Newport Central Catholic 83 Highlands 43

[PsalmsG]

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The visitors wanted to maintain their superiority in the 36th District and the hosts hoped to show they’ve closed the gap.

The game was not out of reach in the first quarter. But in the second quarter, the Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds (16-3 overall, 3-0 district) sped up the tempo and pulled away for a convincing 83-43 win Tuesday in Fort Thomas over the Bluebirds (6-11, 1-2).

NewCath has won 28 straight against district opponents dating back to a 42-39 loss to Newport in the All “A” 9th Region Tournament title game on Jan. 23, 2010 at Dayton. The Thoroughbreds have five straight wins while the Bluebirds have dropped three in a row.

NewCath has also won six consecutive district tournament championships and 10 in a row in the series. Highlands last beat NewCath, 58-44 on The Hill Jan. 9, 2010.

The Thoroughbreds can now focus on preparing for the All “A” State Tournament. They’ve won it two years in a row and are hoping to become the first team to win it three straight years. The first game is Thursday at 11:30 a.m. against Hancock County.

“It’s tough to schedule games around the All ‘A’ Tournament,” said Ron Dawn, NewCath Head Coach. “Schools have been real cooperative with us.”

Highlands had no answer for the NewCath size. Posts Drew McDonald and Ben Weyer recorded double-doubles. McDonald had 21 points and 11 rebounds and Ben Weyer recorded 15 points and 12 rebounds.

That size allowed NewCath dominate the inside winning the rebounding battle, 39-19. That included 15-5 on the offensive glass. The Thoroughbred either scored or drew fouls on the second-chance opportunities.

“(NewCath) creates a lot of (match-up) problems for a lot of teams,” said Kevin Listerman, Highlands Head Coach. “Their record and the scores reflect that. I told the kids we wanted to compete and keep our composure. We really wanted to concentrate and I thought we did a good job with those things. We didn’t make it easy for them.”

Highlands doubled and even triple-teamed Weyer and McDonald inside. That opened things up for guards Zack Pangallo and Grant Moeves outside. Pangallo made two three-pointers on his way to 13 points and Moves scored 11. Moeves also had five assists.

“Drew is obviously the best big in the (9th) Region so a lot of teams are going to double and triple team him,” Moeves said. “If the shooters move around to the open area, Drew will find you. He’s a great passer.”

NewCath hit 29-of-54 shots for 54 percent and 18-of-24 free throws for 75 percent. Highlands made just 14-of-42 shots for 33 percent and 12-of-19 free throws for 63 percent.

Highlands still tried to attack the basket offensively. Parker Harris led the way with 10 points.

NewCath scored the first six points of the game and never looked back. The Thoroughbreds led 10-2 before Kenny Ball hit a three-pointer for Highlands with 3:30 left in the first quarter. NewCath led 11-7 at that point.

The Thoroughbreds went on a 7-0 run that concluded with Weyer recording a steal and dunk with 1:09 left in the quarter. NewCath led 18-9 after one period.

“I didn’t think we shot that well in the first quarter,” Dawn said. “Luckily, Drew bailed us out.”

NewCath put the pedal to the metal in the second quarter. The Thoroughbreds put the game away with a 15-0 run. McDonald scored eight points during the run.

 

NewCath led 46-19 at halftime and 67-31 entering the final quarter allowing both teams to play the reserves. The game hit the running clock in the third quarter.

“We know that’s what teams are going to do to us,” Listerman said of opponents speeding up the tempo. “We’ve handled it at times. Certainly, we can handle it better. I thought we did a good job in the second half of not turning the ball over. We have to continue to improve and get back to work.”

Highlands plays host to Bellevue on Friday. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

 

Fort Thomas Matters Sports: NewCath pulls away for 10th straight against Highlands

[FRONT OF THE RIM]

This is the norm in NKY, it's sad that the papers have down sized to the point that they barely cover HS sports.

 

The home school has to call in the story and stats or it won't be posted. Not defending the lack of support by the paper, but they don't have the manpower to cover all the games. A simple phone call would suffice for a little summary and the stats. Obviously this didn't happen.

[Qryche11]

The home school has to call in the story and stats or it won't be posted. Not defending the lack of support by the paper, but they don't have the manpower to cover all the games. A simple phone call would suffice for a little summary and the stats. Obviously this didn't happen.

 

Getting beaten by 40 might delay a certain phone call....just sayin.

[Just Jim]

NEWCATH 18-28-21-16—83

at HIGHLDS 9-10-12-12—43

 

NEWCATH (16-3): Hall 1 2 4, Z. Pangallo 6 1 15, G. Moeves 4 2 11, E. Anderson 1 0 3, L. Moeves 1 0 3, Neff 2 0 5, Freppon 1 2 4, Wurtz 0 2 2, McDonald 7 6 21, Weyer 6 3 15. Totals 29 18 83.

