Weyer helps NC to state semifinals

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Fort Thomas resident Ben Weyer puts up a shot in the state quarterfinals against Murray on Friday. Weyer scored 27 points to help the Thoroughbreds to their first state semifinal appearance since 1953.

Fort Thomas resident Ben Weyer helped the Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds basketball team do something it had not done since 1953 when his grandfather Jim played.

That's make it back to the state semifinals. Weyer scored 27 points to help NewCath (30-4 overall) down the 30- 6 1st Region winner Murray Tigers, 75-54. Weyer added 12 points for a double-double, three assists and a steal.

The 9th Region winner has made it to at least the state semifinals three straight years. Covington Catholic won the state championship two years ago and made it to the state semifinals last year.

NewCath takes on 11th Region winner Lexington Dunbar on Saturday in the semifinals. Game time is 6:30 p.m.