NC Hoops Roundup: Thoroughbred winning streak hits 15

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Newport Central Catholic senior Grant Moeves shoots against three Holmes players in a recent game. The Thoroughbreds won their 15th straight over Conner on Thursday.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds concluded the impressive regular season with a convincing 75-50 win at Conner on Thursday.

NewCath (26-3 overall) finished the regular season with a 17-1 record against 9th Region opponents and a third straight All “A” State championship. NewCath’s only region loss came to defending state champion Covington Catholic on Jan. 15.

The Thoroughbreds have won 15 straight since then. The Thoroughbreds enter the postseason aiming for their seventh straight district tournament championship and first region title since 2000.

The Cougars (12-14) could not stop the top three scorers for the Thoroughbreds. Senior point guard Zack Pangallo made seven three-pointers on his way to 27 points. NewCath posts Drew McDonald and Fort Thomas resident Ben Weyer scored 20 and 10 respectively.

Jacob Barnes led Conner with 17 points. Michael Scott followed with nine.

The Thoroughbreds earned the top seed in the 36th District Tournament and take on either Highlands or Dayton in the semifinals on Wednesday at Newport. Game time is 6 p.m.

Basketball, Girls:

Louisville Mercy 65, Newport Central Catholic 39:

The Thoroughbreds (17-11) could not stop Mercy junior guard Jessica Laemmle in the loss on The Hill. She made five three-pointers on her way to 22 points. Malerie Martin added 13 for the Jaguars (21-7).

Ansley Davenport led NewCath with 18 points. She made one three-pointer.

NewCath concludes the regular season at home against Conner on Friday. Game time is 7:30 p.m.