Saturday Basketball Roundup

G. Michael Graham Photo. Highlands guard Drew Houliston (25) looks to make a move on Covington Catholic's Ben Heppler (24) in Saturday's 9th Region game while teammate Luke Brockett (21) gets in position. The Colonels won 67-29.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands Ladybirds basketball team did not suffer a letdown Saturday.

Highlands (10-2) followed Friday’s big win at Newport Central Catholic with a 60-50 win over the Green County Lady Dragons (5-5) in the Centria Metals/Staxx BBQ Shootout at Franklin County. The Lady Birds have won two in a row.

Brianna Adler and Haley Coffey led Highlands with 22 and 15 points respectively. Adler hit 8-of-12 shots including 5-of-7 from three-point range and Coffey made 5-of-6 free-throw attempts to go with four steals and three assists.

Green County also saw two players score in double-digits. They were Kayla Bale with 15 and Mya Schrembs with 12. Bale made 3-of-5 three-pointers.

The game saw five lead changes and four ties. But Highlands pulled away in the fourth quarter.

Highlands plays at Newport (9-2) on Tuesday. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

Newport Central Catholic 78, Lloyd Memorial 39:

The Thoroughbreds (11-1) bounced back from Friday’s tough loss dominating the visiting Lady Juggernauts (4-4). The game hit the running clock in the third quarter.

NewCath saw four players reach double-figures. Posts Nikki Kiernan and Alexus Mayes scored 11 and 10 points respectively.

But they did not lead the Thoroughbreds in scoring like usual. Senior Stephanie Lewis had a breakout game of 16 points and Sarah Neace followed with 12.

The Thoroughbreds begin a tough stretch Wednesday at undefeated Bishop Brossart (11-0). Game time is 7:30 p.m.

Basketball, Boys:

Newport Central Catholic 68, Beechwood 31:

The Thoroughbreds (10-3) dominated another 9th Region opponent to move to 5-0 in region play.

NewCath saw three players reach double-digits in this road game. Tanner Moeves led the way with 16 points. Zach Pangallo and Drew McDonald followed with 11 each.

NewCath travels to in-town rival Newport (6-4) on Monday for a 36th District contest. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

Covington Catholic 67, Highlands 29:

The undefeated Colonels (10-0) dominated from start to finish in this contest.

Highlands (1-7) fell to 0-3 in 9th Region play. The Bluebirds have lost four straight to the Colonels. Highlands last beat Covington Catholic, 61-45 on Jan. 5, 2010.

The Bluebirds had problems all game against the Colonels’ man-to-man pressure defense. They turned the ball over 17 times on 15 CovCath steals. CovCath had just seven turnovers on four Bluebird steals.

Highlands put up just 24 shots making 10 for 42 percent and made just 3-of-8 free throws for 38 percent. Drew Houliston led the Bluebirds with seven points.

Ten Colonels scored. Post Mark Schult led the way with 14 points and Nick Ruthsatz added 10 on two three-pointers. Ruthsatz will play college basketball at National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics power University of Findley in northwest Ohio next year.

CovCath also dominated the boards, 32-23. Schult led the way with nine.

Highlands returns home Tuesday against Bracken County (8-5). Game time is 7:30 p.m.