Different results in Region play

Ladybirds win district opener; Bluebirds drop tight one

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands sophomore Zoie Barth (14) goes in for the score during Friday's 36th District game at Dayton. Barth scored nine points and had seven assists in the 76-33 victory.

The Highlands Ladybirds basketball team (1-1 overall) dominated the Dayton Lady Devils, 76-33 in the 9th and 36th District opener Friday.

Highlands pressured the hosts into 24 turnovers on 17 steals compared to just turning the ball over six times on just two Dayton steals. Seniors Taylor Baioni, Jenna Martin and Emma Little led the way with three thefts each.

Little and sophomore Ashley Hayes recorded career-highs. Little made all five shots including three three-pointers and 2-of-3 free-throw tries on her way to 15 points and Hayes hit 5-of-6 shots including both three-point tries on her way to 12 points. Sophomore Zoie Barth followed with nine points and seven assists.

"It's great to see their hard work paying off," said Jaime Walz-Richey, Highlands Head Coach. "But like we tell them, we can't be satisfied. We have to continue to work on our weaknesses."

Highlands made 29-of-51 shots on its way to 57 percent including 13-of-22 three-point tries for 59 percent. The Ladybirds made just 5-of-12 free throws for 42 percent and got out-rebounded, 27-25.

Highlands put away Dayton early. The Ladybirds led 28-8 after the first quarter and 49-18 at halftime.

"With every team, we have to treat them like they're the best team in the state," Barth said. "So we go with the same mindset before every game and play our hearts out."

Highlands takes on Plainfield (Indiana) at Dixie Heights at 3:20 p.m. in the Hoops for Harvest Classic.

Basketball, Boys:
Boone County 72, Highlands 69:

The Bluebirds (0-2 overall) dropped to 0-2 in 9th Region action with another tight loss.

Seniors Bryce Traylor and Kyle Finfrock led Highlands with 15 points each. Luke LaFrange and Brad Greene followed with 12 and 10 respectively.

Both teams struggled at the free-throw line. Highlands hit 12-of-20 for 60 percent and Boone County made 11-of-23 for 48 percent.

Highlands takes on South Laurel on Dec. 9. Game time is 8 p.m.