Birds start the second of two games in two nights on fire jumping out to a 25-12(I think) lead in the 1st behind good shooting and some great defense. Felt like they kinda overwhelmed Boone in the 1st with smothering defense.

 

The Birds continue to shoot well in the 2nd, but Boone settles down and protects the ball a little better in the2n qtr. They also start attacking the basket and finishing a little better. But the Birds were just on fire tonight and stretch the lead to 45-23 by half. Outside of the first 4-5 minutes, Boone didn't play bad, just ran into a team hitting a lot of shots tonight. The pace was frantic in the first half!

 

Boone dug in even more in the 3rd and did pick up the pressure. The pace of the game slowed down as the Birds went to a much more patient offense and worked the ball in and out. Boone also attacked the basket much better and were finishing many more attempts at the rim. They also starting hitting some three and had several "mini" runs, but just could not get the lead much below about 17-18. It seemed like just about every time Boone started to make a run, the Birds would hit a 3. It had to be deflating for the Boone girls because they were busting their tails! The 3rd ended with the Birds up 59-38.

 

HHS worked through the 4th fairly slow, holding the ball at times and playing at a slow pace. Boone did attempt to turn up the heat and did get some turnovers, but they had just dug too big of a hole.

 

Boone is a nice team that plays very hard. They can shoot and finish at the rim, even over bigger players at times. They have some nice players. I was impressed with Sadie Moore tonight. If she got an open look, you could write it down.

 

HHS was on fire tonight and have been the last two nights. When they shoot like that, they are an extremely tough match up. All of them had good games and they had very balanced scoring and key baskets from everyone. Leigh returned to the lineup for the second night in a row with very limited minutes and will gradually work her way back into the starting lineup.

 

Good luck to the Lady Rebels! Way to go Birds!

Congrats to Coach Richey and the Birds!

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

The host Highlands Ladybirds basketball team pulled away from the Boone County Lady Rebels for a 66-47 9th Region victory Tuesday.

Highlands played four games in five days and won all four contests. The Ladybirds have won seven in a row to move to 24-3 overall surpassing last year’s win total. Highlands has won four in a row against the Lady Rebels (15-11).

The Ladybirds scored 1.2 points per possession to .87 for the Lady Rebels. Highlands put three players in double figures. Eighth grader Zoie Barth led the Ladybirds with 19 points making 6-of-8 free throws with Alex Combs and Brianna Adler scoring 15 each. Adler made all six free throws and 3-of-4 three-point tries.

Highlands made its way to the free-throw line more making 13-of-15 attempts for 87 percent. Boone County hit 2-of-6 for 33 percent.

The Ladybirds dished out more assists than the Lady Rebels, 12-1. Combs and Barth had three each to lead Highlands.

The Ladybirds made 23-of-40 shots for 58 percent, including 7-of-16 from three-point range for 44 percent. The Lady Rebels hit 19-of-44 shots for 43 percent, including 7-of-17 from three-point land for 41 percent.

Highlands controlled the rebounding, 27-19. Barth led the way with four.

The Ladybirds did manage 11 steals to six for the Lady Rebels. Haley Coffey led Highlands in that department with four.

Highlands takes on Lloyd Memorial on Friday. Game time is 6 p.m.

 

Fort Thomas Matters Sports: Highlands surpasses last year's win total