Hergott commits to Central Michigan, focused on senior season

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands quarterback Austin Hergott throws a pass against Harrison County last season. Hergott verbally committed to play the same position at Central Michigan University on Monday.

It's not been easy to sell colleges when you don't have much film from your junior season.

Highlands graduate values big picture in building process at Grant County

G. Michael Graham Photo. Kevin Siple, a 1979 Highlands graduate, gives a few pointers in a recent workout session at Grant County High School. Siple is entering his fourth season as head coach of the Braves.

Kevin Siple will tell you he likes to win just as much as any head coach does.

Bluebirds state championship bid falls short

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands second baseman Grayson Heck (10) grabs a toss from shortstop Jake Whitford (4) to just nip West Jessamine runner Tucker Greer.

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. The Bluebirds came back to Fort Thomas with a state runner-up finish in their first appearance in the state championship game in school history.

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior Jacob Noe fires away in the seventh inning. Noe is one of 12 seniors to graduate as the Bluebirds made a historic run in the postseason.

They hoped for one more giant step in program history.

Bluebirds headed to final day of postseason with historic victory

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior left fielder Brady Murray (right) goes over the fence to record an out in the seventh inning of the state semifinal game against Greenup County. The Bluebirds will play in the state championship for the first time in school history Saturday at 7 p.m.

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior pitcher Joseph Martin delivers home. Martin struck out eight in the complete game. It marked just the second appearance in the state semifinals in school history.

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands pinch-runner Bradley Greene (9) slides home before Greenup County catcher Brody Shoupe (left) can tag him. Greene scored twice in the Bluebird win.

LEXINGTON - They know they can't count on opponents being intimidated by the stat each time they take the field.

Bluebirds take advantage of day between state tournament games

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Members of the Highlands student section known as the OZone cheer away in Wednesday's state quarterfinal 3-1 win over North Bullitt. Highlands takes on Greenup County in the semifinals of the Rawlings/KHSAA State Baseball Tournament on Friday at 6 p.m.

The plan was to take full advantage of the day off and regroup Thursday following the huge win.

Bluebirds advance to baseball state semifinals 50 years after only other appearance

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior third baseman Todd Ramey field the ball in Wednesday's KHSAA State Baseball Quarterfinal game against North Bullitt. Ramey had a hit and scored a run as the Bluebirds reached the state semifinals for the first time in 50 years.

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands sophomore pitcher Ethan Doty prepares to jump up after striking out North Bullitt's Logan Wyatt to end the game Wednesday. Doty recorded his second save of the season in the win.

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands junior right fielder Conner Kreeger makes a catch in the fifth inning.

LEXINGTON - Many did not know the Blue and White had been to the state semifinals in baseball before.

Bluebirds pull off monumental win over top-ranked Mustangs

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands first baseman Joseph Martin (21) waits on a throw while McCracken County's Derek Schneider hustles down the line. Martin had two hits in Highlands' 5-2 win over the top-ranked Mustangs in the first round of the state tournament.

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands shortstop Jake Whitford (right) makes a play on the ball while Grayson Heck (left) backs him up.

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior Brady Murray takes a swing.

LEXINGTON - The top ranking and undefeated record against Kentucky teams could have phased them.