2020-21 Highlands Bowling Preview

The Highlands Bluebirds bowling teams enter their ninth seasons knowing it will be unlike the previous eight because of Coronavirus 2019 restrictions.

But the teams are determined not to take advantage of the time given on the lanes. The biggest adjustment is the team's home alley is Super Bowl Bellewood in Woodlawn after LaRu closed down in the spring. Bellewood may be bigger. But the teams have to share it with a couple other schools.

Highlands Volleyball Season Ends in Region Quarterfinals

Bluebirds Put Up Fight Against Lady Jaguars

PHOTO: G. Michael Graham, Fort Thomas Matters. Highlands juniors, from left, Lauren Buemi, CC Shick and Nicole Ossege line up in the region quarterfinal game against Cooper on Tuesday.

The Highlands Bluebirds volleyball team (13-8 overall) has not beaten three teams that consistently make the 9th Region Tournament since the current 9th Region alignment started in 2012.

Those three teams are Notre Dame, St. Henry and Cooper. Highlands drew the 33rd District runner-up Cooper Lady Jaguars (13-4) to open the 9th Region Tournament at Covington Holmes on Tuesday after winning a fourth straight 36th District Tournament on Thursday.

Highlands battled Cooper in a 3-1 loss. The Bluebirds took the first game, 25-22 and fought hard in the second in a 25-23 defeat. But Highlands could not keep up the face in the next two games losing 25-14 and 25-16.

"We've played them this season and that was super helpful for us because we had film," said Katelyn Sallee, Highlands Head Coach. "We didn't always get to scout and prepare as well as we did so we came into this match really prepared, really focused, as ready as you can be for weapons like that and I feel like we handled that really well in the first two sets. We also knew that we had to be at our very best. We didn't have a lot of room for errors and a lot of runs. Then you get a little later in the match, maybe some fatigue sets in. I think there was a little bit of a release that caught up with us."

Weekend Roundup: Schroeder Wins Region Cross Country Crown

Highlands Girls Soccer Loses on Penalty Kicks

Twitter Photo. Highlands senior Maggie Schroeder won the Class 2A, Region 4 meet Saturday in 18 minutes, 51.08 seconds.

Highlands senior Maggie Schroeder ran away for an individual Class 2A, Region 4 cross country championship at the Mason County Athletic Complex.

The senior and 2018 individual Class 2A state champion won the race in 18 minutes, 51.08 seconds. Scott freshman Maddie Strong took second in 19:21.57 out of 44 runners.

Both Highlands teams finished region runner-up. The Highlands girls missed out on the region crown by a point with 49 to Scott's 48. The Highlands boys scored the same amount. But Lexington Catholic won it with 36 points.

Highlands Volleyball Captures Fourth Straight District Crown

Bluebirds Best 'Breds in Five

The Final point in Game Five.

PHOTO: G. Michael Graham, Fort Thomas Matters. Highlands senior setter Maria Little (3) goes up for a set while Laura Winkler (14) and CC Shick (23) get in position.

When Highlands Bluebirds junior middle blocker/right side hitter CC Shick and Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds senior middle blocker Madison McCloskey wound up and followed through, the balls slammed to the ground more often that not.

It turned into a matter of which team made fewer mistakes, found them, the other hitters and made their supporters roar better in determining the 36th District champion at Dayton High on Thursday. Trailing 2-1 entering the fourth set, Highlands (13-7 overall) responded pulling out the fourth set (25-19) then the deciding fifth set (15-4) to beat the improved Thoroughbreds (15-10), 3-2 for a fourth straight district championship.

"I think this season (shortened because of Coronavirus 2019) has been a tough one for a lot of teams including us," said Katelyn Sallee, Highlands Head Coach. "We had to fight to just kind of figure out who we were as a team after losing (five seniors to graduation from last year) and clawing back against I think the best NC team we've seen in a few years. It was a hard fight. We were ready for it and we came out strong."

Highlands Volleyball Advances in District Tournament

Bluebirds Face NewCath for District Crown

Highlands sophomore outside hitter Emma Daly (9) goes up for the ball in a recent game.

The Highlands Bluebirds volleyball team (12-7 overall) had won eight straight district semifinal games entering Wednesday and did not let the hosts end that streak.

The Bluebirds added to the streak with 3-0 (25-11, 25-12, 25-10) win over the host Dayton Lady Devils (14-7). Highlands takes on Newport Central Catholic (15-9) at 6 p.m. in the 36th District championship Thursday back at Dayton.

Highlands Soccer Has Mixed Results in Region Semifinals

Highlands Girls Face Dixie Heights in Region Championship

PHOTO: G. Michael Graham, Fort Thomas Matters. Highlands senior Austin Frazier (middle) gets in position against Ryle in the 9th Region semifinals Monday.

