Ladybirds to play for classic title

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior McKenzie Leigh (31) goes in for two of her 21 points in Tuesday's game against Notre Dame. Highlands won 56-46.

The Highlands Ladybirds will be playing for the LaRosa's Holiday Classic Tournament championship against the host Conner Lady Cougars at 3 p.m.

Highlands handles Ashland to open holiday classic

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands junior Kiersten Clukey (middle) goes in for a shot in Monday's game against Ashland at Conner. Clukey saw her first action this year after returning from injury. Highlands won 48-35.

The Highlands Ladybirds started the annual LaRosa's Holiday Classic with a nice win.

Bluebirds finish 2-1 in Swauger Tournament

PHOTO:Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior Mitch Cain (right) drives in a recent game against Morgan County. Cain scored 19 points against Dayton to earn all-tournament honors in the Swauger Holiday Classic at Bellevue.

Highlands quickly evened its record at 2-2 with a 62-52 win over Dayton on Wednesday in the Swauger Holiday Classic at Bellevue. Highlands finished fifth in the tournament.

Bluebirds earn first win

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands junior Bradley Greene dribbles toward the basket in Monday's game against Morgan County.

The Highlands Bluebirds basketball team (1-2) hit the win column with a 58-43 victory over McGregor School (Canada) on Tuesday. This marked the second game of the Swauger Holiday Classic.

Highlands basketball: Both teams drop contests

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands point guard Haley Coffey puts up a shot in Monday's game against Cambpell County.

This loss came down to rebounding and free throws.

Highlands hoops: Ladybirds win again, Bluebirds drop opener

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior Bo Hebel (55) puts up a shot in Saturday's game against Bishop Brossart at Thomas More College.

The Highlands Bluebirds saw action for the first time Saturday against in-county rival Bishop Brossart.

Ladybirds win sixth straight

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior Brianna Adler (10) puts up a shot between Bishop Brossart's Sydney Shannon (23) and Abby King (24) in Friday's game. Adler scored 21 points in the Ladybird victory.

The second of four straight meetings against Campbell County opponents also went to the Blue and White as the Highlands Ladybirds basketball team ventured down US Highway 27 and handled the host Bishop Brossart Lady Mustangs, 63-38 on Friday.

Highlands downs Newport, 65-39

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands junior forward Lauren Epperson (24) goes up for a shot in Monday's 65-39. The Ladybirds have won five in a row since opening the season with a loss.

The Highlands Ladybirds basketball team handled another 36th District opponent with a 65-39 victory over the host Newport Ladycats on Monday.

Highlands dominates South Oldham, 56-21

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior point guard Haley Coffey (15) looks ahead in a recent game.

The Highlands Ladybirds held their three opponents to an average of 23 points this week concluding with another convincing 56-21 win over the host South Oldham Lady Dragons on Saturday.

Highlands routes Grant County, 64-26

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior center McKenzie Leigh gets in position to shoot a free throw in a recent game. Highlands improved to 3-1 with a convincing 64-26 victory over Grant County on Friday.

The streak hit three in a row following another route Friday.

Ladybirds record first district win of season

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands junior Taylor Baioni makes a move in Wednesday's junior varsity game against Dayton.

The Highlands Ladybirds basketball team (2-1 overall) recorded its first 36th District win of the season with a 57-22 decision over the Dayton Lady Devils (3-1) Wednesday at Highlands Middle School.

Ladybirds earn first win of year

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands freshman Zoie Barth drives in the season-opener. Highlands beat Scott, 47-42 Saturday.

The Highlands Ladybirds basketball team has had good balance in two games.

Ladybirds drop tough one to open season

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands freshman Chloe Jansen (34) drives to the basket in Monday's season opener against Sacred Heart. Jansen scored eight points in her varsity debut.

The Highlands Ladybirds lost a tight one in the final seconds Monday.

