Couldn't make this game, so no details from me. I know...everyone is sad.

Congrats to Bailey Cummins of Bracken County for breaking the Polar Bears' all time scoring record late in the 4th quarter. Great player.

 

As for the Birds, biggest girl on the floor tonight was mighty mite 4'11" Whitney Quillen, with 10 points and 2 threes in the first half. Her energy is contagious. Small in stature but big in energy and fight. Watching from the stands every player was genuinely excited for Whit Quil's performance. With McKenzie Leigh's absence Whit and Kirsten Clukey are making the most of their playing time.

 

The Birds defense was stellar tonight with several players logging steals and on offense making the extra pass. Wasn't counting but likely 20 assists for the Birds tonight.

 

As John Calpari is fond of saying, what are you doing to help the team win when you aren't scoring. Several birds fit that bill tonight.

 

Good team win.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The Highlands Ladybirds hit the 20-win plateau for the third straight season with a 71-45 victory over the visiting Bracken County Lady Bears (16-9) on Tuesday.

Highlands (20-3 overall) has hit the 20-win mark five times since current Head Coach Jaime Walz-Richey took over in 2002. The Ladybirds hit 21 and 25 wins respectively in the 2007-08 and 2008-09 seasons.

Senior Lydia Graves had another big night for Highlands scoring 19 points making an astounding 5-of-6 three-point tries. She made 7-of-8 shots total.

Highlands received a career-high from senior Whitney Quillen with 12 points and 10 from Zoie Barth. She also had five rebounds.

Bracken County junior guard Bailey Cummins broke the school’s all-time career scoring record with 23 points. Her record-breaking basket came with 14 second left in the game.

The Ladybirds had 35 defensive stops to 23 for Bracken County. That led to 1.31 points per possession to .81 for the Lady Bears.

Highlands again outscored the visitors, 29-4 in points off turnovers. The Ladybirds had 12 steals on 17 Lady Bear turnovers while yielding two steals on nine turnovers. Alex Combs led the Ladybirds in that category with four steals.

Highlands also won the rebounding battle, 26-21. Combs led the Ladybirds with eight rebounds and eight points.

Highlands hit 28-of-50 shots for 56 percent, including 11-of-20 from outside for 55 percent. The Ladybirds also made 4-of-7 free throws for 57 percent.

Bracken County made 15-of-40 shots for 38 percent. The Lady Bears also made 5-of-13 three-point shots for 39 percent and 10-of-11 free throws for 91 percent.

Highlands play host to Beechwood (8-13) on Friday. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

 

Fort Thomas Matters Sports: Hoops Roundup: Ladybirds hit 20 wins for third straight year