Newport Escapes Highlands, 66-64

Harding's Free Throws Propel Wildcats to Crucial 36th District Win

PHOTO: Dale Dawn. Highlands senior Ben Sisson (30) goes up between two Newport defenders including Tahj Harding (32) in the 36th District battle Monday. Newport won 66-64.

 The Highlands Bluebirds boys basketball team did not have as much trouble defending the athleticism of the Newport Wildcats as has been the case in the past.

In fact, Highlands created mismatches of its own there. That let the Bluebirds rally from down down nine in the middle of the fourth quarter and have a chance to win it at the end. But Newport etched out a thrilling 66-64 win in Fort Thomas on Monday in 36th District action.

"We showed a lot of resiliency, a lot of toughness. That's a credit to our kids in just staying with the process," said Kevin Listerman, Highlands Head Coach. "We didn't get the result that we wanted. But we did a lot of good things, especially down the stretch, to give ourselves an opportunity to win the game. I told the kids after they beat Covington Catholic one game is not a season-make and this is the same type of thing. You're going to go through a season where you'll win a couple close one and lose a couple close ones. The key is to continue to grow, get better and be at our best when we get to tournament time."

With less than five seconds left in the game after a Highlands missed free throw, Newport senior forward Tahj Harding dribbled hard up-court toward the hoop. He drew a foul inside the three-point line and made both with .4 seconds left to lift the Wildcats (6-1 overall, 2-0 district) to victory. Highlands is 6-2 overall and 1-1 in district play.

"There during the timeout, we were trying to get Tahj Harding or (senior guard) Donnie Miller the ball so they are at the free throw line," said Rodney Snapp, Newport Head Coach. "They're three-year starters. They should be comfortable in those situations. Those are guys we want to shoot free throws in a tight game."

Tough District Loss for Bluebirds

Newport Dominates Highlands

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands junior Ryan Leigh (22) scores two of his five points at Newport on Friday.

The Blue and White hoped to pull off a huge 36th road district win Friday.

Dating back to the 2011-12 season, the Highlands Bluebirds boys basketball team (6-8 overall) had beaten the Newport Wildcats (11-4) only two times. The third time since then did not come as the Wildcats jumped out to a 7-0 lead and never looked back in a 73-39 victory. It marked the first district seed game of the season for both teams.

Tough Ending for Bluebird hoops

Wildcats pull away in fourth quarter

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior Bryce Traylor (14) puts up a shot in the 36th District semifinals Wednesday at Dayton. Traylor scored 13 points in the 73-50 Bluebird loss to Newport.

One wonderful stretch saw the Blue and White win six out of seven games.

But unfortunately, the Highlands Bluebirds (12-17 overall) could not bring any magic from that stretch into the last couple games of the season and carry it into the postseason. The second-seeded Bluebirds lost their last four games as a result including a 73-50 defeat to the third-seeded Newport Wildcats (15-15) Wednesday in the 36th District semifinals.

Huge District Seed Win

Bluebirds fend off Wildcats to open 36th District Action

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior Kyle Finfrock (25) shoots a jumper in a recent game. Finfrock had 22 points and nine rebounds in the crucial 76-71 win over Newport on Saturday.

It may not be a word mentioned as much as it deserves in sports, but the Blue and White talks about it a lot.

Trust.

Newport nips Highlands, 37-36

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior Chandler New (3) goes up for a score in a recent game against Walton-Verona. The Bluebirds lost a close one at Newport on Thursday.

NEWPORT - A huge 36th District victory just slipped out of their hands Thursday.

Thoroughbreds capture seventh straight district title

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Newport Central Catholic senior Drew McDonald goes in for a score in a recent game. The 6-foot-7-inch post had a double-double of 17 points and 12 rebounds to lead the Thoroughbreds to their seventh straight district championship on Friday.

NEWPORT – No one was expected to deny the Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbred boys basketball team its seventh straight district championship.

Highlands drops district contest to Newport

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands senior Justin Weyer (14) puts up a shot in Saturday's game against Newport. Weyer scored 15 points in the Highlands loss.

