Ladybirds pull away from Lady Camels

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior Alex Combs (center) puts up a shot while Campbell County's Mackenzie Schwarber (5) and Carson Gray (10) watch. Highlands won 64-51 to move to 6-0 on the season.

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands junior Haley Coffey goes in for a shot on Campbell County's Carson Gray (10). Coffey made 8-of-10 free throws on her way to 10 points in the Ladybird victory.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands Ladybirds basketball team has done a great job attacking the basket all season.

If they don’t make the shot, the Ladybirds have often drawn fouls and made their free throws. The difference at the free-throw line helped Ladybirds beat the host Campbell County Lady Camels, 64-51 Friday and stay undefeated at 6-0 on the season.

Highlands committed 16 fouls to 15 for Campbell County (5-3) led by first-year Head Coach and Highlands alum Beau Menefee. But the Ladybirds made 21-of-24 free-throw tries for 88 percent compared to 6-of-12 for 50 percent for the hosts.

Highlands displayed its usual balance in the win. Junior Brianna Adler made all six free throws and 3-of-5 three-point tries on her way to a team-high 19 points. Teammate Zoie Barth hit all five attempts on her way to 11 points and Haley Coffey made 8-of-10 on her way to 10 points. The top six Highlands players scored at least five points.

Highlands shot better from the field making 20-of-38 attempts for 53 percent including 3-of-8 three-point tries for 38 percent. Campbell County made 20-of-44 shots for 46 percent, including 5-of-19 three-point tries for 26 percent. Highlands scored 1.23 points per possession to .82 for Campbell County.

The Ladybirds won the rebounding battle, 28-19. McKenzie Leigh led the way with seven and Lydia Graves had six.

Highlands did not have as many steals as usual. But the Ladybirds did record nine off 17 Lady Camel turnovers. Campbell County had six steals off just 10 Highlands turnovers. Adler led the Ladybirds with four thefts.

Highlands also did a wonderful job distributing the ball recording 11 assists to two for Campbell County. Coffey again led the Ladybirds with four assists.

Campbell County saw three players reach double figures. Taylor Clos led the way with 12 points and Kylie Kramer had 11. Taylor Jolly followed with 10 and Mackenzie Schwarber scored nine.

Highlands moved to 3-0 against county foes and will face another Saturday at 2:30 p.m. The Ladybirds play host to Bellevue (4-2) at 2:30 p.m.