Toward the End of 2016

Bluebirds roll Hart County; GRC ends Ladybird winning streak

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands junior Elliot Schuett (0) pursues the ball in a recent game. Highlands won its fourth game Thursday against Hart County.

Teams have had success forcing the Highlands Bluebirds basketball team (4-8 overall) into an up-tempo style.

But on the second day of the Magnolia Bank Holiday Classic at LaRue County on Thursday, Highlands did that to the Hart County Raiders (1-8) recording 15 steals and 14 assists on its way to a 77-39 victory. The Bluebirds led the 5th Region opponents, 52-23 at halftime.

"We took advantage of some things inside," said Kevin Listerman, Highlands Head Coach. "It was a great team win. A lot of it depends on match-ups. We've taken some steps forward. But we have a lot of guys who haven't been in those situations. We're still learning how to handle (half-court pressure) and how to finish out games."

The Bluebirds saw junior Jacob Noe lead the way making 6-of-11 shots including 5-of-9 from three-point range on his way to 18 points. Senior post Kyle Finfrock made 6-of-7 shots including all three free throws on his way to 15 points and grabbed eight rebounds. Senior Brad Greene followed with 10 points.

Junior Braden Posey did not score for Highlands. But he recorded four steals and four assists. Listerman also credited sophomore forwards Ben Sisson and Alex Starkey for giving the Bluebirds quality minutes off the bench.

Highlands made 29-of-53 shots for 55 percent and 13-of-17 free throws for 77 percent. The Raiders hit 7-of-11 free throws for 64 percent.

The Bluebirds play for fifth place in the tournament at 3 p.m. Friday. The opponent will be the Russell County Lakers (3-9) from the 4th Region.

Basketball, Girls:
George Rogers Clark 55, Highlands 48:

The 17th-ranked Ladybirds (8-3 overall) saw their seven-game winning streak snapped against the Lady Cardinals (11-1) ranked 12th in the latest Bluegrass Preps Top 20 poll. GRC's lone loss came against Nelson County, whom Highlands defeated Wednesday in the LaRosa's Holiday Classic at Conner.

GRC used its height to dominate the rebounding battle, 30-13. Senior center Elizabeth Hardiman led the Lady Cardinals with 13 points and seven rebounds with junior forward Shemaya Behanan scoring 11 points and grabbing a team-high eight rebounds. Freshman guard Kennedy Igo added 13 points.

Senior Jenna Martin made 8-of-13 shots including 5-of-9 from three-point range on her way to 24 points. Senior Lauren Epperson followed with nine points and six rebounds. But GRC held sophomore point guard Zoie Barth to just seven points. Barth had three assists and a blocked shot.

Highlands led 14-11 after one and 28-25 at halftime. GRC came back and tied the game 41-41 entering the fourth quarter. The Lady Cardinals won the fourth quarter, 14-7.

The Lady Cardinals made 22-of-50 shots for 44 percent including 3-of-15 from three-point range for 20 percent and 8-of-11 free throws for 73 percent. The Ladybirds hit 15-of-34 shots for 44 percent including 7-of-18 from three-point range for 39 percent and 11-of-12 free throws for 92 percent.

Highlands concludes the tournament against Lexington Lafayette (8-3). Game time is 1:30 p.m.