PHOTO: Allen Ramsey, DWCPhoto.com. Highlands junior Mitch Cain (right) drives in the 36th District contest against Newport on Saturday. Cain scored 12 points.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands Bluebirds basketball team players seemed to be getting their feet under them in recent weeks.

But now the Bluebirds have to deal with the loss of their leading scorer for potentially a few weeks. Senior Parker Harris entered Saturday’s 36th District home game against the Newport Wildcats averaging about 15 points per game. But he went out with an apparent leg injury in the first half and may be out a few weeks after scoring two points.

Thoroughbred football wins another district rematch

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

It came down to beating their in-town rivals another time to earn a trip into the mountains of eastern Kentucky.

How can NC record another win against Newport?

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

It has a spine-tingling feeling of three years ago.

How did the Fireman's Bell game turn out?

Allen Ramsey Photo. Newport Central Catholic running back Jacob Smith (3) scores a 12-yard touchdown in the second quarter of Friday's game against Newport. Smith rushed for 177 yards and two touchdowns on 26 carries in NewCath's 15th straight win over Newport.

Allen Ramsey Photo. Newport Central Catholic senior Logan Neff (53) puts pressure on Newport punter Kameron Covington (42) in Friday's game. The Thoroughbreds won 22-17 to move to 2-0 in District 6-2A action.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

NEWPORT – The Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds football team faced two big challenges on Friday.

NewCath boys win another 9th All "A" Title

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

Another year marked another All “A” 9th Region title for the Royal Blue and Gold.

The Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds handled the in-town rival Newport Wildcats, 67-40 for the crown at Dayton on Saturday. It was not as close as last year’s region title game at Bellevue that NewCath had to hit a good amount of free throws down the stretch to pull away.

Highlands boys fall to Newport; Girls beat Cooper

G. Michael Graham. Highlands senior Brandon Hergott (32) goes up for a score against Newport's Ethan Snapp in Tuesday's 36th District contest. Hergott scored 16 points in the Highlands loss.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

NEWPORT – They hoped to show how far they’ve come despite their record.

That’s especially because the Highlands Bluebirds boys basketball team might have to face the Newport Wildcats for the right to head to the 9th Region Tournament later in the season in the 36th District Tournament. But the host Wildcats prevailed in this one 65-53.

NC, Newport Boys Game Cancelled

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds had a game scheduled at the Newport Wildcats (6-4) tonight.

NewCath claims 15th consecutive Fireman's Bell game

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

NEWPORT – The Fireman’s Bell unsurprisingly stayed with the team on the Hill on Friday.

The Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds won their 15th straight meeting over the Class 2A, District 6 in-town rival Newport Wildcats, 42-21. The last time the Wildcats beat the Thoroughbreds came in 1999.

District 6-2A opponents continue to chase Thoroughbreds

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The theme for Class 2A, District 6 may not change much.

The Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds have dominated district since Kentucky expanded from four to six classes in 2007. They are a perfect 20-0 in district action during that time.

Every team in the district has a new head coach with the exception of Covington Holy Cross. The only difference between new NewCath head coach Dan Wagner and the rest of the district is Wagner received an in-house promotion. That often means teams need to adjust to new philosophies.

Covington Holy Cross Indians (4-8 last year):

The Indians are the lone team in the district to return their head coach in former Cincinnati Bengal Bruce Kozerski.

They hope to put last year in the rear-view mirror quickly. The Indians fell apart after winning the state championship in 2011. Injuries, inconsistency and a seemingly lack of team chemistry contributed to the Holy Cross fall.

But Holy Cross does return senior Jalen Beal. The 5-foot-11-inch, 190-pound wingback returns to lead the Holy Cross shotgun spread offense. Beal rushed for 704 yards on 111 carries and 12 touchdowns last year but did not play in Holy Cross’ second-round 52-0 playoff loss to Newport Central Catholic because of injuries. Beal also caught 18 passes for 201 yards and two touchdowns last year.

The Indians have two players battling for the quarterback spot in Senior Matt Stecht and sophomore Hamilton Scott. They will be protected by three offensive linemen who weigh more than 240 pounds in seniors Jake Ketron (6-3, 260), Sean Sullivan (6-1, 240) and Anthony Zimmerman (6-3, 260).

