Highlands teams, NC girls pick up 9th Region wins

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands Bluebirds basketball team snapped a two-game losing streak with a home win Wednesday.

The Bluebirds (7-13) downed the Lloyd Memorial Juggernauts, 44-40 in a make-up game. It marked the last home game of the season for Highlands.

The Bluebirds saw three players reach double-digits. Brendan Buten led the way with 13 points. Teammates Brandon Hergott and Drew Houliston followed with 11 and 10 respectively.

Highlands finishes the regular season at Beechwood on Friday. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

Basketball, Girls:

Highlands 64, Lloyd Memorial 36:

The Ladybirds (21-5) won their seventh straight winning their final home game of the year.

Highlands saw two players reach double digits in Lydia Graves with 12 and McKenzie Leigh with 10. Tomi Blanton and Brianna Adler had nine each. That marked a career high for Blanton. Blanton is the team’s lone senior.

Highlands made 25-of-41 shots for 61 percent including 8-of-15 three-pointers for 53 percent. The Ladybirds also made 6-of-10 free throws for 60 percent.

Lloyd made 12-of-28 shots for 43 percent including 3-of-6 triples for 50 percent. The Lady Juggernauts also hit 9-of-11 free throws for 82 percent.

Lloyd saw one player reach double-figures. That was freshman Devin Cheatum with 18 points.

Highlands ventures to fourth-ranked Simon Kenton on Friday. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

Newport Central Catholic 40, Ryle 31:

The Thoroughbreds moved to 23-4 with a road 9th Region win Wednesday.

NewCath senior Nikki Kiernan put together another stellar game with 16 points and 15 rebounds. She helped the Thoroughbreds build a 16-2 lead after the first quarter.

NewCath finishes the regular season at Conner on Friday. Game time is 7:30 p.m.