Highlands Volleyball Earns 25th Victory

Bluebirds Defeat Boone County for Second Time This Season

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

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With a convincing 3-0 (25-15, 25-19, 25-13) win over the Boone County Lady Rebels (11-15 overall), the Highlands Bluebirds volleyball team improved to 25-6 on the season earning a fourth season of 25 or more wins in the last five seasons.

Highlands Eighth Grader Hayden Gessner watched her older sister Olivia Gessner lift the Bluebirds to consecutive 25-11 seasons in 2017 and 2018 before the 2019 team finished 29-8 overall. A Coronavirus 2019-shortened season last year left the Bluebirds at 13-8.

"We really just want to keep on with the legacy and keep bringing the energy," Hayden Gessner said. "It's just really exciting for everyone to see what we can possibly do and keep up with. It's really interesting to see what can happen during a game and how everyone is coming together as a team and making sure everyone has each others' backs."

The Bluebirds connected for 45 kills on 108 attempts with 17 errors for a .259 hitting percentage. Seniors Lauren Buemi had 16 kills with senior Avery Cavacini connecting for 10 and CC Shick adding nine.

Highlands also had 12 aces, two solo blocks, 60 digs and 45 assists. Seniors Madison Clore, Madison Opitz and Honor Valentine had three aces each and Shick had two. Cavacini and Buemi had one solo block each. Senior Sophia Sarakatsanis had 12 digs with Clore contributing nine. Opitz and senior Nicole Ossege had eight each. Opitz also had 44 assists.

"Honestly, the first two sets were both a little flat in just kind of finding our rhythm," said Katelyn Sallee, Highlands Head Coach. "We actually did a good job though of getting a lot of people involved offensively. It's probably the most balanced we've been all season. I feel like as we progress into the postseason, we have to be sure to move the ball around so that we can beat some bigger opponents. We did that (Thursday)."

Highlands Completes Another Trifecta

Bluebirds Earn 15th Win of Season

PHOTO: G. Michael Graham, Fort Thomas Matters. Highlands freshman Alyssa Harris (right) takes a pass in a recent game.

For the second straight week, the Highlands Bluebirds girls basketball team (15-7 overall) played three straight games in three days.

But like last week, the Bluebirds won all three completing the week with a third straight win with a convincing 53-26 win over the host Boone County Lady Rebels (9-12) on Saturday. Highlands has won 11 of its last 12 games and moved to 8-1 in 9th Region action.

"It's just about taking care of our bodies," said Jaime Walz-Richey, Highland Head Coach. "These girls are willing to take ice baths to help their bodies recover. We've talked about eating right and drinking fluids. They're ready to play three games (in a row). I thought our energy was great."

Thursday Highlands Results

Highlands Softball Falls in Extra Innings

PHOTO: G. Michael Graham, Fort Thomas Matters. Highlands junior right fielder Abby Rust takes her spot in the outfield against Boone County on Thursday.

The Highlands Bluebirds softball team (1-4 overall) held the 3-2 advantage going into the seventh inning after neither team scored in the fourth, fifth and sixth innings.

But the Boone County Lady Rebels (8-1) scored four in the seventh inning to take a 6-3 lead. Highlands scored three times in the bottom of the frame to send it to extra innings.

Both teams had their chances to win. But Boone County scored three times in the top of the 11th and held on for a 12-10 9th Region victory. Highlands is 0-2 in region play.

Home Wins for Highlands Basketball Squads

Highlands Boys Record 15th Win of Season

PHOTO: G. Michael Graham. Highlands senior post Ben Sisson (center) dribbles in a recent game. He had 17 points to help the Bluebirds to a 45-43 win over Oldham County.

The Highlands Bluebirds boys basketball team (15-10 overall) trailed the Oldham County Colonels (16-9) in the rematch from earlier in the season.

But this time in Fort Thomas, Highlands found a way to win at the end, 45-43. Highlands sophomore point guard Sam Vinson took the ball on the left corner, drove the baseline and put the ball up between two Colonel defenders drawing a foul with six seconds left. The ball rolled around the rim before dropping in. Vinson then hit the ensuing free throw to make the final score.