The defense needs significant improvement if the Indians are to challenge for another state championship. Opponents averaged nearly 40 points and 286 yards against the Indians last year.

Lloyd Memorial Juggernauts (8-4):

Josh Stratton seemed to have the program from Erlanger headed in the right direction. Lloyd lost in the second round of the 2A playoffs to Walton-Verona last year finishing second in district action.

But Stratton took the job at New Richmond (Ohio). The school hired former Boone County Offensive Coordinator Eric Turner to take that spot in the offseason.

“Coach Stratton and his staff did a great job the last two years,” Turner said. “My staff and I have inherited a great group of student-athletes. We are excited for the upcoming season. I feel like we can continue where Lloyd left off last year and take it even further with our senior leadership.”

The Juggernauts ran a spread offense last year. Turner said the staff is looking to add a mixture of spread formations and tight sets. He said he want to see balance offensively. Defensively, Lloyd will implement a 3-5 base defense.

Lloyd graduated starting quarterback Dexter Smith and wide receiver Akintomide Mejolagbe. But senior Jared Gabbard could step in at quarterback or running back and safety on defense with senior Kyle Grant manning a wide receiver and defensive back spot. Senior Brian Warren should contribute at running back and linebacker and junior Zach Riddle returns at wide receiver and defensive end.

“My staff and I have been working hard to show the kids we are here for them be it on the field or off the field,” Turner said. “We are also very excited and confident in what we are implementing at practice. The players are buying in and also are getting close to the staff on and off the field. I feel we have a real ‘One Team, One Goal’ attitude.”

Newport Wildcats (3-8):

Matthew Schmitz came up from Tennessee to try to revive this program.

The Wildcats graduated all-purpose back Daylin Garland. But senior Dominic Joseph and junior David Lynam could pick up the slack there and also contribute at linebacker as well. Senior wide receiver/defensive back JaQuan Short returns along with senior running back/linebacker Daryl Youngman.

In their losses last year, Newport allowed at least 30 points. Two of their three wins came against struggling 1A schools Dayton and Ludlow. Their third and only district victory came 54-8 against Bishop Brossart. They lost 42-7 in the first round of the playoffs at Walton-Verona.

Bishop Brossart Mustangs (1-9):

Former Ryle Offensive Coordinator and Pendleton County Head Coach Lee Teegarden takes over a program that has struggled since its first season in 2007.

The Mustangs moved up to Class 2A from 1A in 2011 and have yet to win a district contest. Opponents outscored them 199-17 last year.

Bishop Brossart’s leading rusher in Jacob Elbert graduated. He ran for 1,093 yards on 113 carries and eight touchdowns last year.

But Senior Casey Pelgen returns at quarterback and safety for the Mustangs. Senior  running back/linebacker Sean Tieman also returns. Sophomore Logan Schoulthies could play a pivotal role at running back and linebacker with junior guard/defensive tackle Jeff Steffen anchoring the lines.

Bluebirds make quick work of Wildcats, 13-1

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The top-seeded Highlands Bluebirds baseball team put 12 on the scoreboard in the first inning to quickly put to rest any chances of an upset.

They used that inning to run-rule the Newport Wildcats in five innings, 13-1 Wednesday at Morscher Field in the 36th District semifinals. Highlands (18-17) faces second-seeded Newport Central Catholic (20-12) today at 5 p.m. for the district championship back at Morscher Field.

“Newport always comes to play in elimination games,” said Jeremy Baioni, Highlands Head Coach. “I’ve been part of teams playing and coaching that have gone into the game as favorites and lost.”

That inning proved to be more than enough for pitcher Joseph Martin. Martin threw a complete game striking out seven to go with three hits and no walks. The Bluebird defense committed no errors behind him.

Highlands pounded out 14 hits. Hector Molina, Jake Whitford, Todd Ramey and Jake Lester all finished 2-for-2 for the Bluebirds. Whitford tripled on his way to three runs batted in and two runs scored with Ramey hitting a home run on his way to two RBI and two runs scored. Lester batted in three and Molina also scored twice.

“Guys squared up with the ball and hit it hard (in the first),” Baioni said. “We had 11 hits in the first inning and nine were hit really well.”