Highlands 2015 girls basketball preview

Highlands hopes to develop younger players

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands freshman Zoie Barth (14) makes a move to the basket in the 9th Region Semifinals last year. Barth could fill in a starting role this year.

The experience and team chemistry came together so well last year that it equaled a banner year for the Highlands Ladybirds basketball team.

Highlands freshman football team finishes 7-3

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. The Highlands freshman football team finished 7-3 on the season with a 28-22 loss to Campbell County on Thursday.

The Highlands Bluebirds freshman football team hoped to finish off the season with an impressive 8-2 mark at home Thursday.

Weekend Round-up: Bluebird JV football ends season with bang

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands junior linebacker Luke Ross gets in position in the junior varsity game at Grant County on Saturday. Highlands won 56-0 to conclude the season 7-2.

Highlands finished the junior varsity football schedule with a convincing win Saturday.

JV Bluebirds also beat Colonels, 30-16

The Highlands Junior Varsity football team followed the varsity's win Friday with a 30-16 win over the arch-rival Covington Catholic Colonels on Monday at David Cecil Memorial Stadium.

9th Region soccer pairings set

The Highlands Ladybirds (14-8) and Bluebirds (9-10-3) found out where they will travel for their 9th Region quarterfinal games after losing to Newport Central Catholic in the 36th District championships.

Monday Briefs: Highlands, Dayton soccer pushed back one day

The Highlands Ladybirds (13-7) took on Dayton to open the 36th District Tournament.

Saturday Round-up: Bluebirds handle Simon Kenton to finish regular season

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior Ben Seiter (8) heads the ball while teammates Noah Sellers (7) and Brady Gesenhues (31) converge. The Bluebirds won 6-2 to finish the regular season 9-9-3.

The Highlands Bluebirds soccer team (9-9-5) needed a win entering the postseason.

Thursday Round-up: Ladybirds dominate Beechwood

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior Madalyn Wiefering boots the ball ahead in a recent game.

The Highands Ladybirds girls soccer team (13-7) concluded the regular season with a convincing 7-0 win over the Beechwood Lady Tigers at Tower Park.

Ladybirds earn win on Senior Night

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. The Highlands Ladybirds soccer team held its Senior Night on Monday and celebrated with a 2-1 win over Simon Kenton. The players and their families from left to right are Kylie Schuermann, Megan Reynolds, Lauren Ossege, Hayley Crothers, Ellie Farley and Madalyn Wiefering.

The Highlands Ladybirds equaled last year's win total with a 2-1 win over Simon Kenton on Senior Night on Monday.

Weekend Round-up: Ladybirds down Bishop Brossart, 2-1

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands sophomore Sophie Steppe boots the ball ahead in Sunday's game against Bishop Brossart at Northern Kentucky University.

The Highlands Ladybirds soccer team (11-7 overall) took out Bishop Brossart, 2-1 on Sunday.

Thursday Round-up: Highlands soccer teams fall

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. The Highlands freshmen football team lost 39-21 to Covington Catholic on Thursday.

The Highlands Ladybirds soccer team (10-7) could not make it six in a row.

Highlands volleyball falls, girls soccer wins

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior AJ Guth (2) passes the ball while Hannah Harris (12) gets in position in Wednesday's match against Newport Central Catholic.

Before considering competing in the rugged 9th Region, the first order of business is solving the longtime district front-runners.

Tuesday Round-up: Bluebirds move above .500

The Highlands Bluebirds soccer team moved above .500 at 8-7-2 with a 3-2 win over Campbell County at Tower Park.

Ladybirds win fourth in a row

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands junior Kiersten Clukey (15) plays the ball in a recent game at Notre Dame. Clukey had an assist in Monday's 2-1 win over Dixie Heights.

The Highlands Ladybirds soccer team won its fourth in a row Monday with a 2-1 decision over the Dixie Heights Lady Colonels.

