Bluebird Winning Streak Snapped

Dixie Heights Earns Tight Win Over Highlands

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior Tyler Gulley goes in for a shot in a recent game.

The Highlands Bluebirds boys basketball team had the opportunity to notch its 10th win of the season Friday.

But it did not happen. The Dixie Heights Colonels escaped with a narrow 49-47 9th Region win. Both teams are 9-9 on the season.

"We did not execute down the stretch like we have been in these close games," said Kevin Listerman, Highlands Head Coach. "We had a shot five feet from the basket with under a second left, but it hit the front of the rim. We did not make the play when we needed to."

Highlands fell to 5-5 in region play and saw its three-game winning streak snapped. The Bluebirds have lost eight in a row in the series against the red Colonels. The last time Highlands beat Dixie Heights came on Dec. 15, 2009 by a 48-39 score in Fort Thomas.

The Bluebirds made 18-of-45 shots for 40 percent including 3-of-10 from three-point range for 30 percent and 8-of-11 free throws for 73 percent. The Colonels hit 15-of-40 shots for 38 percent including 4-of-12 from three-point range for 33 percent and 15-of-25 free throws for 60 percent.

Highlands won the rebounding battle, 31-27. Junior forward Ben Sisson led the way with 13 points and eight rebounds and senior guard Jacob Noe had eight points. Junior guard Jabari Karim led Dixie Heights with 16 points.

The Bluebirds travel to Newport Central Catholic (9-8) on Tuesday for a crucial 36th District game. Game time is 7:30 p.m.