The Highlands Bluebirds soccer teams faced undefeated 33rd District champion teams in the 9th Region semifinals on Monday.

The host team advanced in each case. Over at Tower Park, the Highlands girls soccer team (14-1-2 overall) shut out the Cooper Lady Jaguars (13-1-2), 3-0 to advance to the region championship for the third straight season. Over in Union, the Ryle Raiders (14-0-1) stayed unbeaten on the season with a 3-1 win over the Bluebirds (10-4-2) denying Highlands a fourth straight trip to the region championship game.

Highlands Saturday Sports Roundup

Highlands Soccer Teams Advance in Region Tournament

PHOTO: Matt Carothers. Highlands senior goalkeeper Jasmine Rehberger (0) congratulates freshman Laney Smith (1) after a goal earlier this season.

The Highlands Bluebirds soccer teams opened the 9th Region quarterfinals Saturday at Tower Park against the Covington Holy Cross Indians teams playing as consistent as they had been lately.

The Highlands girls (13-1-2 overall) started the afternoon continuing its offensive explosion of late shutting out Holy Cross (8-8-1), 7-0 before the Highlands boys (10-3-2) overtook the Indians (10-5-1), 2-0. That marked the 12th shutout for the Highlands girls including the last six games and the seventh for the Highlands boys including the last four games.

Highlands Volleyball Stops Skid

District Tournament Starts Next Week

PHOTO: G. Michael Graham, Fort Thomas Matters. Highlands junior Sophia Sarakatsannis prepars to serve in a recent game.

The Highlands Bluebirds volleyball team (11-7 overall) snapped a five-game losing streak in the last game of the regular season with a 3-0 (25-5, 25-7, 25-12) win over the Bellevue Tigers (7-11).

Highlands Tuesday Sports Round-Up

Losing Streak Continues for Bluebirds

PHOTO: G. Michael Graham, Fort Thomas Matters. Highlands Head Coach Katelyn Sallee monitors the action in a recent game.

The Highlands Bluebirds volleyball team (10-7) could not snap its skid in a 3-1 (25-13, 16-25, 25-19, 25-17) loss at Dixie Heights (11-7).

Highlands and Dixie Heights have met in the region quarterfinals the last three years. The Bluebirds won two of them.

Highlands Boys Soccer Hits More Milestones

Bluebirds Earn Fifth Straight Win

PHOTO: G. Michael Graham, Fort Thomas Matters. Highlands junior Joel Kendall (30) makes a move on Newport Central Catholic's Ryan Barth (11) in the 36th District championship Tuesday. The Bluebirds won 6-0.

The Highlands Bluebirds boys soccer team (9-3-2 overall) hit its stride late in the season and it continued in the 36th District championship at Tower Park on Tuesday.

The Bluebirds rolled to a 6-0 victory over the Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds (8-5-1) for their fifth consecutive district championship and 10th straight win over the Thoroughbreds. The result and streaks are similar to what the Highlands female counterparts accomplished later in the day.

"We like to win games regardless of the steaks," said Chad Niedert, Highlands Head Coach. "But our region, as tough as it is, we set ourselves up in a better position with a one seed. But in our region at the same time, two seeds are pretty strong, too. We get another home game out of it."

Highlands has won six of its last seven games posting four shutouts with a 2-2 tie against Cincinnati (Ohio) Wyoming. The Bluebirds beat Louisville Trinity, 3-0 Saturday to conclude the regular season.

"It was a pretty good performance," said Eli Karnes, Highlands senior defensive midfielder. "It really shows what we can do further on in the year. The passing was really good. We worked on it in practice (Monday). If you get bodies across the goal, you can get it in. That's what we did."

Highlands Girls Soccer Blanks NewCath

Bluebirds Roll to Fifth Straight District Crown

PHOTO: G. Michael Graham, Fort Thomas Matters. Highlands senior Kenzie Nehus (middle) and freshman Claire Cavacini (5) go after a corner kick in the 36th District championship Tuesday. Highlands won 6-0.

The first goal came just two minutes into the game.

The Highlands Bluebirds girls soccer team (12-1-2 overall) rolled to a fifth consecutive 36th District championship and 10th straight win over the arch-rival Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds (8-8) by a 6-0 count at Tower Park. The result is similar to what the Highlands boys soccer team did earlier Tuesday.

Highlands Weekend Results

Highlands Boys Soccer Posts Huge Victory

PHOTO: G. Michael Graham, Fort Thomas Matters. Highlands junior Jordan Frisk (28) goes after the ball while senior Carter Smith (15) watches in a recent game.

