Thursday Highlands Round-Up

Highlands Girls Hoops Picks Up First Win of Season

PHOTO: G. Michael Graham, Fort Thomas Matters. Highlands eighth grader Katie Bucher (15) gets in defensive position in a recent game.

In a battle of two teams fighting for that first victory of the season, the Highlands Bluebirds (1-3) came away with a 43-36 victory over the visiting Cincinnati (Ohio) Mercy McAuley Wolves (0-5).

"I think it's going to take time. It's a marathon, not a sprint," said Jaime Walz-Richey, Highlands Head Coach. "I only have two girls playing right now that's played significant varsity minutes. We knew we'd have some lumps in the beginning just because of the injuries we're dealing with and our youth. We just have to keep getting better each day in practice and games."

Highlands saw eight different players score including sophomore guard Laney Smith, who made a triple. Smith hit the floor for the first time this year after seeing limited varsity action last year. Senior 6-foot-1-inch center CC Shick led Highlands with 10 points and eight rebounds.

The Bluebirds rebounded better this game with 43. Freshman 6-2 center Marissa Green nearly had a triple-double with 12 rebounds, nine blocked shots and nine points. Senior guard Meg Gessner had seven points and nine rebounds.

"We just remind (the younger players) before every game that it is a faster play, but don't be scared," Gessner said. "You can see it in their faces at times. (Some) are eighth graders. They're playing against juniors and seniors. We (upperclassmen) remind them it's okay to mess up. These games are just preparing us for districts and regionals."

Highlands made 13-of-38 shots for 34 percent including 3-of-12 three-point tries for 25 percent and 14-of-23 free throws for 61 percent. The Bluebirds also had eight assists, 10 steals and 33 turnovers. Shick had three assists and three steals.

Junior forward Izzy Rotert led Mercy McAuley with 13 points. The Wolves made just 6-of-12 free throws for 50 percent.

Highlands takes on Covington Holy Cross (2-2) on Saturday in Covington. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

Bowling, Co-Ed:

Highlands 4, Bishop Brossart 3:

The Bluebirds are 2-0 in Co-Ed matches this year edging Bishop Brossart at Bellewood Lanes. Kurrin Funk and senior Macy Hedenberg bowled the high games at 195 and 187 to lead the Bluebirds.

"For me personally, I think it just takes the first-game jitters out of me because my first game was a 124," Hedenberg said. "That's because I was thinking too much. In bowling, you can't think too much about it or you'll get in your head and start throwing gutter balls."

Seniors like Hedenberg, Chloe Bramble, Carissa Armstrong and Jade Rehberger are bowling for the first time this year. The four bowled together Thursday. Hedenberg said she played basketball with Armstrong and Rehberger in middle school and as freshmen. Hedenberg said they cheer each other on during the baker games.

Highlands takes on Simon Kenton on Tuesday back at Bellewood.