Hoops Roundup: Ladybird win streak hits nine

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior Lydia Graves (20) tips the ball to Haley Coffey (15) in a recent game. Highlands beat Walton-Verona, 69-50 Saturday to earn its 26th win of the season.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands Ladybirds basketball team stepped out of region for the last two games of the regular season.

The Ladybirds (26-3 overall) tied the most wins in a season since Jaime Walz-Richey has been head coach with a 69-50 victory at Walton-Verona (14-12). Highlands went 26-8 and finished 9th Region runner-up two years ago. Highlands also recorded its second win over the Lady Bearcats this season and won its ninth straight as a result.

Highlands again saw three players reach double digits. Eighth grader Zoie Barth led the way with 24 points hitting 9-of-11 shots including both three-point tries and all four free throws.

Ladybird posts Alex Combs and McKenzie Leigh also had big games. Combs made all five free throws on her way to 15 points and Leigh made 3-of-5 three-point shots for 11 points.

Highlands had 14 assists to nine for Walton-Verona. Leigh and Lydia Graves had four each.

The Ladybirds outscored the Lady Bearcats, 23-7 in points off turnovers. They had 12 steals off 16 Walton-Verona turnovers while yielding seven steals on 10 turnovers. Brianna Adler led Highlands with four thefts.

Highlands made 23-of-42 shots for 55 percent, including 9-of-17 from downtown for 53 percent. The Ladybirds also hit 14-of-17 free throws for 82 percent.

Walton-Verona made 17-of-44 shots for 39 percent, including 7-of-19 from three-point range for 37 percent. The Lady Bearcats made 9-of-16 free throws for 56 percent.

Walton-Verona saw three players score in double figures. Morgan Simpson led the way with 17 points. Allie Mills and Hailey Ison followed with 15 each.

Highlands finishes the regular season Thursday at home against another 32nd District opponent. The Ladybirds play host to Simon Kenton (22-3) at 7:30 p.m.

Basketball, Girls:

Newport Central Catholic 71, Beechwood 58:

The Thoroughbeds (17-10) earned the 9th Region win on the road.

NewCath saw three players hit double digits. Michaela Ware led the way with 17 points with Loren Zimmerman and Ansley Davenport scoring 15 and 14 respectively. Zimmerman made three three-pointers.

NewCath plays host to Louisville Mercy on Wednesday. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

Basketball, Boys:

Conner 78, Highlands 66:

The Bluebirds fell to 6-16 with their eighth straight loss Saturday in Fort Thomas.

Parker Harris put up a good game with 28 points. Mitch Cain and Kenny Ball followed with 14 and 13 respectively.

Highlands plays host to Scott (15-11) on Tuesday. Game time is 7:30 p.m.