Weekend Round-up: Ladybird soccer wins at Notre Dame for first time since 2008

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands junior goalkeeper boots one away in Saturday's game against Notre Dame. Highlands won in Park Hills for the first time since 2008.

The Highlands Ladybirds soccer team struggled to finish against good teams all season.

Thursday Round-up: Highlands soccer teams win

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior Megan Reynolds boots the ball ahead in Thursday's game against Bellevue.

The Highlands Ladybirds moved over .500 with a 10-0 goal-ruling of the Bellevue Lady Tigers.

Tuesday Briefs: Ladybird volleyball beats Lloyd Memorial

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior Brady Gesenhues attacks the ball in Tuesday's game at Covington Catholic.

The Highlands Ladybirds volleyball team (8-10) handled the Lloyd Memorial Lady Juggernauts, 2-0 (25-13, 25-11) in Erlanger.

Monday Briefs: JV Bluebirds fall for first time

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands sophomore defensive lineman Keaton Huddleston pursues the La Salle quarterback in  Monday's junior varsity game.

The Highlands Bluebirds junior varsity football team lost 30-6 for the first time this season at Cincinnati La Salle.

Ladybird soccer falls to Lexington Catholic

The Highlands Ladybirds soccer team could not put together another win in the rugged Lexington Catholic Cup on Saturday.

Highlands volleyball handles Holmes

The Highlands Ladybirds volleyball team moved to 7-9 with a 2-0 (25-11, 25-14) over Covington Holmes on Thursday.

Ladybirds drop another one-goal decision

The Highlands Ladybirds could not make it two in a row in the Lexington Catholic Cup on Wednesday.

Tuesday Briefs: Highlands wins second straight

The Highlands Bluebirds soccer team won its second straight at Covington Holmes, 7-0 Tuesday.

Monday Soccer Briefs: Highlands handles Beechwood, 4-0

The Highlands Bluebirds soccer team handled the Beechwood Tigers, 4-0 in non-district action Monday.

Saturday Results: Ladybirds fall late to Lady Breds

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior Hayley Crothers (8) boots the ball in Saturday's game against Newport Central Catholic at Tower Park.

The Highlands Ladybirds soccer team has had its way with the 36th District arch-rival Newport Central Catholic Lady Breds in tournament action for the most part in recent years.

Thursday Round-up: Highlands soccer falls at NewCath

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior Noah Sellers (7) battles Newport Central Catholic's Chad Brewer (10) for the ball in Thursday's battle while Tommy Steppe (20) comes in. NewCath won 3-2.

SILVER GROVE - The one person the Highlands Bluebirds soccer team did not need to give clear shots at the net hurt them Thursday.

Tuesday Round-up: Bluebird soccer wins second in a row

The Highlands Bluebirds soccer team has its first winning streak of the season.

Saturday Roundup: Bluebird JV Football improves to 3-0

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands sophomore Jake Noe sets up in Saturday's game against Cooper. Highlands won the junior varsity contest 30-26 to move to 3-0 on the season.

The Highlands Junior Varsity football team defeated Cooper for the second time in as many tries Saturday.

Thursday Roundup: Football Freshmen move to 2-1 with win

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. The Highlands Freshman team defeated Cooper, 27-0 Thursday. The Bluebirds moved to 2-1 with the win.

The Highlands Ladybirds volleyball team moved above .500 at 4-3 on the season with a 3-0 (25-20, 25-10, 25-18) win over visiting Bishop Brossart on Thursday.

Tuesday Round-up: Highlands volleyball, soccer teams win

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior middle blocker Maria Hockney records one against Newport on Tuesday. Highlands won 3-0 to move to 3-3 on the season.

Highlands handled the Newport Ladycats, 3-0 (25-14, 25-13, 25-14) in the 36th District opener Tuesday. The Ladybirds moved to 3-3 on the season.