The Highlands Bluebirds boys soccer team (8-3-2 overall) earned a huge win entering the post-season beating the Louisville Trinity Shamrocks, 3-0 on Saturday at Tower Park.

Highlands had been playing Trinity (6-4-1) on an annual basis since 2014. But the Bluebirds had not managed to beat the Shamrocks until Saturday. 

"We've been on the upswing lately. We knew this was going to be a challenge," said Chad Niedert, Highlands Head Coach. "They've had some losses lately. But when you play the teams they play every game, they're going to take some bumps even if they're just slightly down. We knew we had to stick to the game we've been playing. We knew we'd be sending messages at the right time with a statement win. That's exactly what we got out of it."

Trinity came to Fort Thomas two years ago when Highlands finished state runner-up and led 1-0 in the first half. But lightning caused the cancellation of the game.

Highlands-Boone County Notebook

Bluebirds Enter CovCath Battle with Momentum

PHOTO: Ed Harber. Highlands sophomore defensive back Aiden Nevels gets in position in the second half against Boone County.

There is not time to put up consecutive shutouts than in the first two district games.

Highlands followed up a 36-0 blanking of Conner a week ago with a convincing 43-0 win over Boone County at David Cecil Memorial Stadium on Saturday. Things were a major question mark entering the Conner game. But after the win in Hebron, people expected Highlands to roll to another running clock win against the Rebels and the hosts did not disappoint. Conner had beaten Boone County, 40-0 on Sept. 25.

Girls State Golf Tournament Results

Toole Qualified for Final Day

PHOTO: G. Michael Graham, Fort Thomas Matters. Highlands senior Ellie Rowland (left) and junior KJ Toole golfed in the girls state tournament Friday. Toole is the first Highlands girls golfer to make it to the second day of the state tournament since 2010. The two also made the state tournament last year.

Highlands senior Ellie Rowland and junior KJ Toole ventured to the state tournament at the Bowling Green Country Club hoping to make it to the second and final day of the event.

Thursday Highlands Sports Round-Up

Highlands Soccer Teams Shut Out Region Opponents

PHOTO: G. Michael Graham, Fort Thomas Matters. Highlands junior Honor Valentine prepares to serve in a recent game.

The Highlands Bluebirds girls soccer team (11-1-2 overall) concluded the regular season with a convincing 9th Region road victory, 9-0 over the struggling St. Henry Lady Crusaders (4-8-1).

Tuesday Highlands Sports Round-up

Highlands Soccer Teams Both Beat Conner

PHOTO: G. Michael Graham, Fort Thomas Matters. Highlands senior goalkeeper Jasmine Rehberger watches during a recent game.

The Highlands Bluebirds girls soccer team (10-1-2 overall) had not faced the Conner Lady Cougars (5-6) since beating them 6-0 win at Tower Park on Aug. 25, 2005.

Highlands beat Conner, 4-0 on Tuesday in a 9th Region battle. That marked the ninth shutout of the season. Goalkeepers Meg Gessner and Jasmine Rehberger had one save each for the Bluebirds.

Highlands Girls Soccer Upends Newport Central Catholic

Winning Streak Hits Nine for Bluebirds Against Arch-Rivals

PHOTO: G. Michael Graham. Highlands senior defender Greta Noble throws the ball in against Newport Central Catholic on Monday. Noble had an assist in the 3-0 Highlands win.

The arch-rivals hung around for nearly 50 minutes.

But once the first goal came, the Highlands Bluebirds girls soccer team (9-1-2 overall) started rolling. They added two more to defeat the 36th District rival Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds, 3-0 Monday at Tower Park. That is the eighth shut-out for the Bluebirds.

Highlands has beaten NewCath nine times in a row. The Thoroughbreds last beat the Bluebirds, 2-1 at Tower Park in the 36th District championship on Oct. 15, 2015.

"I think we tried to play our best confidently as a team and not selfishly," said Margo Brandenberger, Highlands junior forward. "That really helps with confidence and doesn't let your emotions get to you on the field. It is a good rivalry game."

Highlands-Conner Football Sidebar

Two-Way Players Making Difference for Bluebirds

PHOTO: Ed Harber. Highlands sophomore wide receiver Jack Hendrix (25) tries to block Conner sophomore defensive back Alijah Thompson (12) trying to free up room for Highlands senior running back Mason South (2) in the 36-0 win Saturday.

The Highlands Bluebirds football team has benefitted from players going both directions more than recent years.

Highlands Head Coach Brian Weinrich said in the past things are different with each player. Some pick up the main position well and another.

Weekend Highlands Sports Round-Up

Highlands Soccer Teams Record Non-Region Wins

PHOTO: G. Michael Graham, Fort Thomas Matters. Highlands junior defender Jade Rehberger (6) had three assists on corner kicks in the 4-0 Highlands win over Lafayette on Saturday. 

