Ladybirds rebound with convincing win

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands junior Kiersten Clukey (right) makes a move in Tuesday's game against Notre Dame. Highlands moved to 12-3 with a convincing win over Walton-Verona on Thursday.

The Highlands Ladybirds basketball team took out its frustrations of Tuesday's loss to Notre Dame on the Walton-Verona Bearcats on Thursday.

Highlands (12-3 overall) handed Walton-Verona (10-4) a 73-47 defeat using balanced scoring. Freshman Zoie Barth led the way with 15 points and senior Izzy Schultz tallied 10.

The Ladybirds led 53-30 entering the fourth quarter. That allowed reserves like Taylor Baioni, Brooke Dill, Karsen Hunter, Hanna Buecker and Morgan Coffey action. Fourteen different Highlands players scored in the win.

Senior forward Morgan Simpson led Walton-Verona with 13 points. The Bearcats played without senior forward Hailey Ison.

Highlands Head Coach Jaime Walz-Richey wanted to see the Ladybirds earn more points in the paint following the loss to the Pandas. Highlands outscored Walton-Verona, 30-14 in the paint.

Both teams took 37 shots. Highlands made 22 for 59 percent and Walton-Verona hit 13 for 35 percent. The Ladybirds made 6-of-17 three-point tries for 35 percent and the Bearcats made 4-of-13 for 31 percent.

Both teams drew 23 fouls. Highlands hit 23-of-29 free throws for 79 percent and Walton-Verona made 17-of-23 for 74 percent.

The Ladybirds blocked four Bearcat shots. McKenzie Leigh and Macy Gabbard had two each.

Highlands travels to Cooper on Saturday. Game time is 5 p.m.