It's going to be very difficult to beat NCC when they hit 10 3's in a game no matter what defense you are in. Tough to guard the perimeter and Kiernan.

 

Owings has a huge heart and I felt like she tried to put her team on her back last night. I was surprised that SK's offense didn't involve their big girls at all.

 

Obviously Kiernan had an unbelievable performance, but Ware also had a great game. Offenses better be alert of where's she's at all the time or she's going to steal the ball from you.

 

I also agree about Ware. She is a difference maker on defense which leads to many points on offense. And many times its not her getting the steal, but her teammates benefitting from her pressure and getting the steal.

 

I also agree that when NCC hits 10 3's, they may be unbeatable. The key is guarding the right players when they shoot the three and try to minimize good looks of their good shooters. Who to jump out on and who to stay back on. Also the rest of the defense MUST be aware of when and who you may jump out on so they can help with the bigs when you must extend your defense. I'm not saying it's easy and when they are hitting that many 3's, they are very good!!!!!

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds girls basketball team followed up a big win Wednesday with a bigger one Thursday.

After handing rival Bishop Brossart its first loss Wednesday in Alexandria, the Thoroughbreds (13-1) ventured to Independence and beat the 8th Region contender Simon Kenton Lady Pioneers (13-3), 72-50. NewCath had lost the previous two meetings against Simon Kenton.

Nikki Kiernan turned in a dynamite performance to lead the Thoroughbreds. She made all seven free-throw attempts on her way to a double-double of 36 points, 13 rebounds and four blocked shots.

Two of Kiernan’s teammates also scored in double-digits. Stephanie Lewis had 13 and Michaela Ware had 10.

Ware also guarded Simon Kenton guard Abby Owings. Owing scored 15 and teammate MacKenzie Hester had 11.

Three-pointers made the difference in this game. NewCath had eight and Simon Kenton had just one. Kiernan made three triples with Lewis adding two.

The Thoroughbreds also hit most of their free throws. They made 10-of-13 for 77 percent.

NewCath concludes the big week with a road trip to Louisville on Saturday. The Thoroughbreds face Sacred Heart (8-3) at 3:30 p.m.

 

Fort Thomas Sports: NC girls post another big win; Highlands boys best Bracken