The Highlands girls soccer team (8-1-2 overall) took down Lexington Lafayette (5-2-2) by a 4-0 count at Tower Park on Saturday.

"We had a great win," said Alex Dean, Highlands Head Coach. "Lafayette did lose on of its star players. Going into it, we knew they might be a little bit down because of it. But we couldn't take them lightly because they're one of the top teams this year. We could possibly see them advance (from) the 11th Region."

Thursday Highlands Results

Bluebirds Tie Ohio Opponent

PHOTO: G. Michael Graham, Fort Thomas Matters. Highlands sophomore goalkeeper Connor Mathis watches in a game earlier this season.

The Highlands Bluebirds boys soccer team (4-3-2 overall) may not have recorded a victory in its third game against an Ohio opponent.

But Highlands did not give up a late goal either. Highlands tied the Cincinnati Wyoming Cowboys, 2-2 at Tower Park.

"It's kind of nice to play some of these teams from across the (Ohio) River where the competition level that we get over there is at least as strong from within our regional tournament if not a little bit better," said Chad Niedert, Highlands Head Coach. "We also then don't have to be playing the same teams multiple times. They will exploit some weaknesses maybe so we know how to adapt accordingly. I think our guys have really done a good job of making those adjustments. We're turning that corner to where we have more of an identity of what we look like of how we play offensively and defensively. It is the right time to do that when we have the district and regional tournaments in our sights."

Wednesday Sports Roundup

Bluebirds Rally to Tie on Road

PHOTO: G. Michael Graham, Fort Thomas Matters. Highlands senior defender Kelsey Listerman (20) prepares to boot the ball on a free kick in a recent game.

The Highlands Bluebirds girls soccer team fell behind 2-0 against the Cincinnati (Ohio) St. Ursula Bulldogs on Wednesday, 2-0 on the road.

But Highlands (7-1-2 overall) fought back to tie the Bulldogs, 2-2. St. Ursula from the rugged Girls Greater Catholic League is a deceiving 3-6-2 overall. The Bulldogs recently lost just 3-2 to 10-0 Mount Notre Dame.

Tuesday Highlands Sports Roundup

Highlands Boys Soccer Breaks Losing Streak

PHOTO: G. Michael Graham, Fort Thomas Matters. Highlands junior midfielder Joel Kendall (30) moves toward the ball in a recent game.

The Highlands Bluebirds boys soccer team (4-3-1 overall) won a one-goal game after losing two in a row with a 1-0 9th Region win over the Dixie Heights red Colonels (3-7) on the road.

Monday Highlands Sports Round-up

Highlands Girls Soccer Blanks Another Opponent

Highlands senior midfielder Maggie Stieby plays the ball in a game earlier this season.

The Highlands Bluebirds girls soccer team (6-1-1 overall) had not played in a week after the cancellation of a game Saturday against West Jessamine.

But the Bluebirds started strong and defeated the county rival Bishop Brossart Lady 'Stangs (3-6), 4-0 Monday at Tower Park. Highlands posted its sixth shutout of the season with the win.

Highlands Senior Breaks School Record

Schroeder Breaks 19-minute Mark in Race

Contributed Photo. Highlands senior Maggie Schroeder runs in the Bourbon County Charge on Saturday. She broke the school record running the 3.1-mile race in 18 minutes, 13.9 seconds.

Highlands senior cross country runner Maggie Schroeder broker her personal record Saturday.

Schroeder ran the 3.1-mile race in the Bourbon County Colonel Charge in 18 minutes, 13.9 seconds finishing third overall. She ran a 19:07 when she won the Class AA individual state championship as a sophomore in 2018.

Schroeder said she'd gone on a trip the previous weekend. She could not run for two days and said that served as a miniature taper down to her routine before doing some medium length runs and one sprint workout during the week leading up to the race, which did not tire her out too much.

Thursday Highlands Sports Roundup

Bluebirds Soccer Drops Another Tight One Against Ohio Opponent

PHOTO: G. Michael Graham, Fort Thomas Matters. Highlands senior Jack Banks (26) gets in position in a recent game.

The Highlands Bluebirds boys soccer team (3-3-1 overall) had another Ohio opponent tied late in the game only to lose by one goal.

Cincinnati Summit Country Day scored with one minute, 17 seconds left to win 2-1. The Knights led 1-0 at halftime before senior Brayden Gillman scored on a free kick with 38:19 left in the game at Tower Park. That is Gillman's second goal of the season.

