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| PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands junior Zoie Barth (10) drives in for a score in a recent game. Barth had 19 points, seven steals and two blocked shots as the Bluebirds beat Hazard, 51-35 to conclude the Traditional Bank Holiday Classic at Lexington Catholic. |
The Hazard Lady Bulldogs (7-3) came into the event on a five-game winning streak including a huge win over 9-2 Clay County. Hazard beat Scott, 66-65 in double overtime before losing 69-48 to Scott County in the first two games of the classic. The Lady Bulldogs then exploded for an 88-59 win over Cooper on Friday. Cooper eliminated Highlands from the 9th Region Tournament last year.
But Highlands put together a strong showing to beat the Lady Bulldogs, 51-35 to conclude the classic with a 2-2 record. Hazard has not been to the 14th Region Tournament since 2005, but does have three region championships to its credit and a state championship in 1997.
"We told the girls when we drove back down that we wanted to end the tournament with a win," said Jaime Walz-Richey, Highlands Head Coach. "It was a possibility that we should win this game. They came out, defended well and executed offensively."
Highlands played solid defense recording 17 steals off 24 Hazard turnovers while allowing nine steals off 15 turnovers. Highlands junior Zoie Barth once again led the way with 19 points on 6-of-14 shooting including 3-of-8 from three-point range. Barth also had three rebounds, an assist, two blocked shots and seven steals. Junior Chloe Jansen added six steals and four assists.
"I think definitely this tournament in general has helped everyone kind of be more comfortable with one another," Barth said. "It's getting the younger girls more experience. We finally came together and realized since we're small, we have to make up for our shortness by being aggressive, playing collective defense, rotating and creating turnovers."
Freshman Rory O'Hara once again had a big night scoring 15 points on 4-of-7 shooting to go with two three-pointers, seven rebounds, an assist and two steals. Highlands made 17-of-44 shots for 39 percent including 7-of-22 from three-point range for 32 percent and 10-of-19 free throws for 53 percent.
Hazard made 15-of-47 shots for 32 percent including just 1-of-10 from three-point range for 10 percent and 4-of-8 free throws for 50 percent. Senior Haley Turner and freshman Hayley Caudill led the Lady Bulldogs with 12 points each.
"They could all score," Richey said. "We knew we had to defend. Our team really grew the past four games. Our bench is more involved in the game helping our girls on the court talking to them. The girls out there playing are going out there and competing and executing what we ask. We played the last three games without (senior) Brooke (Dill). It's giving the other girls opportunities to get out there."
"They could all score," Richey said. "We knew we had to defend. Our team really grew the past four games. Our bench is more involved in the game helping our girls on the court talking to them. The girls out there playing are going out there and competing and executing what we ask. We played the last three games without (senior) Brooke (Dill). It's giving the other girls opportunities to get out there."
Hazard did win the rebounding battle, 36-28. Turner and senior forward Olivia Holland led the Lady Bulldogs with eight each.
Highlands led 29-15 at halftime and 38-21 entering the fourth quarter. The Bluebirds led by 21 points at one point in the game.
Highlands next plays Wednesday in the LaRosa's Holiday Classic at Conner against Louisville Fern Creek (7-4). Game time is 2 p.m.
Highlands next plays Wednesday in the LaRosa's Holiday Classic at Conner against Louisville Fern Creek (7-4). Game time is 2 p.m.
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