After the first inning, Highlands added another run in the third to go up 13-0. Newport scored its only run in the fifth.

Highlands and NewCath took 13 innings on April 25 in Fort Thomas to decide the regular-season contest. The Bluebirds won 4-3.

The Thoroughbreds won the regular-season contest last year before the Bluebirds won the 36th Championship contest. But NewCath won the 9th Region championship game before losing to Henderson County in extra innings in the state quarterfinals.

36th Boys Final: NCC captures fifth consecutive crown

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds boys basketball team knows it will have to withstand the best shots from opponents to reach more goals.

But the Thoroughbreds are just fine with that. Battle-tested NewCath has withstood tough challenges all season on its way to Ashland Invitational Tournament and All “A” State Tournament championships. Add a fifth consecutive 36th District Championship to the impressive year with Thursday’s 50-42 win over the Newport Wildcats at Highlands.

“It’s never easy, especially against a Newport team that’s really good and well-coached,” said Grant Brannen, NewCath head coach. “We came and missed some shots. They missed some shots. But in the end, it was a nice win. We’ve built our season with championships. But our toughest road is ahead of us for sure.”

NewCath won its 18th consecutive game with its third win over the Wildcats (20-10) to move to 30-2 on the season. The Thoroughbreds also beat the in-town rivals, 80-51 on The Hill on Jan. 2 before beating them again, 61-54 just 17 days later to capture the All “A” 9th Region title at Bellevue.

“I like it like that because no game is going to be easy,” said Nick Seibert, NewCath senior. “We come in the mindset that we’re going to win every game. We come in and work as hard as we can knowing (opponents) are not going to lay down.”

NewCath also had to beat Highlands a second time on Tuesday to make the district championship. But while the first win meant the Thoroughbreds won’t see the Bluebirds again this season, they could again face the Wildcats in the 9th Region championship game at Northern Kentucky University.

NewCath did a good job in the half-court game on both ends. Offensively, the Thoroughbreds worked the ball inside to its tall players and Newport had no answer for 6-foot-6-inch Tournament Most Valuable Player Drew McDonald. McDonald dominated the Wildcats for 22 points making 10-of-18 field-goal attempts to go with six rebounds, two assists and two blocked shots.

“Drew has been a force all year,” Brannen said. “He didn’t have a very good first quarter. I was wondering if he could walk and chew gum at the same time so I asked him. But in the second quarter, he came through and played really well the rest of the game.”

The Thoroughbreds received their usual balance. Zach Pangallo, Michael Bueter and Seibert scored eight each to follow McDonald. Bueter and Seibert also made the All-Tournament team along with Highlands senior Luke Turner.

NewCath made 20-of-50 shots for 40 percent with no three-pointers and 10-of-14 free throws for 71 percent. Seibert led the Thoroughbreds making 4-of-6 free throws with Pangallo, Bueter and McDonald all making both free-throw attempts.

Defensively, NewCath played a 1-3-1 trapping zone using its size to make things difficult for the Newport guards. The Wildcats turned the ball over 11 times to nine for the Thoroughbreds.

NewCath contained the Newport brother guard tandem of JaSean and JaQuan Short. The duo combined for just nine points after scoring 31 in the All “A” 9th Region title game.

“We wanted to keep pressure on (the Short brothers) and not let them get open shots,” Seibert said. “We knew we could force turnovers with our length and that’s what we did.”

Their teammates tried to pick up the slack. Marquis Commodore led the Wildcats making 4-of-4 free-throw tries for 12 points with Cody Pearson and Aroyal Wright scoring eight each.

The Wildcats hit 17-of-49 shots for 35 percent with three-pointers from JaSean Short and Ethan Snapp. They also made 6-of-8 free-throw tries for 75 percent.

The teams made things difficult near the basket. NewCath rejected eight shots led by four from Jake Schulte and Newport turned away seven led by Commodore with three.

Both teams recorded 33 rebounds. Commodore led Newport with 15 for a double-double and Schulte grabbed 13 for the victors.

The squads battled to an 8-8 tie after the first quarter. Newport led 14-10 early in the second before McDonald scored twice to give NewCath a 16-14 lead with 3:58 remaining.