"We drew up a play and once they swung it to me, I saw the gap and drove the gap to the hole," Vinson said. "I saw two people in front of me and I thought I could finish on top of them so I just tried to get (the ball) up there and (finish the shot)."

Highlands Girls Soccer Advances, Volleyball Season Ends

Meyer Takes Control of Highlands School Triple Crown Scoring Records in Win

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior Margot Seidel (19) bumps the ball while senior libero Olivia Gessner (15) gets in position. Highlands finished the season 25-11 with a 9th Region quarterfinal loss Monday.

A quick start like this will always help matters in the postseason.

In the first two minutes, the ball found its way to Highlands senior standout forward Lindsey Meyer in the box. The Northern Kentucky University commit put it home for the only goal the Highlands Bluebirds girls soccer team needed to beat the visiting Boone County Lady Rebels in the 9th Region Quarterfinals at Tower Park on Monday.

But the record-setting Meyer and company did not stop there. Meyer recorded a hat track of three goals and an assist as the Bluebirds (18-4) recorded a sound 4-0 win over the Lady Rebels (15-5-2). The teams were supposed to meet in Florence during the regular season. But the Boone County administration cancelled the game.

Tight Battle for Highlands to Open Region Tournament

Bluebirds Etch Out Close Win over Lady Rebels

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands eighth grader Addie Mack makes a diving stop in the 9th Region quarterfinals against Boone County on Monday. Mack had two hits and a run batted in to help the Bluebirds to a 2-1 win.

Facing arguably the best pitcher in the 9th Region in senior Olivia Jackson, the Highlands Bluebirds softball players knew they had to match the Boone County Lady Rebels (15-12 overall) stride-for-stride defensively because runs could be at a premium.

Highlands (19-10) took a 1-0 lead into the top of the seventh inning, lost it, but found a way to scratch one across in the bottom of the 10th to pull off a 2-1 victory in the 9th Region quarterfinals at Veterans Memorial Park in Newport on Monday.

Highlands High, Middle School Weekend Notes

Highlands Cheerleading Squad Places High in Nationals; Hoops Squads Post 9th Region Wins

Contributed Photo. The Highlands cheerleading squad placed 11th out of 41 teams in the Universal Cheerleading Association Nationals on Saturday in Orlando.

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior forward Adam Uhlenbrock puts up a shot in a recent game.

The Highlands competitive cheerleading squad made the most of its time in Orlando.

Highlands took 11th out of 41 teams in the nation at the Universal Cheerleading Association championships. The squad participated in the Small Varsity Co-Ed class that allows up to 20 individuals on the mat including no more than four boys.

Friday Highlands Basketball, Bowling Results

Ladybirds escape Lady Rebels for 19th win

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior Jenna Martin goes in for a score in a recent game. Martin scored 17 points to help Highlands to a 57-48 win over Boone County on Friday.

Instead of the lopsided score people expected in this one, the Highlands Ladybirds basketball team came away breathing a sigh of relief that it won.

Highlands (19-7 overall) pulled away from the visiting Boone County Lady Rebels (7-18) in the last two minutes for a 57-48 9th Region win Friday in Fort Thomas. Highlands moved to 12-2 in region play with its seventh straight win over the Lady Rebels.

Monday Sports Briefs

Highlands girls soccer, volleyball teams take home wins

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior Kayla Nehus (14) makes a pass while senior Karolyn Lukjan (3) watches. Nehus received a pass then passed it off before a substitute came in. Nehus has been out this season recovering from a torn left ACL.

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. The Highlands Ladybirds soccer team celebrated Senior Night with an 8-0 win over Bishop Brossart on Monday. Pictured with their families on the bottom row are Sydney Ossege (17), Kayla Nehus (14), Karolyn Lukjan (3), Claudia Hils (16), Shannon Eaton (00), Kiersten Clukey (15) and Annalee Brewer (2).

The Highlands Ladybirds volleyball team took down the Boone County Lady Rebels, 3-1 (25-16, 15-25, 25-16, 25-23) at home.

Highlands cruises to fifth straight win

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior Haley Coffey goes up for a shot in a recent game against Conner. Coffey scored 12 points in the win Wednesday against Boone County.