Tuesday Highlands Sports Results

Bluebirds Volleyball Bests Newport

PHOTO: G. Michael Graham, Fort Thomas Matters. Highlands senior Maria Little (3) gets in position in a recent game.

The Highlands Bluebirds volleyball team did not have an easy time of things in the first 36th District game of the year.

But the Bluebirds (8-2 overall) took care of the Newport Ladycats (0-6), 3-0 (25-14, 25-8, 25-14) on Tuesday in Fort Thomas. Highlands has won five in a row.

"You move on to the next day," said Katelyn Sallee, Highlands Head Coach. "There were some other things going on and just a little bit of tightness. (Respecting opponents) is something we talk about. But this group of girls competes with everybody. I feel like we're okay. I'm not going to stress myself too much over that and just keep moving forward."

Monday Highlands Sports Results

Highlands Boys Golf Wins NKAC Division II Title

Highlands junior KJ Toole hits the ball toward the hole in the Northern Kentucky Athletic Conference Division II Tournament at AJ Jolly Golf Course in Alexandria. Toole earned medalist honors shooting a 78.

The Highlands Bluebirds golf teams won medalist awards at the Northern Kentucky Athletic Conference Division II Tournaments on Monday.

Senior Justin Gabbard won the Division II Boys Tournament at the Par 72 Willows Golf Course in Independence and junior KJ Toole took medalist honors in the Division II Girls Tournament at the Par 71 AJ Jolly Golf Course in Alexandria. Second-place Olivia Phirman of Bishop Brossart took second with 89 for the girls.

"I just know the way AJ Jolly plays. It's helpful to know what clubs to hit, know my yardage and honestly to know where not to hit the ball," Toole said. "You know where it's okay to have a miss. You're able to hit accurate lines into the green and such."

The Highlands boys captured another Northern Kentucky Athletic Conference Division II crown at the Par 72 Willows Golf Course in Independence. Highlands shot 312 to win its ninth tournament of the year out of six teams. The Bluebirds not only had the lowest score of Division II, but of any division. Covington Catholic shot 314 to win the largest Division I. St. Henry finished second shooting a 330.

Weekend Highlands Sports Round-Up

Bluebird Volleyball Takes Cake Classic

Contributed Photo. The Highlands volleyball team won the Cake Classic for the second time in four years going 3-0 Saturday.

The Highlands Bluebirds volleyball team (7-2 overall) won the annual Cake Classic at Russell Bridges Gym on Saturday.

The tournament is normally two days. But Highlands played just three games in one day this year as a result of Coronavirus 2019.

Highlands-Ryle Football Sidebar

Highlands Sees More Coronavirus Precautions Taken on Road

PHOTO: Ed Harber. Highlands senior offensive lineman Jake Arthur (71) makes a move in the win at Ryle on Friday.

Teams across Kentucky have dealt with changes as a result of Coronavirus 2019 guidelines.

The Highlands Bluebirds used three buses to come to the game and spread out. They put their pads on in a field right by Ryle's football field and promptly took them off after the game and walked straight to the bus. Locker rooms have been off limits this fall.

Thursday Highlands Sports Round-Up

Highlands Volleyball Bests Arch-Rival; Boys Soccer Loses

PHOTO: G. Michael Graham, Fort Thomas Matters. The Highlands players including CC Shick (bottom left), Laura Winkler (running forward) and Madison Clore (red jersey) get in position to receive a serve in a recent match.

These are the type of games the Highlands Bluebirds volleyball team hopes to see a lot of on a yearly basis.

Highlands (4-2 overall) took care of Campbell County, 3-0 (25-16, 25-16, 25-10) on Senior Night in a county rivalry game. The two seniors for the Bluebirds are setters Laura Winkler and Maria Little. Little had two aces, eight digs and 11 assists with Winkler tallying seven kills, an assisted block with junior Lauren Buemi, 12 assists and 16 digs.

The Lady Camels have struggled out of the gate. They are 1-7 with six straight losses.

Highlands Advances in LexCath Challenge Cup

Bluebirds Play in Title Game on Saturday

Highlands senior defender Greta Noble (2) boots the ball forward while junior defender Jade Rehberger watches in a recent game. The Bluebirds beat Notre Dame, 1-0 on Wednesday to advance to the title game of the Lexington Catholic Challenge Cup on Saturday at 7 p.m. against either Simon Kenton or Lexington Dunbar.

The Highlands Bluebirds girls soccer team (4-0-1 overall) has another chance at a Lexington Catholic Challenge Cup after taking down their big arch-rival for the second time in five day.

The Bluebirds downed the Notre Dame Pandas (3-2), 1-0 to advance to the championship game of the Lexington Catholic Lady Knights Challenge Cup on Wednesday. Highlands avenged a 3-2 loss to the Pandas in the LexCath Tournament title game last year.

