Highlands Boys Hoops Preview: Bluebirds aim to lay down firm foundation

G. Michael Graham Photo. First-year Highlands boys basketball Head Coach Kevin Listerman watches during practice Wednesday. Listerman takes over a team that finished 12-18 last year.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The first year in a coaching era starts with setting the foundation.

New Highlands Bluebirds boys basketball Head Coach Kevin Listerman and staff hope to do that and more this year. Highlands hired Listerman after four-year Head Coach Mike Flynn resigned after the Bluebirds finished 12-18 and lost 48-37 to Newport Central Catholic in the 36th District semifinals last year.

Harris captures Eighth Region golf crown

 

Contributed Photo. Highlands junior Parker Harris takes a shot in a recent golf match. Harris won the Eighth Region tournament for the second straight year Monday.

 

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

It took another playoff win.

But once again, Highlands junior Parker Harris stood up to the challenge to win the Eighth Region golf tournament for the second straight year at A.J. Jolly Golf Course in Alexandria on Monday. Harris and Bourbon County’s Sawyer Crossfield made an even-par 71 through 18 holes.

After both parring on the first hole, Crossfield bogeyed the next par-four hole. Harris clinched the victory with a chip and putt.

Highlands boys downs Beechwood; NCC girls win at buzzer

G. Michael Graham Photo. Highlands' Bailey Witte (12) guards Beechwood's Kyle Fieger (with ball) in Friday's game. The Bluebirds pulled away in the fourth quarter for a 49-38 9th Region victory.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The host Highlands Bluebirds boys basketball team wanted to carry some momentum into the postseason.

They continued their late-season surge with a 49-38 9th Region win over the Beechwood Tigers on Friday. Highlands won its final three regular-season contests to enter tournament play 12-15 overall after winning just 10 games all of last season. The Bluebirds moved to 5-10 in region play.

The Bluebirds had to come from behind once again outscoring the Tigers (8-20), 22-6 in the fourth quarter. Highlands hit 8-of-13 free throws for 62 percent in that quarter and 11-of-18 for 61 percent for the game.