After the Wildcats tied the game at 16, the Thoroughbreds finished the quarter with an 8-0 run to go up 24-16 for good. McDonald hit a jumper in the center to finish off that scoring.

NewCath built the lead to double-digits in the third quarter. The Thoroughbreds led 38-26 entering the fourth quarter. They led by 14 by a 38-24 score at one point after Bueter hit two free throws after Wright received a technical foul coming up-court and McDonald hit a jumper.

The Thoroughbreds increased the lead to 14 twice in the fourth before the Wildcats used a 6-0 run to cut the margin to eight. Newport cut the margin to 44-37 with 1:36 remaining before the Thoroughbreds made six consecutive free throws to ice the game.

Thoroughbred reserves Ben Weyer, Colin Dupont and Brennan Devoto came in contributed some to give the starters relief. Weyer said the upperclassmen are doing a great job being examples to younger players.

“We’re definitely one big family,” Weyer said. “I’m starting to realize that. Everyone just works really hard.”

NewCath will not know its first-round opponent until the 9th Region draw takes place at Holmes at 9 a.m. Saturday. The Thoroughbreds take on the losing team from either the 33rd, 34th or 35th District championship games to be played Friday.

NewCath claims 7th All "A" 9th Region crown in 10 years; NCC girls collect road win

G. Michael Graham Photo. The Newport Central Catholic coaches including Head Coach Grant Brannen (black sweatshirt) and players go through their pre-game routine Saturday. The Thoroughbreds defeated the Newport Wildcats, 61-54 for their seventh All "A" 9th Region crown in 10 years.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

BELLEVUE – The All “A” 9th Region crown came back to where it has been seven of the previous 10 years.

But the in-town 39th District rivals did not let them run away with it. The Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds made the plays down the stretch to hold off the Newport Wildcats, 61-54 here Saturday.

“Give Newport credit,” said Grant Brannen, NewCath head coach. “Right when you felt like you had them, they hit three after three after three. (The Wildcats) did what they had to do to get back in the game. Also give our guys credit. Our backcourt did a good job in that last quarter.”

The game did not resemble anything close to the Jan. 2 contest that NewCath handled Newport, 80-51 on The Hill. The Wildcats (13-5) won five in a row since that contest.  

In the tight game, every little thing mattered. Both teams saw three players reach double-digits. But the Thoroughbreds made enough free throws to take care of the Wildcats.

The Thoroughbreds committed just 10 fouls to 20 for the Wildcats. NewCath made 18-of-25 for 72 percent compared to 3-of-6 for 50 percent for Newport. Newport had one player foul out as it had to foul trailing in the final minutes and one finished with four for NewCath.

Tournament Most Valuable Player Michael Bueter came up huge again for the Thoroughbreds. He finished with 21 points making two three-pointers and 7-of-10 free throws to go with five rebounds, three assists and two steals.

Bueter spurred the key 7-0 run that put the Thoroughbreds up for good. He made a three-pointer the hit a lay-up to give NewCath a 53-48 lead with 1:51 remaining before Zach Pangallo hit two free throws to extend the margin to 55-48 with 36.3 seconds left.

“I was looking to get make a big basket the entire game to get us going,” Seibert said. “When I made that, it made everyone calm and cool again. We got focused and got ourselves the win.”

But Newport hit consecutive three-pointers to trim the margin to 55-54 with 17 seconds left. Pangallo hit two more free throws with 16 seconds left to make the score 57-54.

Newport had a chance to tie the game on a three-pointer but JaQuan Short traveled giving the ball back to the Thoroughbreds. Bueter hit two more free throws and another pair after another Newport miss in the game’s final 10.5 seconds to put the game away.

Pangallo and center Drew McDonald also made the all-tournament team for NewCath. McDonald scored 11 and Pangallo added 10 making 6-of-6 free throws.

The guards had to come up huge because Newport collapsed on McDonald and Jake Schulte inside because Nick Seibert is out with an injury. Schulte scored just six points but did grab 12 rebounds as NewCath won that battle, 32-21. Schulte may return as early as Tuesday.

