Bluebird Teams Record Tournament Victories |
| PHOTO: G. Michael Graham, Fort Thomas Matters. Highlands sophomore Oliver Harris (13) and senior Hunter Ahlfeld (14) get in position in a recent game. The Bluebirds moved to 9-0 Friday with another convincing win. |
Highlands stayed undefeated at 9-0 with a sound 92-54 victory over the Clark Montessori Cougars (2-7 overall) out of Cincinnati in the Carespring Holiday Classic at Russell Bridges Gym. The Bluebirds have scored 85 or more points in seven of the nine games.
"It's great coming to practice every day with the leadership from our upperclassmen," said Abe Hils, Highlands sophomore guard. "They all push us to do our best. The coaching staff (does) as well. The experience has been great for us."
The Bluebirds finished 37-of-61 from the floor for 61 percent including 11-of-20 from three-point range for 55 percent. They also made 7-of-9 free throws for 78 percent.
"The most impressive thing is the way this team shoots the basketball," said Kevin Listerman, Highlands Head Coach. "We turned down a lot of good looks to get great looks. We have a lot of guys who can knock down shots and they're playing very, very unselfish. We did a good job playing really hard and again getting the tempo to where we liked it. Our guys are doing a good job looking for each other and taking the right shot at the right time."
Junior point guard Sam Vinson again led the way making 10-of-20 shots for 25 points to go with three assists, two steals and five rebounds. Eleven Bluebirds scored total. Junior forward Luke Muller scored 13 points with sophomore forward Oliver Harris scoring 10. Senior Hunter Ahlfeld and freshman guard William Herald added nine points each.
The Bluebirds had 28 rebounds, 14 fouls, 20 assists, five turnovers, four blocked shots and seven steals. Senior guard Jacob Brass had two steals and three assists. Sophomore guard Zach Barth also had three assists.
"It starts with our three seniors then Sam and Luke especially," Listerman said. "Those guys do a good job getting themselves ready to play and each other. When we come out of the gate, they're locked in. This group loves to compete."
Clark Montessori made 22-of-43 shots for 51 percent including 2-of-6 three-point tries for 33 percent and 8-of-12 free throws for 67 percent. The Cougars also had 21 rebounds, 12 fouls, one assist, 12 turnovers, one block and no steals. Steph Curry led Clark Montessori with 22 points and Sean Early had 21.
Highlands faces Louisville Waggener Wildcats (6-5) out of the 7th Region in the tournament championship game on Saturday. Game time is 7:45 p.m. back at Russell Bridges Gym.
Basketball, Girls:
Highlands 57, Rowan County 37:
The Bluebirds (4-5) knocked off the Vikings (5-5) to end a four-game losing streak in the LaRosa's Holiday Classic at Conner.
"We realized in the third game at (Lexington Catholic in the Traditional Bank Holiday Classic) that we had to get better ourselves," said Jaime Walz-Richey, Highlands Head Coach. "That starts with defense. All five of us have to be on the same page. There are no plays off. They're doing much better. We just have to keep getting better on the defensive end."
Junior forward Kelsey Listerman made 11-of-12 shots including 2-of-3 from three-point range on her way to 27 points to lead Highlands. Senior guard Piper Macke added 13.
The Bluebirds made 20-of-36 shots for 57 percent including 2-of-11 three-point tries for 18 percent and 15-of-18 free throws for 83 percent. Highlands also recorded 22 rebounds, 10 assists, 22 turnovers and 15 steals. Macke had six steals with senior guard Maggie Hinegardner tallying three assists.
"We really focused on the basic such as taking care of the ball," said Rylee Thomas, Highlands senior forward. "We also focused on running the plays correctly and just playing as a team instead of five individuals out on the court."
Highlands takes on the West Carter Lady Comets (3-4) in the fifth-place game Saturday. Game time is 11:45 a.m.
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