"This season has been a big challenge for us playing Notre Dame for the third game of the season, playing Sacred Heart then playing Notre Dame for the fifth game of the season has been crazy," said Alex Dean, Highlands Head Coach. "It's definitely jump-started our season into mid-season form after game five. I think we understand the importance of competing in these games. It's not about wins and losses during the regular season. It's about getting the best effort and advancing your play each game and each week that we move through the season."

Tuesday Highlands Results: Bluebirds Boys Soccer Beats NCC

Highlands Starts Rivalry Week with Victory

PHOTO: G. Michael Graham, Fort Thomas Matters. Highlands senior forward Ben Fischer (5) runs up-field against Newport Central Catholic on Tuesday.

The big week for the Highlands Bluebirds boys soccer teams started strong.

The meeting against the Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds at Tower Park did not have its usual feel. The large crowds, especially the student sections, could not pack the stands although some stood outside the fences watching as a result of Coronavirus 2019 restrictions.

But one thing has not changed since 2015. The Bluebirds bested the Thoroughbreds, 4-0 for their ninth straight victory in the series. NewCath last beat Highlands, 2-1 on Oct. 13, 2015 in the 36th District championship game at Tower Park when the current seniors were in the seventh grade.

Monday Highlands Sports Roundup: Highlands Girls Soccer Bests Sacred Heart

Highlands Golf Holds Senior Day

Highlands junior goalkeeper Meg Gessner kicks the ball off in a recent game.

The Highlands Bluebirds girls soccer team (3-0-1) entered the prestigious Lexington Catholic Lady Knights Challenge Cup facing a familiar opponent in the Louisville Sacred Heart Valkyries.

The Bluebirds scored the game's lone goal in the first half and made it stand in a 1-0 victory. The play again Wednesday in the cup in a quick rematch against 9th Region rival Notre Dame at 8 p.m. back at LexCath.

"It's probably the best regular season cup that there is," said Alex Dean, Highlands Head Coach. "It gets us ready for the postseason. We treated (Monday) like a final four game like it was last year. It's a rivalry game. It was an ugly win, but a win is a win."

Another Tournament Win for Highlands Boys Golf

Gabbard, Muller Shoot in 60s in Tournament Win

PHOTO: G. Michael Graham, Fort Thomas Matters. Highlands sophomore Joel Craft watches after ahot in a recent match. The Bluebirds won their eighth tournament Sunday taking the Bourbon County Invitational.

The Highlands Bluebirds boys golf team had not done any overnight trips this year as a result of Coronavirus 2019.

But they did one Saturday still maintaining protocols and it paid off Sunday when the Bluebirds won the Bourbon County Invitational shooting 292 out of 16 teams. That's the eighth tournament they've won this season and it bested the score of the 2018 8th Region championship team by one shot.

Saturday Highlands Round-up

Bluebirds Volleyball Goes 1-1 in September Slam

PHOTO: G. Michael Graham, Fort Thomas Matters. Highlands junior CC Shick (middle) goes up for spike attempt against Simon Kenton while Laura Winkler and Madison Clore (33) get in position. Highlands went 1-1 in the September Slam at Scott on Saturday.

The Highlands Bluebirds volleyball team may have suffered its first loss of the season Saturday.

But the Bluebirds rebounded to win the afternoon game against the hosts in the annual September Slam Tournament. Highlands lost 2-1 to the Simon Kenton Lady Pioneers (17-25, 25-19, 15-12) in the morning before defeating the host Scott Lady Eagles, 2-0 (25-22, 25-10). Highlands won this tournament last year.

Highlands-Simon Kenton Football Sidebar

Bluebirds Adjusting to Coronavirus 2019 Guidelines

PHOTO: Ed Harber. Highlands sophomore kicker Davis Burleigh practices field goals before the game Friday.

David Cecil Memorial could only allow 20 percent in attendance and fans had to wear face masks or they were asked to leave. The usual six-feet distance protocols were also encouraged.Things felt as different as one might expect with the threat of Coronavirus 2019 still looming.

Thursday Highlands Sports Roundup

Bluebird Soccer Records First Win of Season

PHOTO: G. Michael Graham, Fort Thomas Matters. Highlands senior Max Farris thinks before striking the ball on a free kick in a recent game.

The Highlands Bluebirds boys soccer team took care of business in one half Thursday in an 11-0 win over the Covington Holmes Bulldogs.

Highlands (1-0-1) had 23 shots with 16 on goal to just one shot for the Bulldogs (0-1). Sophomore Caden Schroeder had two goals to lead the Bluebirds.

