Ladybirds to play for classic title

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior McKenzie Leigh (31) goes in for two of her 21 points in Tuesday's game against Notre Dame. Highlands won 56-46.

The Highlands Ladybirds will be playing for the LaRosa's Holiday Classic Tournament championship against the host Conner Lady Cougars at 3 p.m.

Highlands (9-2 overall) earned that chance with a 56-46 win over the Notre Dame Pandas (6-3) Tuesday. The Ladybirds won the tournament three years ago.

Senior McKenzie Leigh once again led the way with 18 points making 7-of-9 free-throw tries. Fellow senior Brianna Adler followed with 13 points making 13-of-15 free throws.

Highlands saw four players reach double figures total. Juniors Macy Gabbard and Lauren Epperson scored career-highs 11 and 10 points respectively.

The Ladybirds made the most of their free throws hitting 29-of-34 for 85 percent as Notre Dame committed 20 fouls. Highlands had 12 fouls and Notre Dame hit 8-of-13 attempts for 62 percent.

Highlands made 12-of-32 shots for 38 percent despite playing without point guards Haley Coffey and Zoie Barth. The Ladybirds made 3-of-11 three-point tries for 27 percent.

Notre Dame made 16-of-55 shots for 29 percent including 6-of-26 three-point tries for 23 percent. Jenna Martin led the Pandas with 21 points.

Basketball, Boys:
St. Henry 64, Highlands 45:

The Bluebirds (2-3) hoped to step over .500 for the first time in a while. But it did not happen.

Kyle Finrock continued his stellar play for the Bluebirds. He scored 18 points.

Highlands plays host to Walton-Verona on Wednesday. Game time is 7:30 p.m.