Bluebirds Snap Four-Game Losing Streak

Highlands Holds on for Region Win

PHOTO: G. Michael Graham. Highlands junior Jacob Brass (5) and Jack Hegge (3) get in defensive position after a Ben Sisson score against Conner on Tuesday.

The contested shot hit the rim and bounced off.

That turned into a sigh of relief for the Highlands Bluebirds basketball team (9-7 overall) as the four-game losing streak came to an end in a 51-50 9th Region victory over the Conner Cougars (6-8). Highlands is 6-1 in region play with the win.

"We talked to our guys at halftime about making really good choices," said Kevin Listerman, Highlands Head Coach. "We did a much better job of taking care of the basketball. That kept us relaxed. I thought our defense, especially on the last possession, was unbelievable. They had to take a difficult shot. We guarded two different actions in their sets. Fortunately, the ball bounced our way. We talked to our guys about finishing games and it's good to finish one and put one in the win column."

Senior post Ben Sisson recorded another double-double of 13 points and 10 rebounds in the win and senior Ryan Leigh scored 12 for the Bluebirds. Sisson also had four assists and blocked five shots.

But Highlands had a number of others contribute. Senior Jack Hegge started and scored eight points.

"We're just glad to get that one under our belts," Hegge said. "It was a big win. We have a bunch of guys on the bench who can always step up and give us a lift when we need it."

Highlands is still playing without injured starting point guard Sam Vinson. People such as junior Jacob Brass have tried to pick things up there.

"Nobody is trying to do too much," Brass said. "Nobody is trying to play hero ball. They're just trying to do their job."

The Bluebirds won the rebounding battle, 34-21. They also had 11 assists, two steals, six blocked shots, 16 fouls and 11 turnovers with eight coming in the first half. The Cougars had five assists, no steals, one blocked shot, 16 fouls and six turnovers.

"We want to play fast, but we have to push with patience and play with poise," Listerman said. "We're starting to figure out what that means. Now that you get into this time of the year. There's so much film out there and coaches are good at scouting and taking things away. You have to relax and take what the defense gives you. We're still growing with that."

Seniors Spencer Couzins and Brenden Ginn led the Cougars with 17 and 16 points respectively. The two consistently attacked the basket making a number of jumpers.

Conner made 19-of-52 shots for 37 percent including 4-of-13 three-point tries for 31 percent and 8-of-10 free throws for 80 percent. Highlands hit 20-of-36 shots for 56 percent including 4-of-9 from three-point range for 44 percent and 7-of-17 free throws for 41 percent.

Highlands led 20-12 after one quarter and 31-29 at halftime. The Bluebirds took a 42-39 lead into the last quarter.

Highlands travels to Campbell County (12-3) on Thursday. Game time is 7:30 p.m.