The Highlands Ladybirds continued their excellent play with a convincing 71-45 road victory over the Boone County Lady Rebels on Wednesday in a make-up game.

Highlands records 30th win of season in 9th quarterfinal win

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands junior McKenzie Leigh (31) and Lydia Graves (20) get in defensive position as Boone County's Macey Ford (3) brings the ball upcourt. Highlands won 50-39 to advance to the 9th Region semifinals for the third straight year.

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS – They may have reached an incredible milestone with their 30th victory of the season.

Highlands surpasses last year's win total

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands Eighth Grader Zoie Barth goes in for the score in Tuesday's game. Barth scored a career-high 19 points in the 66-47 win over Boone County.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The host Highlands Ladybirds basketball team pulled away from the Boone County Lady Rebels for a 66-47 9th Region victory Tuesday.

Ladybirds make history with 25th win of season

Allen Ramsey Photo. Highlands first baseman Brennah Dutcher comes through a clutch hit in Tuesday's 9th Region semifinal game against Boone County. The Ladybirds won 6-3 to advance to the regional championship for the first time in school history.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

HIGHLAND HEIGHTS – The objective changed from taking care of the underdog to making history.

This marked the third appearance in the 9th Region semifinals for the Highlands Ladybirds fastpitch softball program. But in its 14-year history, Highlands had yet to advance past the 9th Region semifinals.

Highlands captures eighth straight win

G. Michael Graham Photo. The Highlands Bluebirds get in defensive position in Friday's game at Conner against Boone County. The Bluebirds defeated the Lady Rebels, 52-40 for their eighth straight win.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

HEBRON – The wins are still not the prettiest.

But the Highlands Bluebirds girls basketball team moved to 8-1 with its eighth straight win, 52-40 over the Boone County Lady Rebels (7-4) on Friday. Highlands finished 3-0 in pool play of the State Farm Classic at Conner.

NC girls take care of Boone County

G. Michael Graham Photo. Newport Central Catholic guard Michaela Ware goes in for a lay-up in Saturday's win over Boone County. The Thoroughbreds stayed undefeated at 5-0 with a 58-46 win on The Hill.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

NEWPORT – They showed there may not be much opponents can do in the big win Saturday when certain things happen.

The Boone County Lady Rebels basketball team tried to slow down standout post Nikki Kiernan and the Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds by throwing two and sometimes three players at her just like last year. That resulted in a 45-37 win at Boone County last year and was also NewCath’s first loss of the season.

But the Thoroughbreds made sure that did not have the same effect this time around. NewCath stayed undefeated at 5-0 with a 58-46 9th Region win over the Lady Rebels (2-2) on The Hill. The two squads have combined to win eight of the last 11 region crowns.

Thursday Highlands Briefs

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

For those that like offense, this boys soccer contest gave plenty of it.

The Highlands Bluebirds (1-2-1) traveled across the river and tied the Cincinnati McNicholas Rockets, 4-4 on Thursday. McNicholas resides in the Greater Catholic League Central Division.

Chris Garbig led Highlands with two goals. Colin Dean and Logan Groneck scored the other two. The Bluebirds scored their last two goals with just 10 players.

Nick Breslin and Nathan Tippenhauer again split halves at goalkeeper. Both recorded four saves each.

The Bluebirds take on Walton-Verona on Saturday back at Tower Park. Game time is 11:30 a.m.

Volleyball:

Boone County 3, Highlands 0:

The Bluebirds continued to struggle in Florence on Thursday falling to 0-5 to start the season.

Jessica Ginter again led Highlands with 10 kills. Teammates Mallory Seidel followed with 12 digs. Izzy Schultz added eight aces and Kaitlin Hall recorded 18 assists.

Highlands returns to action Tuesday in its first 36^th District contest of the year at Newport. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

Highlands girls roll past Boone County; NCC girls dominate

G. Michael Graham Photo. From left in Blue, Highands defenders Vanessa Fisse, Ava Abner, Leah Schaefer, Jesse Daley (24) and Brianna Adler (10) get in position in Tuesday's game at Boone County. The Bluebirds recorded 23 steals in Tuesday's 61-35 9th Region win over the Lady Rebels.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

FLORENCE – The Boone County Lady Rebels basketball team has been known to make opponents feel the heat through the years, especially on its home Fookes Court.

