Hoops Roundup: Ladybirds win second straight, Bluebirds drop third straight

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior Haley Coffey (15) goes in for the score in a recent game. Highlands handled Dixie Heights, 66-41 for its second straight win Friday.

The defense for the Highlands Ladybirds basketball team (16-9 overall) led to a second straight win Friday over the host Dixie Heights Lady Colonels (11-13), 66-41.

Highlands recorded 10 steals off 16 Dixie Heights turnovers leading to 18 points. The Lady Colonels had just two points off two steals on 10 Ladybird turnovers.

Senior Brianna Adler led Highlands with four steals and hit all four free throws on her way to 14 points. Post McKenzie Leigh led the Ladybirds with 16 points making all four shots inside the arc and 5-of-6 free throws and Haley Coffey had 13. Adler and Coffey made two triples each and Leigh had the other.

Highlands took three more shots than Dixie Heights making 23-of-47 attempts for 49 percent including 5-of-16 three-point tries for 31 percent. The Lady Colonels made 16-of-44 shots for 36 percent including 2-of-8 from three-point range for 25 percent.

The Ladybirds took double the amount of free throws making 15-of-18 for 83 percent. The Lady Colonels made 7-of-9 for 78 percent.

Dixie Heights did not have a player reach double figures. Jenna Bluemlein led the way with nine points.

Highlands travels to Boone County on Tuesday. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

Basketball, Boys:
Holmes 72, Highlands 53:

The Bluebirds (5-12 overall) lost for the third straight game Friday in Fort Thomas.

Highlands saw two players score in double figures. Braden Posey led the way with 15 points and Mitch Cain scored 13.

Highlands plays host to Cooper on Saturday. Game time is 3 p.m.