 

HIGHLANDS (6-11): New 0 5 5, Cain 1 0 2, Harris 3 4 10, Kendall 1 0 3, Weyer 2 0 4, Greene 0 1 1, Finfrock 1 0 2, Posey 2 0 4, Ball 2 0 6, LaFrange 1 1 3, Hebel 1 1 3. Totals 14 12 43.

 

3-pointers: NCC—Z. Pangallo 2, G. Moeves, L. Moeves, McDonald, E. Anderson, Neff. H—Ball 2, Kendall. JV: Highlands, 40-39.

[FRONT OF THE RIM]

I have to share a funny moment. At PC our boy sits on a bench seat that collapses after just sitting out for 3 weeks with an ankle sprain. He is starting to feel cursed. He gets face guarded tonight and Neff rarely left him open for any clean looks. I tell him he needs to go back door Neff from NC smiles at me. Close JV game most boys know each other well. Late in the game he gets an accidental finger in his eye by Hall and he can't see in that eye at all, but he doesn't want to come out. A moment later, Neff goes backdoor on his bad eye and smiles. It was funny how it played out. Gave this old man a chuckle.

 

How is the boy who got the finger in the eye. I saw he had a patch on it after the game.

[FRONT OF THE RIM]

Getting beaten by 40 might delay a certain phone call....just sayin.

 

True, but if the home team only calls in the game if they win you can see why the newspaper coverage is so bad. Not calling it in doesn't translate into it not happening.

[Guest comeonman]

Typical we read about who left the program and feel sorry for the Birds. Get a grip don't look now but the Soph class is now 2-0 against the Breds and that is probably 2 of just a handful of losses that group has has at NC in 2 years. I truly believe that the program is fine when it plays with that intensity.

 

Instead of talking about the 2 players that quit, let's talk about the "Bus Driver" Kyle Finfrock and his breakout game! He came to play last night congrats to that young man. While we are on topic congrats to young Morgan Race and his first 3 varsity points in his first varsity action. Lastly I like kids that play tough in their role. Kyle Rust had a couple of big baskets and minutes in JV as well!

 

Finfrock played a awesome game down low! Bradley Green was driving well an scoring to. I thought the freshman Posey was giving everyone fits trying to guard to him. His penatration sets the tone for these guys. He dropped off some dimes that were very high level passes for a freshman. He had at least 8 to 9 asst. Several to Finfrock down low. An then the kick out 3's to Traylor, Noe, an Lafrange. There getting better each game. Looks like they are finally comfortable with each other.

[BirdDaddy]

I heard that Big Bo Hebel now leads the Region in Pancake Blocks. Someone said that Bo went after a loose ball last night and basically fell on a young fella. I wonder if that poor guy on the other end of that Jump Ball struggle is a little sore today? That's a whole lot of Beef coming down.

[Bird Bath]

How is the boy who got the finger in the eye. I saw he had a patch on it after the game.

 

Good news scratch in the white away from cornea. Antibiotic and back in action tomorrow. Very good sportsmanship by Hall. Apologized twice along with parent. It was incidental. Real nice to hear! Hall definitely has game.

[Bird Bath]

Finfrock played a awesome game down low! Bradley Green was driving well an scoring to. I thought the freshman Posey was giving everyone fits trying to guard to him. His penatration sets the tone for these guys. He dropped off some dimes that were very high level passes for a freshman. He had at least 8 to 9 asst. Several to Finfrock down low. An then the kick out 3's to Traylor' date=' Noe, an Lafrange. There getting better each game. Looks like they are finally comfortable with each other.[/quote']

 

Very true observation. He stirs the straw and he was very efficient! Traylor and LaFrange relax more when others pick up scoring. It was a great team effort and a fun JV game!

[Bird Bath]

I heard that Big Bo Hebel now leads the Region in Pancake Blocks. Someone said that Bo went after a loose ball last night and basically fell on a young fella. I wonder if that poor guy on the other end of that Jump Ball struggle is a little sore today? That's a whole lot of Beef coming down.

 

Big Bo Cake! It certainly brought a smile in the stands.

[TAC]

Really think a shout out has to go to Highlands Sophomore Bradly Green.

 

Seemed like that kid could get the basket any time he wanted. Sneaky quick kid..

 

He must not have wanted to get to the basket very much. Box score had him for 0-1-1

[Guest comeonman]

He must not have wanted to get to the basket very much. Box score had him for 0-1-1

 

Talking about the JV game.

[75center]

Hats off to the boys that stick it out daily despite the lack of success. Not easy to do . Easier to just quit.

 

I'm a fan of the boys that bust their hump daily.

 

Keep working, boys.

 

Absolutely! Takes a strong person to hang in there, good luck to each and every one.

[Bluedog]

I heard that Big Bo Hebel now leads the Region in Pancake Blocks. Someone said that Bo went after a loose ball last night and basically fell on a young fella. I wonder if that poor guy on the other end of that Jump Ball struggle is a little sore today? That's a whole lot of Beef coming down.

The fella he fell on was Drew McDonald. I think Drew can take it. There is a lot of Drew also.