But on Tuesday, the Highlands Bluebirds reversed the fortunes. They pressured the Lady Rebels all over the court to a tune of 23 steals in a 61-35 9th Region victory. Highlands (14-6) also beat Boone County (9-8), 46-40 in overtime on Dec. 28 on its way to winning the Conner State Farm Classic. The Bluebirds are 7-2 in region action.

“They understood the game plan,” said Jaime Walz-Richey, Highlands head coach. “We had a specific game plan against Boone County and they accepted that. They listened to the coaches and we’ve been harping in the gaps. They saw that when they’re in the gaps, they get a lot of hands on the ball.”

Nine different Bluebirds recorded steals in the contest, including seven with at least two. Vanessa Fisse led the way with five thefts with Haley Coffey and Ava Abner making four each. Emilie Parton followed with three steals and Jesse “Dirt” Daley and Alex Combs made two each.

“We’ve been getting each other up,” Coffey said. “When we get each other up, we’re always hyped up running and jumping to get our stuff done. So when we’re out there stealing (the basketball), we’re already fired up. Our defense is good. But it’s when we’re fired up that we get the steals.”

Overall, Boone County made 27 turnovers to 16 for Highlands. The Lady Rebels had just eight steals. Macey Ford led Boone County with two.

“We had a ton of turnovers. That’s for sure,” said Nell Fookes, Boone County head coach. “(Highlands) did a great job. They definitely changed their style of play since the last time we played them. We knew they were going to come out and pressure a little more. We didn’t handle the ball well. You can’t win many games playing the way we did.”

Both teams recorded balanced scoring with eight different players putting the ball through the hoop each. But the Bluebirds saw four players reach double-digits to none for the Lady Rebels.

The domination started in the paint with Jesse “Dirt” Daley and Alex Combs. Daley led Highlands with 15 points and five rebounds and Combs made all three free throws on her way to 12 points.

The Bluebirds extended the domination outside with Brianna Adler scoring 13 points, including two three-pointers, and Leah Schaefer adding 10. Schaefer scored two crucial buckets in the fourth to stem a Boone County run. The Lady Rebels trimmed the lead to 47-30 following three-pointers by Dallis Knotts and Ford with 6:45 left in the game. But Schaefer put Highlands up 51-30 with 6:11 left.

Schaefer, a Xavier University signee, admitted she needed a jolt of energy to get going. She had just five points in the first three quarters and the coaching staff benched her in the third quarter.

Highlands shot the ball better making 23-of-50 shots overall for 46 percent, including four three-pointers, and 11-of-20 free throws for 55 percent. Boone County made 13-of-45 for 29 percent, including four three-pointers, and 5-of-12 free throws for 42 percent.

“I think since the (Louisville) DuPont Manual Tournament, everyone has bonded,” Schaefer said. “Before games, we try to pump each other up. We try to post quotes (from different speakers or athletes) so everyone can get focused. When we go on runs, we get energy and it makes us play better.”

The Bluebirds mixed things up defensively. They held Boone County standout guard Jessica Jones to nine points before fouling out. Coffey said the key to that was making the Tennessee Tech University signee dribble to her left. Highlands limited her drives to the basket.

Highlands recently saw Schaefer and Parton return from injuries. Parton missed time because she strained her left Middle Collateral Ligament. The Bluebirds are still not 100 percent because Lydia Graves and McKenzie Leigh could not play against the Lady Rebels. Graves rolled her right ankle in practice.

“It just amazes me that this team plays like a team,” Richey said. “When one person goes down, someone else steps up or the whole team steps up. When we’re clicking, we can be a dangerous team.”

Highlands took the lead for good with a 9-0 run behind three Daley buckets. Combs hit a three-pointer from the left corner as time expired to give Highlands a 19-9 lead after the first quarter.

The lead continued to expand from there. Schaefer put in an offensive rebound to put Highlands up 34-14 after two quarters.

Daley scored seven more points in the third. The Bluebirds led 47-22 entering the fourth quarter.

Highlands then finished the game with a 10-2 run. That led the staff put in the reserves for the game’s final two minutes.

