Highlands Bounces Back in Big Way

Bluebirds Dominate Make-Up Game

PHOTO: G. Michael Graham, Fort Thomas Matters. Highlands senior Ashley Hayes gets in position after making a pass in a recent game.

The Highlands Bluebirds girls basketball team (6-1 overall) bounced back from its first loss of the season Tuesday with a convincing win in a non-region make-up game.

Highlands handled the Scott Lady Eagles (3-5) by a 75-46 count. The two teams were scheduled to meet on Nov. 27 to open the season. But bad weather forced the game's postponement.

The Bluebirds trailed 19-16 after the first quarter. But they exploded in the second and third quarter outscoring the Lady Eagles, 39-11 to go up 55-30. Their largest lead was 35 points at one point.

"After the first quarter, we played well," said Jaime Walz-Richey, Highlands Head Coach. "We didn't come out very focused on what we needed to do to be successful. We changed a few things and played great the last three quarters. Our defense and rebounding was great, which led to some transition baskets and also gave us a lot of confidence shooting."

Highlands won the rebounding battle, 36-22. Senior guard Chloe Jansen led the Bluebirds there with 11 rebounds and nearly had a double-double with eight points.

Senior guard Zoie Barth again led the Bluebirds with 20 points making 8-of-13 shots including two three-pointers and both free throws to go with six rebounds, three assists and one steal. Senior post Hanna Buecker and junior guard Piper Macke followed with 12 points each.

"I think it's important that everybody contributes even though we have our main scorers," Buecker said. "We should always be working to improve ourselves and play our best game despite how past games may have gone."

Highlands made 29-of-48 shots for 61 percent including 9-of-15 from three point range for 60 percent and 8-of-15 free throws for 53 percent. The Bluebirds also had 12 assists, seven steals and 21 turnovers.

Scott made 16-of-55 shots for 29 percent including 4-of-16 from three-point range for 25 percent and 10-of-15 from the free-throw line for 67 percent. The Lady Eagles also had nine steals, no assists and 12 turnovers.

The Lady Eagles saw two players score in double figures. Senior Summer Secrist led the way with 13 and sophomore Mya Meredith scored 12.

Highland takes on Lincoln County (4-1) to open the Traditional Bank Holiday Classic at Lexington Catholic on Friday. Game time is 7:45 p.m.