This was a tale of two halves.

 

Ryle ruled the first half, making it hard on HHS to score. Several tipped passes and blocked shots. HHS played with a lack of energy and played like they would rather be anywhere other than a basketball floor. They were slow and unaggressive. Ryle led at half 18-8 and I would say HHS' defense played just good enough for it to not be worst than that.

 

The second half was a completely different game. HHS exploded out of the locker room and got the lead down to 2 within just a minute or two. They took the lead by the middle of the third and never looked back. The game stayed between 5-7 for the rest of the third and most of the 4th. Highlands opened it up near the end.

 

Ryle is going to be very good. They are long and athletic. This was a game I was worried about for the birds because of Ryle's length. In the end, HHS' pressure was able to keep them from scoring consistently. HHS outscored Ryle 34-10 in the second half.

 

I was surprised many times to look up to see that Schwartz wasn't on the court. She seemed to be the glue for them. She's smart with the ball and is able to spread the floor with her shooting. (even though her little sister is the better player in the family). She just seems to calm them down and there were many times when HHS was bringing the pressure, she wasn't in. Maybe she was ill.

 

Highlands was led by Brianna Adler with 13 and Haley Coffey with 12. I will say with this group, it's a different kid every night. I'd hate to have to game plan for the Birds, cause you never know who you have to defend until you show up! They have the luxery that all the top 7-8 kids can handle the ball and they all can do their share of scoring when they are called on to do so. They are fun to watch when they play well, but I will also say I have seen some of the most frustrating basketball ever this year as well.

 

Nice win for the Birds!

I ran into a Ryle parent at the game tonight. He essentially said the same - two crazy halves.

Tough afternoon for lady raiders. Pretty much agree with RCs take on the game. Raiders defense was solid in the first half but missed to many shots. Credit to highlands girls for coming out of the locker room fired up and erasing 10 point lead in short order. Agree on needing a Schwartz in floor more but believe the strategy was protect the starters with foul problems and have them there for strong finish.. Didn't work to well. Ryle went to the 3 ball to quick instead of pushing the ball inside or driving to the hoop.. Worst half for the Raiders this year. Credit to Bluebirds for knocking down the free throws , I believe Coffee was perfect from the line. Nice win for highlands.

Highlands 42, Ryle 28:

Highlands (13-3) rallied for a 9th Region win at Union on Saturday.

Brianna Adler and Haley Coffey led Highlands with 13 and 12 points respectively. Adler made 10-of-14 free throws in the win.

The Bluebirds return to action Tuesday against Boone County. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

 

Fort Thomas Sports: NCC wins another All "A" Girls crown; Highlands teams win

Highlands is definitely in the 9th region mix..Well coached and they always play hard