Boys Hoops Roundup: NewCath wins soundly, Highlands drops district game

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior Justin Weyer goes up for a shot in a recent game.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds cruised through another All “A” State Tournament quarterfinal on Friday at the Frankfort Civic Center.

The Thoroughbreds (18-3) handled the Elliott County Lions (15-5) of the 16th Region, 75-44 to make it back to the All “A” State Semifinals. NewCath is seeking a record three straight All “A” State championships.

NewCath jumped out to a 29-8 lead after the first quarter and never looked back. The Thoroughbreds led 62-23 at one point in the third quarter.

The Thoroughbreds won the rebounding battle, 35-20. That let NewCath outscore Elliott County, 19-4 on second-chance points.

Posts Ben Weyer and Drew McDonald led the way with seven each. McDonald scored 21 points and Weyer scored nine.

NewCath saw three players reach double digits in scoring. Grant Moeves had 12 and Zack Pangallo had 11.

NewCath made 29-of-52 shots for 56 percent including 6-for-16 from three-point land for 38 percent and 11-of-13 from the free-throw line for 85 percent. Moeves and McDonald made two three-pointers each.

Elliott County’s leading scorer was Collin Howell with nine points. The Lions made 19-of-50 shots for 38 percent including 3-of-11 from three-point range for 27 percent. They also made just 3-of-7 free-throw tries for 43 percent.

NewCath will face Lexington Christian (17-6) in a rematch of last year’s semifinals at 6 p.m. Saturday. NewCath blasted the Eagles, 78-49 at this point last year.

Bellevue 61, Highlands 60:

The Bluebirds hoped to wrap up at least the third seed in the 36th District Tournament. That did not happen as the Tigers pulled off the big win leaving the Bluebirds (6-12) with their fourth straight loss and 1-3 in district action.

Parker Harris did what he could to lift Highlands over the top. He scored 24 points.

Highlands plays host to Covington Holy Cross on Tuesday. Game time is 7:30 p.m.