Highlands Golf Teams Take Dual Wins

Bluebirds Faced Colonels in Dual For First Time Since 2007

PHOTO: G. Michael Graham, Fort Thomas Matters. Highlands sophomore Aly Welch moves on to the next hole during the dual match against Bishop Brossart on Monday.

The Highlands Bluebirds golf teams earned sound dual match wins over Northern Kentucky rivals on their home course Monday.

The Highlands boys defeated the Covington Catholic Colonels, 153-173 in their first dual match since 2007 at Highland Country Club before the Highlands girls took down Bishop Brossart Lady 'Stangs, 191-218. That marked the first dual match of the season for the Highlands boys.

Highlands Boys Golf in Mason County Invitational

Bluebirds Take Third

Highlands senior Justin Gabbard watches his shot in a recent tournament. Gabbard shot three-below par 69 in the Mason County Invitational on Saturday.

The Highlands Bluebirds boys golf team played in the Mason County Invitational at Laurel Oaks Golf Club in Maysville on Saturday and took third out of 10 teams.

The Bluebirds shot 299. Mason County and St. Henry tied for first at 297. But the Royals had the better fifth score to win the tournament. Clay County took fourth at 303.

Highlands Boys Golf Plays in Scott County Invitational

Bluebirds Earn Experience

Highlands senior Isaiah Lampkin follows through on a shot in a recent tournament.

Head Coach Bert Richey made sure certain players received some experience Saturday when the Highlands Bluebirds boys golf team ventured to the Scott County Invitational.

Highlands finished 14th out of 22 teams shooting a 375 in the tournament played at Cherry Blossom Golf Course in Georgetown. Louisville Trinity won the tournament shooting 314. The Bluebirds finished one stroke behind Greenup County's 374.

Highlands Girls Golf Wins Dual Match

Highlands Takes Down Bishop Brossart

Highlands eighth grader Jenna Richey watched during a recent tournament.

The Highlands Bluebirds girls golf team won its first dual match of the season, 204-210 at AJ Jolly Golf Course in Alexandria.

The teams golfed on the front nine holes for a par 35. Junior KJ Toole won medalist honors shooting a two-over 37.

Senior Ellie Rowland shot a 46. Eighth grader Jenna Richey and sophomore Aly Welch rounded out the scoring with 57 and 64 respectively.

Golf Round-Up: Highlands Boys Earn Biggest Win of Season

Gabbard Earns Medalist Honors Defeating Defending Individual State Champion

Highlands senior Luke Muller fires a shot in a recent tournament.

The Highlands Bluebirds boys golf team faced some of the best around the state Monday and came away with what Head Coach Bert Richey called the team's biggest win of the season.

Highlands won the Frederick Douglass Invitational at Greenbrier Country Club in Lexington shooting a 302 out of 18 teams. This marked the fifth win in eight tournaments this year.

The Bluebirds outdistanced runner-up Marshall County by seven at 309 overcoming a two-hour rain delay. McCracken County and Ryle tied for third with 310 and region rival Mason County took fifth with 311.

"We played well," Richey said. "It rained on us for the first six holes. Our guys kept their wits about themselves. They didn't make any big numbers."

Bluebirds Play in Another Bullitt East Invitational

Highlands Places Fifth in Tournament

Twitter Photo. The Highlands Bluebirds boys golf team played in the Bullitt East Charger Open at Heritage Hill Country Club in Shepherdsville on Friday.

The Highlands Bluebirds played in the Bullitt East Charger Open on Friday and finished fifth out of 20 teams.

Highlands shot 315 at Heritage Hill Country Club in Shepherdville. Opponents included Louisville Trinity and South Warren. Senior Luke Muller led Highlands shooting an even-par 72 to finish fourth.

Highlands Golf Round-up: Another Tournament Win for Bluebirds

Bluebirds Take Beechwood Invitational Title

Highlands senior Justin Gabbard earned medalist honors in the Beechwood Invitational shooting a 67 on Thursday.

The Highlands Bluebirds boys golf team bounced back from a third-place finish Wednesday to take the Beechwood Invitational Tournament at Hickory Sticks Golf Club in California (Kentucky).

That marks the fourth tournament win in a week for the Bluebirds out of six tournaments. Highlands has not finished lower than fourth in any tournaments.

Highlands Invitational Round-Up

Toole Finishes Third for Highlands Girls

Highlands freshman Bailey Markus watches after a shot in a recent tournament.

The Highlands Bluebirds golf teams partook in their own OrthoCincy Highlands Invitational on Wednesday.

The Highlands boys finished third out of 16 teams. St. Henry won it shooting a 295 and Mason County shot a 299 to win the tournament.

