By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands Bluebirds girls basketball team fell to the visiting Sacred Heart Valkyries, 59-51 to open the season Tuesday.

Highlands led 12-9 after the first quarter. But Sacred Heart took a 36-31 halftime lead and never looked back.

Sacred Heart made 19-of-44 shots for 43 percent and 9-of-19 from three-point range for 47 percent. The Valkyries also made 12-of-14 free throws for 86 percent.

Highlands made 14-of-34 shots for 41 percent including 6-of-13 from three-point land for 46 percent. The Bluebirds also made 17-of-24 free throws for 71 percent.

The Bluebirds did outrebound the visitors, 28-23. Alex Combs nabbed seven rebounds and scored a team-high 15 points for Highlands.

Combs and the two sophomore returning starters reached double-figures for Highlands. Haley Coffey scored 14 and Brianna Adler added 11.

Ashley Johnson hit all five free throws and 3-of-5 three-pointers for 18 points. Teammates Raven Merriweather scored 17 and Gretchen Samsel scored eight.

Highlands opens 36th District action Thursday back in Fort Thomas against Dayton (0-1). Game time is 7:30 p.m.

 

Fort Thomas Sports: Tuesday Basketball Briefs

I was very proud of the young Birds tonight. They battled a very good Sacred Heart team to the end. They showed me tonight they have toughness and the aggressiveness I've been waiting to see. This was a very exciting game to watch. For parts of the game it was like two good teams swapping knockout shots, but neither would go down! It was pretty impressive on both sides.

 

For the Birds, it was a "growing up" game. They start 3 sophomores, 2 juniors and a 7th grader gets significant playing time. The kids wanted to get tested and see where they stand (that was a quote from one of the players). It's very early and time will tell, but i feel like they passed the first test. This guy was proud of them tonight!

I was very proud of the young Birds tonight. They battled a very good Sacred Heart team to the end. They showed me tonight they have toughness and the aggressiveness I've been waiting to see. This was a very exciting game to watch. For parts of the game it was like two good teams swapping knockout shots, but neither would go down! It was pretty impressive on both sides.

 

For the Birds, it was a "growing up" game. They start 3 sophomores, 2 juniors and a 7th grader gets significant playing time. The kids wanted to get tested and see where they stand (that was a quote from one of the players). It's very early and time will tell, but i feel like they passed the first test. This guy was proud of them tonight!

 

Excellent game as both teams played well considering it was the Opening game for both teams. For Highlands, with experience through games, those young birds will improve--now find a leader for that team and watch out!

 

For SHA, nice comeback for #20,..played a great overall game and kept her teammates together. She seemed to be having fun, especially coming back from her injury. Point guard (#1) played decent and surprised by the lack of points from Ruffin (#25). If they are all clicking, SHA can be tough to beat.

Very shocked that Ruffin only had 3 points. Congrats on the good showing by the Bluebirds youngsters.

From what I understand Ruffin was sick this week and was back to school yesterday still feeling weak. (Ruffin didn't even start the game) She had no energy and it showed on the court, but watch out when she is back to full strength.

 

Great game by the birds who were quite a bit taller than I thought they would be. Excellent shooting team. If you leave them open they will knock down the shot! I am glad to get the first game out of the way with a W. Sacred Heart can be really good if they continue to improve. I think the chemistry was a little off with Ruffin not starting the game and playing under the weather.

From what I understand Ruffin was sick this week and was back to school yesterday still feeling weak. (Ruffin didn't even start the game) She had no energy and it showed on the court, but watch out when she is back to full strength.

 

Great game by the birds who were quite a bit taller than I thought they would be. Excellent shooting team. If you leave them open they will knock down the shot! I am glad to get the first game out of the way with a W. Sacred Heart can be really good if they continue to improve. I think the chemistry was a little off with Ruffin not starting the game and playing under the weather.

No doubt!

From what I understand Ruffin was sick this week and was back to school yesterday still feeling weak. (Ruffin didn't even start the game) She had no energy and it showed on the court, but watch out when she is back to full strength.

 

Great game by the birds who were quite a bit taller than I thought they would be. Excellent shooting team. If you leave them open they will knock down the shot! I am glad to get the first game out of the way with a W. Sacred Heart can be really good if they continue to improve. I think the chemistry was a little off with Ruffin not starting the game and playing under the weather.

 

They are really good without her at full strength. They are at another level with her at full strength.