JaSean Short led Newport with 21 points making two three-pointers. Teammate Marquis Commodore led the Wildcat rally with five three-pointers for 15 points and JaQuan Short scored 10 on two three-pointers. Commodore hit a triple with 3:24 left in the game to tie the score at 48.

“(With) the way they spread you out, they’re going to get open looks,” Brannen said. “They’re tough to guard, especially when they knock down shots like they did in the second half. If you’d have told me they’d hit six or seven three-pointers in the second half, I’d have probably said we’re in trouble. But our guys sustained (the lead) and I was proud of them.”

NewCath led 13-12 after the first quarter and built a lead toward halftime. The Thoroughbreds finished the half with an 8-0 run to erase a 20-19 deficit. Devoto started the rally with a three-pointer on his way to eight points. Schulte added a bucket with McDonald making a bucket and 1-of-2 free throws during that run.

McDonald had a steal and score to give NewCath a 29-20 lead. But Newport rallied to take the lead. JaSean Short hit a three-point play with 1:43 left to give the Wildcats a 39-35 lead.

But NewCath took the lead back entering the fourth quarter. Bueter made two free throws and Devoto made his other three-pointer with four seconds left in the third to put NewCath up 40-39.

“We (guards) just have to step up our game every night,” Devoto said. “Luckily, (Saturday) was my night to knock down two clutch threes.”

The Thoroughbreds made 19-of-38 shots for 50 percent, including five three-pointers and the Wildcats made 21-of-47 shots for 45 percent with nine three-pointers. Ben Weyer also hit a triple for NewCath.

NewCath travels to Highlands (7-11) on Tuesday for a 7:30 p.m. contest. The All “A” state championship at the Frankfort Convention Center begins Thursday with the Thoroughbreds battling 12th Region champion Somerset (14-5) at 6:30 p.m.

NCC girls 57, Mason County 47:

The Thoroughbreds (15-4) ventured to Maysville and snatched the non-region win over the improved Lady Royals (11-6).

Mason County played man-to-man defense, but could not match up with Nikki Kiernan. The junior standout recorded a double-double of 28 points, 13 rebounds and four blocked shots. Kiernan made both three-point shots, all six free throws and 10-of-19 from the field for about 53 percent.

“We didn’t play bad,” said George Stoll, NewCath head coach. “We wanted to get the ball to (Kiernan). They had a tough time staying with her.”

Kiernan had plenty of help. Alexus Mayes added 10 points and six rebounds with Michaela Ware adding six points, four assists and three steals.

NewCath made its free throws down the stretch. The Thoroughbreds made 16-of-20 for 80 percent. Loren Zimmerman made 3-of-4 down the stretch.

Mason County saw one player reach double-digits. That was Alivia Bierley with a double-double of 14 points and 12 rebounds.

NewCath opens the All “A” state tournament in Frankfort against Pineville (14-7) on Wednesday. Game time is 1 p.m.

Highlands hoops teams fall

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

Unlike the 9th Region quarterfinals last year when the teams combined for just 21 points, they combined to score 80 more in this one.

But the 9th Region favorite Notre Dame Pandas used a 16-3 run in the middle two quarters to pull away from the visiting Highlands Bluebirds girls basketball team (11-6), 63-48 Tuesday. Notre Dame (8-4) led 56-37 at one point in the fourth quarter.

Highlands could not stop Olivia Voskuhl. The Cleveland State signee scored a game-high 18 points making 2-of-4 three-point attempts.

She had plenty of help. Teammate Elly Ogle, verbally committed to play volleyball at Louisiana State University, added 15 points and Carlee Clemons had 11. Haylee Smith, a Ryle transfer, followed with nine points and 11 rebounds.

Turnovers turned out to be a big difference in this game. Highlands made 20 and Notre Dame had just 12. The Pandas recorded seven steals to four for the Bluebirds.

Highlands saw two players reach double-figures. Leah Schaefer and Brianna Adler scored 15 each. Schaefer added eight rebounds and Adler made two three-pointers.

No one else scored more than four points for Highlands. Notre Dame held post Jesse “Dirt” Daley to two points and two rebounds.

Notre Dame made 27-of-50 shots for 54 percent, including 3-of-7 from three-point range for 43 percent. Highlands made 20-of-41 shots for 49 percent, including 2-of-13 from three-point range for 15 percent.