“It was much better than against Ryle (on Friday),” Richey said. “We were up by 30 against Ryle and let them cut it to 20. So I was very happy with the fourth quarter. We didn’t let them cut too much into our lead.”

Highlands travels to Conner (18-2) on Saturday for a 7:30 p.m. contest.

Newport Central Catholic girls 64, Dixie Heights 37:

The Thoroughbreds (14-4) dominated the host Lady Colonels (8-11) on Tuesday. They are 9-2 in 9th Region action.

NewCath nearly saw all five starters reach double-digits in the scoring column. Alexus Mayes led the way with 12 and Stephanie Lewis scored 11 points to go with six rebounds and two three-pointers. Teammates Nikki Kiernan and Michaela Ware scored 10 points each and Loren Zimmerman had nine.

Kiernan scored all her points in the first half and did not play in the second half. NewCath led 41-17 at halftime.

Liza Tibbs and Meggie Malone led Dixie Heights with 12 and 11 points respectively. The Lady Colonels are in their second season under former Highlands and Xavier standout Tara Boothe-Smith. They made the 9th Region tournament last year and won just 10 games.

NewCath shot much better from the free-throw line than in previous games. The Thoroughbreds made 18-of-22 free throws for 82 percent and the Lady Colonels hit 9-of-12 for 75 percent.

NewCath travels to Mason County (11-5) on Saturday. Game time is 1:30 p.m.

Highlands bests Boone County, Southwestern

 

G. Michael Graham Photo. Highlands guard Ava Abner (22) drives to the hole against Southwestern's Allie Venable (2) in Friday's contest. Highlands won both games in the State Farm Holiday Classic to move to 9-4 on the season. The Bluebirds face Pleasure Ridge Park for the tournament championship at 4:15 p.m. today at Conner.

 

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

HEBRON – The thought may be scary for opponents.

The Highlands Bluebirds girls basketball team knocked off two more good opponents in the State Farm Holiday Classic on Friday to improve to 9-4. Highlands beat the Boone County Lady Rebels, 46-40 in overtime and 12th Region contender Southwestern Lady Warriors, 51-37. The Bluebirds will face 12-2 Pleasure Ridge Park for the classic championship at 4:15 p.m. this afternoon.

Highlands had not beaten Boone County (7-5) since Jan. 13, 2009 by a 54-43 count in Florence. The Lady Rebels have won three of the last four 9th Region titles and have had the same head coach in Nell Fookes since the 1985-86 season.

“The seniors had not beaten (Boone County) in high school,” said Jaime Walz-Richey, Highlands head coach. “We talked about that before the game. We needed to play our game and we almost gave it to them. We know we can play much better than we have.”

Highlands once again had balanced scoring. Vanessa Fisse led the way with 15 points and Brianna Adler had 12 making 10-of-12 free throws. Fisse made 3-of-6 three-point attempts.

Highlands sees different players rise up in different games. Sophomore Alex Combs followed Adler and Fisse with eight points and four rebounds.

The difference in the game came at the free-throw line. Highlands made 11-of-15 free throws for 73 percent and Boone County made 7-of-13 for 54 percent. Highlands also hit 15-of-47 shots for 31 percent and 5-of-15 three-pointers for 33 percent. Boone County made 13-of-50 shots for 26 percent including 7-of-23 three-point attempts for 30 percent.

Highlands played a zone and held Lady Rebel standout guard Jessica Jones to six points. The Tennessee Tech signee did grab nine rebounds before fouling out.

Dallis Knotts led Boone County with 13 points and Alexis Switzer followed with 11. Switzer added four rebounds.

Highlands led 18-14 at halftime and 26-20 entering the fourth quarter. But Boone County won the fourth quarter, 18-12 to force overtime.

Highlands won the rebounding battle, 39-36. Senior Jesse “Dirt” Daley led all rebounders with 10 for the Bluebirds.

“You can tell we’re progressing and that we haven’t hit our peek yet,” said Ava Abner, Highlands guard. “We still can get better. I think that our defensive rebounding will get us where we need to go.”

Highlands had been playing without injured seniors Leah Schaefer and Emilie Parton. Schaefer made her return Thursday and played in both games Friday. Parton did not play in either contest Friday.

