GIRLS HOOPS ROUNDUP: Highlands survives Conner; NC drops tough one

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands junior Alex Combs (42) makes a move against Conner's Vanessa Gripshover (4) and Bethany Vest (15) in Saturday's 9th Region game. Highlands won 39-38 in overtime.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands Ladybirds basketball team went to overtime on the road in 9th Region play for a second straight Saturday.

But unlike last week’s tough 40-39 doubled overtime loss, Highlands (18-3 overall) came away with a 39-38 victory over the host Conner Lady Cougars (9-14). Highlands outscored Conner, 4-3 in the extra session.

Both teams took exactly 50 shots in the game. Highlands made 14 for 28 percent including 5-of-19 from three-point range for 26 percent and Conner made 16 for 32 percent. The Lady Cougars made 3-of-14 from beyond the arc for 21 percent.

Highlands saw just one player reach double figures in Lydia Graves with 17. She made 4-of-9 three-point tries. The Ladybirds again played without 6-foot-1-inch junior McKenzie Leigh. She missed most of Thursday’s game against Holmes going up for a score then falling hard to the ground.

Conner also saw just one player score in double figures. That was Savannah Jordan with 10.

The Lady Cougars won the rebounding battle, 41-31. Shelby Frye led Conner with eight and Zoie Barth had seven to lead the Ladybirds.

Highlands plays host to Scott on Monday. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

Simon Kenton 53, Newport Central Catholic 51:

The Thoroughbreds (13-9) held a late lead against the Lady Pioneers (20-1), but could not hold on for the win.

Ansley Davenport and Sarah Neace led the valiant effort. Davenport scored 17 and Neace had 12.

NewCath plays host to Walton-Verona on Friday. Game time is 7:30 p.m.