Weekly Round-up: Bluebird JV Football moves to 2-0

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands sophomore Nick Veneman makes a move in the junior varsity game at Campbell County on Saturday. The Bluebirds won 36-16 to move to 2-0 on the season.

The Highlands Bluebirds junior varsity football team moved to 2-0 with a 36-16 win at Campbell County on Saturday. Highlands plays Cooper for the second time Saturday in Union at 10 a.m.

Highlands volleyball falls to Conner

The Highlands Ladybirds volleyball team dropped to 1-2 on the season with a 3-1 (24-26, 25-20, 25-17, 25-11) loss to Conner at home Monday.

Weekend Round-up: Bluebird soccer ties Cooper, 3-3

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands sophomore Larry Wilson (91) rushes through the hole while Mitchell Schry (62) and Griffin Huber (83) get in position. The Bluebirds defeated Cooper in junior varsity action 38-24 on Saturday.

The Highlands Bluebirds tied the Cooper Jaguars, 3-3 on Saturday in boys soccer action at Tower Park.

Cooper takes out Highlands to open season

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands wide receiver Eric Miller (15) makes a 45-yard catch late in the second quarter of Friday's game at Cooper. The Bluebirds lost 37-13.

It felt like a nightmare in many ways.

Ladybirds capture first win of season

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands sophomore Emma Delagrange celebrates a point during Thursday's match at Campbell County. Highlands won 3-1 for its first win on the young season.

The Highlands Ladybirds volleyball team earned its first win of the season Thursday.

Highlands volleyball drops season opener

The Highlands Ladybirds volleyball team dropped its season opener Tuesday to the Beechwood Lady Tigers, 3-0 (25-20, 25-13, 25-20).

Highlands soccer wins opener

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands junior Kayla Nehus plays the ball in Monday's season opener against Conner. Highlands won 5-1.

The Highlands Ladybirds handled the Conner Lady Cougars, 5-1 to open the season Monday at Tower Park.

Highlands cross country teams take aim at gold crowns

Contributed Photo. Highlands senior Ethan Shuley became the first-ever individual state champion cross country champion in school history in last year's Class AA boys race. He outran the rest of the pack by 21 seconds in 15 minutes, 58.14 seconds.

It's about making school history and ending a drought on the other.

Bluebirds learn things in scrimmage loss to Bombers

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands junior Chuckie Buckler makes a catch in Friday's scrimmage against Cincinnati St. Xavier. Buckler had a touchdown reception in the fourth quarter.

They said they wanted to see what they needed to work on going into the scrimmage.

Highlands hopes for improvement in scrimmage

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior defensive back Austin Beal (right) intercepted a pass and returned it 100 yards for a touchdown in the scrimmage at Cincinnati St. Xavier last year.

The Blue and White do not mind facing powerful opponents in scrimmages to find out what things they need to work on.

That powerful opponent happens to be the Cincinnati St. Xavier Bombers of the brutal Greater Catholic League for the second straight year. The two meet Friday at David Cecil Memorial Stadium at 7 p.m.

Bluebirds aim for faster start

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior Ben Seiter (19) plays the ball in the 36th District championship game against Newport Central Catholic last year. Seiter is one of nine seniors listed on the squad.

It is not just the ultimate goal of the Highlands Bluebirds, but every boys soccer team in Northern Kentucky.

Defending 5A champion Pulaski County tops list to challenge Highlands

Contributed Photo. The Pulaski County Maroons won their first-ever football state championship last December. The last step in goals that Head Coach John Hines set out to accomplish when he became head coach in 1999 is becoming a dynasty. Highlands has been that for a while winning its 23rd crown a day later. The defending Class 4A and 5A state championships could meet Nov. 27 in Fort Thomas for the right to return to Bowling Green in the 5A state semifinals. 

The sign has been up in their weight room since John Hines became head coach in 1999.

