Hoops Roundup: Ladybirds hit 20 wins for third straight year

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior Parker Harris tries to score in a recent game.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands Ladybirds hit the 20-win plateau for the third straight season with a 71-45 victory over the visiting Bracken County Lady Bears (16-9) on Tuesday.

Highlands (20-3 overall) has hit the 20-win mark five times since current Head Coach Jaime Walz-Richey took over in 2002. The Ladybirds hit 21 and 25 wins respectively in the 2007-08 and 2008-09 seasons.

Senior Lydia Graves had another big night for Highlands scoring 19 points making an astounding 5-of-6 three-point tries. She made 7-of-8 shots total.

Highlands received a career-high from senior Whitney Quillen with 12 points and 10 from Zoie Barth. She also had five rebounds.

Bracken County junior guard Bailey Cummins broke the school’s all-time career scoring record with 23 points. Her record-breaking basket came with 14 second left in the game.

The Ladybirds had 35 defensive stops to 23 for Bracken County. That led to 1.31 points per possession to .81 for the Lady Bears.

Highlands again outscored the visitors, 29-4 in points off turnovers. The Ladybirds had 12 steals on 17 Lady Bear turnovers while yielding two steals on nine turnovers. Alex Combs led the Ladybirds in that category with four steals.

Highlands also won the rebounding battle, 26-21. Combs led the Ladybirds with eight rebounds and eight points.

Highlands hit 28-of-50 shots for 56 percent, including 11-of-20 from outside for 55 percent. The Ladybirds also made 4-of-7 free throws for 57 percent.

Bracken County made 15-of-40 shots for 38 percent. The Lady Bears also made 5-of-13 three-point shots for 39 percent and 10-of-11 free throws for 91 percent.

Highlands play host to Beechwood (8-13) on Friday. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

Basketball, Boys:

Newport Central Catholic 67, St. Henry 35:

The Thoroughbreds (21-3) quickly shook off any rust from the third consecutive All “A” State Championship on the road.

NewCath saw three players score in double figures. Drew McDonald led the way with 18 points. Zack Pangallo and Ben Weyer followed with 16 and 11 respectively.

NewCath travels to Bishop Brossart on Thursday. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

Covington Holy Cross 61, Highlands 41:

The losing streak for the Bluebirds (6-13) hit five straight with the road loss.

Highlands saw two players reach double figures. They were Nick Kendall and Mitch Cain with 12 each.

Highlands travels to Covington Holmes on Friday. Game time is 7:30 p.m.