Highlands bests another rival

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands junior McKenzie Leigh (31) goes up for a shot against Notre Dame's Allison Gribben in Monday's game. Highlands won 42-34.

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands juniors Haley Coffey (15) and Brianna Adler (10) battle for a rebound in Tuesday's game at Notre Dame. Highlands beat the Pandas for the first time since 2010.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The rival girls basketball team may be down from previous years.

But it still marked a huge win for the visitors from a pride standpoint Monday. The Highlands Ladybirds (12-1 overall) snapped a seven-game losing streak to the Notre Dame Pandas with a 42-34 victory in Park Hills. Highlands also stayed undefeated in 9th Region play as a result at 5-0.

Highlands had not beaten Notre Dame since a 66-43 win in Fort Thomas on Jan. 4, 2010 when Katie Allen, Bekah Towles and Hope Cutter were seniors. Notre Dame (5-8) has eliminated Highlands in the 9th Region Tournament the past three years.

Senior Lydia Graves had another outstanding game with 12 points. She made three three-pointers. Junior Brianna Adler followed with nine points.

Notre Dame saw just one player reach double-figures. That was sophomore Jenna Martin with 13.

Free-throw woes kept Highlands from putting the game away. The Ladybirds made just 8-of-17 for 47 percent and Notre Dame hit 5-of-7 for 71 percent.

Highlands finishes 36th District play Tuesday against Newport in Fort Thomas. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

Basketball, Boys:

Newport Central Catholic 90, Covington Holy Cross 54:

The Thoroughbreds (8-2) stayed undefeated in 9th Region action with a convincing home win at 5-0. Zack Pangallo had 22 points and 10 assists to lead NewCath.

NewCath plays host to Newport in a crucial 36th District contest Tuesday. Game time is 7:30 p.m.