It specifically reads, "from NOBODY to UPSTART, from UPSTART to DISTRICT CONTENDER, from CONTENDER to DISTRICT CHAMPION, from DISTRICT to REGIONAL CHAMPION, from REGIONAL to STATE CHAMPION, from STATE CHAMPION to DYNASTY." A sticker is placed next to right of all but the last step in the Pulaski County Maroons football team's weight room.

Highlands defense hopes to continue to play aggressive football

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands nose tackle Tyler Robinson makes a tackle against Harrison County last year. He had eight tackles for a loss and 4.5 sacks last year.

It's been a trademark for this successful program for a while.

Lorenzen to go into UK Hall of Fame in September

Jared Lorenzen, a 1999 Highlands graduate, will be inducted into the University of Kentucky Hall of Fame the weekend of Sept. 25-26 when the Wildcats take on Missouri. He completed 862-of-1,514 passes for 10,354 yards during that time. All three are still school records.

If you open up recent Kentucky Wildcat football media guides, his name still stands tall.

Bluebirds aim to add another brick to solid foundation

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands junior running back Jared Pulsfort (91) scores against Covington Catholic in a junior varsity game last year. Pulsfort could earn some carries this season.

Complacency could have set in years ago.

It often happens after teams win that first state championship. But for this program, after the first title in 1960, another followed in 1961 and it would not be the last one in a while. More of them came and 55 years after that first one, the Highlands Bluebirds football team has built a dynasty.

Girls Soccer Preview: Highlands aiming to restore family atmosphere

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior Ellie Farley (2) makes a move against Dixie Heights in a game last year. Farley is one of six seniors returning this season.

It may not be fair to compare.

10-year back-to-back state championship celebration: Class of 2009 fit in well with upperclassmen

Contributed Photo. The 2006 Highlands Ladybirds pose after winning their second straight state championship.

Editor's Note: This is the last story commemorating the 2005 and 2006 Highlands Ladybirds state champion soccer teams. This class recognizes the Class of 2009 members on those teams.

Not only did the Class of 2009 make its contributions to the two state championship teams. But those players had the best run in school history going 80-11-11 in four years of high school.

Highlands back-to-back state championship soccer celebration: Class of 2008 took advantage of mixed roles

Contributed Photo. Highlands teammates Amber Barth-Wells (front) and Sydney Hiance (back) share an embrace after Wells scored the game-winning goal in the 2006 state championship game against Louisville Sacred Heart. The goal came with 1:01 left. Wells finished second on the team with 29 points on 11 goals and seven assists that year.

Contributed Photo. Highlands sweeper Caitlin Beck goes up for a ball during the 2006 season. Beck helped Highlands to a state-record 20 shutouts in each of the 2005 and 2006 seasons. She went on to play collegiately at the University of Louisville.

Editor's Note: This is the third of four stories commemorating the Highlands Ladybird back-to-back state championship teams of 2005 and 2006. The story recognizes the Highlands Class of 2008. Those members were sophomores and juniors on those teams respectively.

Some had huge on roles on the 2005 senior-laden state championship Highlands Ladybirds soccer team. Others from the Highlands Class of 2008 had to wait for their time.

Back-to-Back Girls Soccer Championship Celebration: Class of 2007 Seniors Left Amazing Mark

Contributed Photo. Highlands' Jenna Klingenberg-Stewart (left) and Rachel Redmond-Stahlhut (center) celebrate after winning the 2005 state soccer championship. Stahlhut kicked the game-winning penalty kick against Lexington Catholic.

Editor's Note: This is the second of four stories honoring the Highlands 2005 and 2006 back-to-back girls soccer state championship teams. This story recognizes the Class of 2007 seniors.

It takes one class to set the standard.

Then another one hopes to set it even higher. That's what the Class of 2007 accomplished as members of the back-to-back 2005 and 2006 Highlands Ladybirds state championship soccer teams. Those teams finished a combined 45-3-3 and recorded 20 shutouts each season, which is still a state record.