Neither team shot free throws well. Highlands hit 6-of-11 for 55 percent and Notre Dame made 6-of-13 for 46 percent.

Highlands plays host to Mason County (11-4) at 7:30 p.m. Thursday.

Newport boys 60, Highlands 42:

The Bluebirds (6-8) had no answers for the Short brothers down the road in a 36th District loss Tuesday.

JaQuan Short scored 25 points to lead Newport (10-4) including 10 in the first quarter and 17 in the first half. He also added seven three-pointers. Brother JeSean added 15 for the Wildcats, including one three-pointer. Newport has won six of its last seven games.

No one placed in double-digits for the Bluebirds. Drew Houliston led the way with eight points.

Highlands travels to Ryle (7-7) on Thursday for a 7:30 p.m. contest.

NewCath handles in-town rivals, 80-51

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

NEWPORT – The in-town 36th District rivals hoped to put up a huge challenge.

But the Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds boys basketball team used its balance to send the Newport Wildcats (8-4 overall) tumbling down the hill with a convincing 80-51 victory on Wednesday. NewCath stayed unbeaten at 12-0 and moved to 7-0 in 9th Region action and 5-0 at home.

The route started with NewCath’s shooting percentage. The Thoroughbreds made 33-of-56 shots for 59 percent, including 21-of-30 shots in the second half for 70 percent. NewCath also made 10-of-13 free throws for 77 percent and four three-pointers.

That led to balanced scoring with all five Thoroughbred starters reachind double-digits. Guard Michael Bueter made 8-of-12 shots for 67 percent and all three free throws on his way to 20 points to lead the way. Bueter also had six assists as NewCath recorded 17 to seven for the visitors.

“We shared the ball well,” said Grant Brannen, NewCath head coach. “When we share the ball well, we’re tough to beat. We’ve done that these last two games.”

NewCath also scored a lot of points down low with its size advantage. Drew McDonald scored 12 points for the Thoroughbreds with Nick Seibert and Jake Schulte adding 11 each.

The trio also contributed in other ways. Schulte finished one rebound shy of a double-double with nine as NewCath won the rebounding battle, 33-27. McDonald added three steals and Seibert had rejected two Newport shots.

NewCath’s fifth starter in point guard Zach Pangallo scored four points in the fourth quarter to score 10 points. He also made two three-pointers, dished off three assists and recorded two steals.

“We knew coming into the season that we had to play together to win a lot of games,” Pangallo said. “We have so many weapons on our team so we can do a lot of damage. We want to spread the ball around.”

On the other side, the Wildcats made 22-of-55 shots for 40 percent, including three three-pointers. Newport also made just 4-of-8 free-throw attempts for 50 percent.

The Wildcats saw just two players reach double-digits. Guard JaSean Short and post Cody Pearson had 13 points each. NewCath held Short’s brother JaQuan to three points.

“Those two are really good,” Brannen said. “We were trying to contain (the Short brother). They’re obviously very talented players. There’s a good chance we’re going to see these guys down the road sometime.”

Newport led twice in the first quarter at 4-0 and 8-4. But NewCath used an 18-6 run to go ahead for good at 24-14 with 6:12 left in the second quarter. The Thoroughbreds led 17-14 after the first quarter and 32-23 at halftime.

NewCath pulled away in the third quarter winning it 23-7 to go up 55-30 entering the fourth quarter. The Thoroughbreds ended the quarter with a 14-0 run. McDonald scored his six points of the quarter during that stretch.

That lopsided score let the reserves play in the fourth quarter. NewCath won that quarter as well, 25-21. The Throughbreds saw 11 different players score. After Bueter’s eight points in the final quarter, Pangallo, Jake Haas and Josh Verkamp scored four points each in that quarter.

NewCath plays its next three contests at home against some good competition. The first contest is Friday against the defending state champion and second-ranked Louisville Trinity Shamrocks (9-3).

“They’re very good,” Brannen said of Trinity. “They’re physical. Obviously, we have our work cut out for us. We know it’s a big game. It’s about trying to get respect around the state.”

Game time is 7:30 p.m. in Newport.