Slow Start

Cooper uses fast start to leave Fort Thomas with win

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands sophomore Zoie Barth (left) goes up for the score that put her in the 1,000-point scoring club. Barth scored 13 points in the 74-63 Highlands loss.

The Highlands Ladybirds basketball team (13-6 overall) saw its two standout guards hit major feats Thursday.

But Highlands could not overcome a 22-9 hole after the first quarter dropping its second straight 9th Region contest, 74-63 to the Cooper Lady Jaguars (10-4). Highlands fell to 7-2 in region action.

Ladybird sophomore Zoie Barth joined the 1,000-point career scoring club with 13 points to go with two assists, a steal and block. Senior Jenna Martin scored a season-high 31 points making 11-of-19 shots and 4-of-6 free throws to go with four rebounds, four steals and an assist.

Cooper won the rebounding battle, 38-18. Lexi Held led the Lady Jaguars with 19 points and 14 rebounds. Asyah Mitchell, Hailey Anderson and Hailey Nicholas followed scoring 14, 12 and 12 points respectively.

Cooper made 27-of-46 shots for 59 percent including 4-of-10 from three-point range for 40 percent in addition to 16-of-22 free throws for 73 percent. Highlands made 23-of-56 shots for 41 percent including 6-of-19 three-point shots for 32 percent and 11-of-17 free throws for 64 percent.

Highlands travels to Campbell County on Saturday. Game time is 2 p.m.