Highlands basketball: Both teams drop contests

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands point guard Haley Coffey puts up a shot in Monday's game against Cambpell County.

This loss came down to rebounding and free throws.

The Campbell County Lady Camels (7-1 overall) did both better down the stretch and ended the seven-game winning streak for the Highlands Ladybirds (7-2), 32-25 at Highlands Middle School on Monday. The lone loss for the Lady Camels came against Franklin County on Dec. 2.

"We've been trying to get (the inexperienced players) ready for games like this and talking to them about how each possession matters," said Jaime Walz-Richey, Highlands Head Coach. "I think the younger girls saw that."

Highlands drew 17 fouls and committed just 13 earning 18 trips to the free-throw line. But the Ladybirds only made 10 for 56 percent. On the other hand, Campbell County made 9-of-12 for 75 percent.

"You can't get caught up looking at the numbers and things like that," said Beau Menefee, Campbell County Head Coach. "You just have to keep playing through. Of course, every game I'm upset at some calls here and there. So is the other team. But those things happen. We work on defense every day."

Campbell County won the rebounding battle, 33-21 including 17-4 on the offensive glass. Mackenzie Schwarber led the way with 10 rebounds.

Neither team shot well, but the Lady Camels put up 20 more shots. Campbell County made 10-of-44 shots for 23 percent including 3-of-21 from three-point range for 14 percent. Highlands hit 7-of-24 shots for 29 percent including just 1-of-8 three-point tries for 13 percent.

No one scored in double figures. Taylor Clos hit two three-pointers to lead Campbell County with nine points and Brianna Adler scored seven to lead Highlands.

Highlands has not played at full strength all season. Freshman point guard Zoie Barth has been out the last couple games and Kiersten Clukey just got cleared to play.

After a 2-2 deadlock in the first quarter, Highlands jused a 5-0 run to go up 9-6 with 56.8 seconds left in the half after Lauren Epperson made two free throws. But Clos hit a three-pointer from the right wing to tie the game at 9-9 at halftime.

Highlands led 16-13 after the third quarter and held it until 5:35 remained in the fourth quarter. Clos hit her second triple to put Campbell County up 26-20.

The Ladybirds did trim the margin to 26-22 with 1:15 left after Emma Little made two free throws. But Campbell County made its free throws.

The Ladybirds take on Ashland Blazer on Monday to open the annual LaRosa's Holiday Classic at Conner. Game time is 3:30 p.m.

Basketball, Boys:
Morgan County 56, Highlands 50:

The Bluebirds (0-2) dropped the opener of the Swauger Holiday Classic at Bellevue.

Kyle Finfrock scored 11 to lead Highlands and Mitch Cain had 10.

Highlands takes on McGregor School (Canada) at 2 p.m. in the second game of the classic.