense. The Lady Tigers committed 23 turnovers on 12 Thoroughbred steals compared to 10 turnovers for NewCath on five Paintsville steals.

NewCath senior Nikki Kiernan was recently named a finalist for Kentucky Miss Basketball. She finished with 13 points, six rebounds and three steals. Ten different Thoroughbreds scored in the contest.

Paintsville also had just one player reach double-digits. That was Anna Claire Rice with 11 points.

NewCath takes on Trimble County (13-5) in the quarterfinals Friday. Game time is 11:30 a.m.

Mason County 56, Highlands 51:

Highlands (14-4) fell on the road Wednesday in a make-up game.

The Bluebirds saw two players reach double-digits making 20-of-40 shots for 50 percent. Brianna Adler led the way with 15 points and Haley Coffey had 10.

The Lady Royals put three players in double-digits shooting 38 percent (21-of-55) from the field. Care Green led the way with 14 points with Alivia Bierley and McKenzie Butler following with 12 and 10 respectively.

Highlands travels to Covington Holmes (11-5) on Thursday. Game time is 7:30 p.m.