Ladybirds conclude tough week at Holy Cross

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands junior Haley Coffey (15) goes in for a score against Newport's Star Yeager (3) in Tuesday's game. Highlands travels to Covington Holy Cross on Friday at 7:30 p.m.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands Ladybirds have been as dominant as expected with an impressive 13-1 record.

They have held strong in a tough week recording wins over rivals Newport Central Catholic, Notre Dame and Newport. Highlands clinched the outright top seed in the 36th District Tournament with the wins over NewCath and Newport.

Balance has been the key as the top seven scorers have hit double digits in scoring at least once this season. The five starters average at least 7.6 points per game. Junior Brianna Adler leads the way averaging 11.4 per contest coming off a career-high 26 points in the 77-40 win over Newport.

The two teams that appear to be contenders with Highlands are Covington Holy Cross and undefeated Covington Holmes. The Ladybirds play at Holy Cross on Friday. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

Baskeball, Girls:

Newport Central Catholic update:

The Thoroughbreds fell to 8-5 with a 64-54 loss at Campbell County on Thursday.

NewCath has two players averaging in double figures. They are junior Ansley Davenport at 13.3 points per game and senior Michaela Ware at 13.3

NewCath plays host to Louisville Sacred Heart on Saturday. Game time is 5:30 p.m.

Basketball, Boys:

Thoroughbreds 6-0 in 9th Region play:

The trio of senior guard Zack Pangallo, posts Drew McDonald and Ben Weyer have made things tough on opponents. McDonald averages 20 points per game while Weyer and Pangallo average 18.5 and 11.4 respectively.

NewCath’s only losses came to Louisville Ballard and Louisville Doss. The Thoroughbreds have won four in a row to improve to 9-2 overall.

Covington Holmes (11-3) and defending state champion Covington Catholic (10-3) again appear to be the main challengers to the Thoroughbreds. Boone County also has a stellar 10-4 record.

NewCath plays host to Lloyd Memorial on Wednesday. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

Bluebirds fall at Cooper:

The Bluebirds (2-7) dropped a 72-47 decision at Cooper on Thursday. They are 0-3 against the 9th Region.

Senior Parker Harris has been consistent for Highlands averaging 14.4 points per game. Senior Kenny Ball averages nine.

The Bluebirds take on Newport on Saturday. Game time is 7:30 p.m.