“We’re not completely healthy,” Richey said. “Leah and Emilie are not 100 percent. (Parton) played a little (Thursday). We’re not going to be 100 percent until the end of January. But my younger girls are gaining confidence. We can be a dangerous team when we’re clicking together. They trust in one another.”

Schaefer scored just four points against Boone County but erupted for 14 against Southwestern as Highlands won all three Pool B contests. The Xavier signee made 6-of-7 free throws to go with three rebounds and a blocked shot.

Fisse put together another stellar game with 12 points. She did not hit any three-pointers but did make all five two-point attempts. Daley added 10 points.

Highlands once again saw many other player do small things to help record the victory. Lydia Graves made two crucial three-pointers and Adler had three steals with Abner and Fisse recording two each.

“It’s good that we have different people we can rely on,” Combs said. “When we had Leah (Schaefer) out, we had other people step up. That’s made our team stronger.”

Highlands led 24-19 at halftime and 38-30 entering the fourth quarter. That lead let the Bluebirds spread the court and attack the rim from different directions.

“We feel we have great guards,” Richey said. “If we do a spread, we can take care of the ball and also take girls off the dribble like we did.”

Highlands hit 19-of-36 shots for 53 percent, including 3-of-9 from three-point range for 33 percent compared to 13-of-34 for 38 percent, including 6-of-22 from three-point range for Southwestern (8-5).

The Bluebirds also made 10-of-12 free throws for 83 percent. Southwestern made 5-of-9 free throws for 56 percent.

Adison Corder and Samantha Fitzgerald kept the Lady Warriors in striking range. Corder made 5-of-9 three-point attempts on her way to 19 points. Fitzgerald added 12.

Highlands falls at Brossart; NCC boys win, girls lose

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands Bluebirds basketball team fell to 2-2 with a 68-38 loss at undefeated Bishop Brossart (6-0) on Friday.

The Bluebirds fell behind 34-17 at halftime and never recovered. They are 0-2 away from Fort Thomas on the young season.

Highlands saw eight different players score. But none hit double-digits as Drew Houliston led the way with nine points and Jake Gronotte scored eight.

The Mustangs saw 10 player score. Justin Saunders led Bishop Brossart with 20 and Alex Trentman added 16.

Bishop Brossart hit five three-pointers and Highlands made two. Spencer Hackworth made two for the Mustangs with Trentman, Saunders and Austin Shannon all making one. Houliston and Luke Turner made one three-pointer a piece for the Bluebirds.

The Bluebirds head to Bracken County for a 3 p.m. contest today.

Newport Central Catholic boys 75, Glen Este 49:

The Thoroughbreds (5-0) stayed undefeated with a dominating win just across the Ohio River in Cincinnati on Friday.

NewCath pulled away in the second half. The Thoroughbreds outscored the Trojans, 49-22 during that time frame.

Sophomore Drew McDonald scored 22 points to lead the way for the Thoroughbreds. Teammates Jake Schulte and Michael Buetter followed with 14 and 13 points respectively.

Senior Austin Rieck scored a game-high 24 points for Glen Este. But no other teammate hit double-digits for the Trojans.

NewCath plays host to Louisville Christian Academy (6-1) at 4:30 p.m. today.

Boone County girls 45, Newport Central Catholic 37:

In a battle of two teams with the last four 9th Region championships, the Lady Rebels pulled away in the second half for the win.

NewCath junior forward Nikki Kiernan led the way with 21 points. She had 16 at halftime including the first eight of the game.

But Boone County took her out in the second half with a box-and-chase defense led by Alexis Switzer and Tennessee Tech recruit Jessica Jones. Jones and Switzer also ended up leading the Lady Rebels with 13 and 11 points respectively.

NewCath had been hitting shots from the outside. But that did not happen Friday. The Lady Breds made just 15-of-60 for 25 percent overall and just 3-for-23 for 13 percent from three-point range.

Kiernan made two three-pointers and Alexus Mayes had the other on her way to 13 points. But NewCath scored just three points by Stephanie Lewis outside Kiernan and Mayes. On the other side, Boone County saw six players score.

NewCath returns home Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. to face 6-1 Bishop Brossart. The Lady Mustangs’ lone loss came to Highlands.