Golf Round-up: Third Tournament Win for Highlands Boys

Bluebirds Take Cooper Invitational

Highlands senior Luke Muller watches his shot during the Cooper Invitational on Tuesday. Muller tied for second overall shooting a 73 to help the Bluebirds to their third tournament win of the season.

The key for the top four scorers of the Highlands Bluebirds boys golf team is putting 80 or fewer.

Highlands did that Tuesday in the Cooper Invitational and won it by 13 strokes at the Boone Links Golf Course in Florence. The Bluebirds shot a 305. Runner-up Mason County shot a 318. Ryle took third at 319 and Grant County fourth at 328 with Covington Catholic taking fifth at 328.

Highlands Boys Golf Wins Another Tournament

Muller, Gabbard Place in Top Five for Third Tournament

Highlands junior KJ Toole follows through on a shot in the Northern Kentucky Shootout on Monday.

The Highlands Bluebirds boys golf team won a second tournament on the young season by 11 strokes in the 18-team Model Invitational on Monday.

That marks the second tournament win in three tournaments. The tournament took place at the University Club at Arlington in Richmond. It is the home course of the Eastern Kentucky University golf teams.

Highlands Boys Take Fourth in Saturday Tournament

The Highlands Bluebirds boys golf team finished fourth in the Mason County/St. Patrick Invitational at the Maysville Country Club on Saturday in its second tournament of the season.

Senior Luke Muller shot a 74 to finish third to lead Highlands. Senior Justin Gabbard shot a 75 to finish fifth. Sophomore Joel Craft shot an 81 and junior Jack Schneider shot an 87 to round out the scoring. Junior Charlie Gorman shot a 98.

Bluebirds Win Bullitt East Invitational

Highlands Opens Season With Tournament Victory

Twitter Photo. Highlands sophomore Joel Craft (left) holds the Bullitt East Invitational Tournament team championship trophy while seniors Luke Muller (center) and Justin Gabbard (right) hold individual plaques after finishing second and third. Highlands shot a 294 to win the 18-team tournament.

The Highlands Bluebirds boys golf team won its first tournament of the season at the Tanglewood Golf Course in Taylorsville on Friday.

Highlands won the 18-team tournament shooting a 294. The Bluebirds defeated 8th Region rival Grant County and Cooper from Northern Kentucky in a field comprised of teams mostly from around central Kentucky. The Bluebirds also won the tournament two years ago.

Another Region Heartbreak for Highlands Girls Hoops

Conner Wins in Double Overtime

Highlands senior Meghan Walz (left) makes a move while Conner center Maddie Drummonds (right) defends. Highlands lost 48-44 to Conner in double overtime.

There were times that it seemed like the Highlands Bluebirds girls basketball team (21-11 overall) would find a way to move on to the 9th Region semifinals on Monday.

But in the end, the Conner Lady Cougars (21-11) escaped in double overtime for a 48-44 victory. This marked the latest defeat in either the first or second round of the region tournament at BB&T Arena on the campus of Northern Kentucky University for Highlands. Highlands lost in the first round to the 33rd District runner-up for the third time in four seasons.

"It's a huge credit to the character of these seniors and the character of all the girls I have in this program," said Jaime Walz-Richey, Highlands Head Coach. "We ended up having a great season. This sucks. It absolutely sucks to come every year and lose first or second round. It's nothing we want to do. We push our girls as hard as we can."

Highlands Advances in 36th District Semifinals

Bluebirds Ready for District Championship Thursday

PHOTO: G. Michael Graham, Fort Thomas Matters. Highlands junior Emma Riccobene (left) goes up for a score in a recent game while Piper Macke (1) watches in a recent game.

The Highlands Bluebirds needed to go 1-0 to start the postseason and hit a significant win total.

Highlands defeated the Bellevue Tigers, 83-39 to move to 20-10 on the season and move on to the 36th District championship game Thursday against the Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds (20-11) at Newport. The Bluebirds hit the 20-win mark in the season for the eighth straight season. Bellevue's season ended at 12-16.

Highlands Handles Beechwood

Bluebirds Finish Regular Season with Win

Highlands juniors Emma Riccobene (31) and Rory O'Hara (35) scored in double figures in the convincing win over Beechwood on Friday.

The Highlands Bluebirds girls basketball team (19-10 overall) did not have any issue winning the last game of the regular season recording a sound 63-20 victory over the Beechwood Tigers (9-20).

"We treated it like another game," said Jaime Walz-Richey, Highlands Head Coach. "We wanted to execute. We wanted to fine-tune things and get ready for Tuesday. We really worked on ourselves. We wanted to make sure all five of us were on the same page."

Highlands saw eight players score. Senior guard Piper Macke led the way with 14 points. Juniors Emma Riccobene and Rory O'Hara added 12 and 10 points each.