Highlands goes 1-1 in Holiday Classic

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands Ladybirds basketball team split its games in the LaRosa’s Holiday Classic at Conner on Tuesday.

Highlands (9-1) suffered its first loss of the season in overtime to Owensboro Catholic, 54-51 early in the day. Highlands could not stop Caroline Hayden has she tallied 23 points and 12 rebounds.

The Lady Aces saw one other player score in double digits. That was Mikayla Berry with 15.

Highlands had been forcing more turnovers. But that did not happen in this game. Owensboro Catholic had eight turnovers and 10 steals while Highlands recorded 13 turnovers and four steals.

The Ladybirds saw three players reach double figures. McKenzie Leigh and Zoie Barth scored 13 points each and Lydia Graves had 10.

Neither team shot well from the field. Owensboro Catholic made 18-of-60 shots for 30 percent including 6-of-18 from three-point range for 33 percent and 12-of-22 free throws for 55 percent. Highlands made 16-of-56 shots for 29 percent including 4-of-17 three-point shots for 24 percent. The Ladybirds also made 15-of-20 free-throw tries for 75 percent.

Highlands bounced back with a 45-42 win over Walton-Verona later in the day. The Ladybirds saw Brianna Adler score 13 and Graves score 10.

Walton-Verona also had two players in double digits. Allie Mills scored 15 and Hailey Ison had 13.

Highlands plays for third place at Noon on Wednesday.

Basketball, Boys:

Newport Central Catholic 83, Dayton 29:

The Thoroughbreds (6-2) had no problem winning their 36th District opener. They moved to 4-0 in 9th Region play. Junior Robert Stoelting led NewCath with 15 points.

NewCath plays Louisville Doss on Satureday in the Clem Haskins Classic at Taylor County. Game time is 7:15 p.m.