Highlands boys fall to Newport; Girls beat Cooper

G. Michael Graham. Highlands senior Brandon Hergott (32) goes up for a score against Newport's Ethan Snapp in Tuesday's 36th District contest. Hergott scored 16 points in the Highlands loss.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

NEWPORT – They hoped to show how far they’ve come despite their record.

That’s especially because the Highlands Bluebirds boys basketball team might have to face the Newport Wildcats for the right to head to the 9th Region Tournament later in the season in the 36th District Tournament. But the host Wildcats prevailed in this one 65-53.

Highlands (2-9 overall, 0-1 district) attacked the lane better after the first quarter and stayed even with Newport. But it was not enough to overcome an 11-point deficit after the first quarter. Newport (8-4, 2-0) scored the game’s first five points and cruised to the win.

“We were down 11 after the first quarter, and it’s on me as coach, because we didn’t come out ready to play,” said Kevin Listerman, Highlands Head Coach. “We stared and took some punches. Newport was aggressive and made us pay. Give (the Wildcats) credit. When we play free, we look pretty good.”

Seniors Drew Houliston and Brandon Hergott led the Highlands effort with 17 and 16 points respectively. Hergott scored 14 of those points in the third quarter.

Newport saw three players reach double-digits. Ethan Snapp and Paul Price led the way with 20 each and post Kameron Covington scored 10.

“We have four guys who can reach double-digits or be high-scorers each night,” said Rodney Snapp, Newport Head Coach. “I talk to them about letting the game come to you. Some of them want to force the issue. They understand there are times when we need to run our set and get a good shot and we’re trying.”

Highlands did have some success with its pressure defense forcing Newport into 19 turnovers while committing just 10. Highlands had nine steals to five for the Wildcats. Houliston and Parker Harris recorded three steals each for the Bluebirds.

Newport did better rebounding the basketball and hit its free throws to pull away. The Wildcats had 32 rebounds to 19 for the Bluebirds and made 16-of-18 free throws for 89 percent. Highlands did not make any of its four free-throw tries. Covington grabbed 12 rebounds for a double-double.

“That’s a little surprising because I didn’t think we boxed out consistently,” Coach Snapp said. “We have to get back to the basics. Our guys want to watch the ball and think they can outjump everyone. They’ll find out in the next few weeks when they face teams taller than them.”

The Wildcats also shot better from the field. They made 23-of-41 attempts for 56 percent compared to 25-of-55 for 45 percent for the visitors. Both teams made three three-pointers each.

“(Newport) is well-coached,” Listerman said. “They know what they’re doing and who they want to shoot. We tried to switch some defenses. We’ve struggled guarding man-to-man. Ultimately, we have to get some more stops.”

Highlands trimmed the margin to six in the second quarter. But Newport finished it with a 6-0 run to go up 31-19 at halftime.

The Bluebirds managed to trim the lead to four at 43-39 with 1:05 left in the third. The Wildcats led 48-41 entering the fourth quarter. Highlands came no closer than seven points in the final quarter.

Highlands plays host to Ryle (6-6) on Thursday to continue 9th Region action. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

Basketball, Girls:

Highlands 64, Cooper 55:

The Bluebirds (12-3) bounced back from Friday’s home loss to Notre Dame with a 9th Region road win Tuesday.

Alex Combs led Highlands with 21 points. She made all seven free-throw attempts including five in the fourth quarter.

The Bluebirds had balanced scoring. Sophomores Brianna Adler and McKenzie Leigh followed with 13 and 12 points respectively.

Highlands head to Maysville on Thursday to face the Mason County Lady Royals (10-5). Game time is 7:30 p.m.