Final from Covington.

Very good win. From what I was told they made a nice come back in this game. Birds are always a tuff out. Congrats to Holmes.

Very good win. From what I was told they made a nice come back in this game. Birds are always a tuff out. Congrats to Holmes.

 

Down 8 at the half.. Highlands was hitting from all cylinders tonight in the first half, I believe they were like 8/9 from three in the first half. Plus they're an unbelievable free throw shooting team. But Holmes battled back! Great game.

Wow! Holmes is athletic! They are fun to watch in the open court and on the boards!

 

HHS opens up great. Holmes pressured them in the half court, but did a bunch of ball chasing as the Birds move the ball very well and found many wide open threes. If the Bulldogs gambled, the Birds made them pay in the first half. The Birds led by 8-10 most of the first half. Score was 18-13 after the 1st and 38-30 at halftime.

 

The start of the 3rd, the Bulldogs would bring the house!!!! They quickly cut in to the lead and was within two about 2 minutes into the third, scoring off several Bird turnovers. However, the fouls added up quickly for the Bulldogs and they had to back off a little. By the end of the 3rd, it was all knotted up at 44.

 

The pace slowed in the 4th, with Holmes often holding the ball...trying to pull the Birds out of the zone. It worked occasionally, but it also ended in Bulldog turnovers just as often. The game remained close throughout the 4th, with no one going up more than 3 until late in the 4th, the freshman Graham hit a huge three for Holmes, taking the lead to 5. The Birds battled back and cut it to one again. With under a minute in the game with the Bulldogs up 2, Barth drove for the tie, made the shot and was called for traveling. The Bulldogs hit their free throws down the stretch to close it out.

 

I love watching these two teams play defense. Two different styles, but very similar results. They both get after you!

 

Layla Johnson was the Bird killer last year and she showed up again this year. That kid is so athletic with so much upside to her game. She's still learning! Scary! She does so much for this Bulldog team. So fun to watch!

 

Stovall, Harris and Englmon get after you too. Fun to watch...unless they are on your kid!

 

HHS's senior leader and PG (Haley Coffey) sat this one out tonight. She was home on the couch recovering from a concussion she suffered on Saturday. Poor kid can't catch a break! Birds definitely could have used her tonight.

 

Speaking of which...got to see Mo Gulley tonight. Feel so bad for this kid. Got to see the pics of her injury...just nasty! But what a great kid! She's gonna recover and be better than ever.

 

My opinion...Holmes is unbeatable in the 9th if they had a half court game. However, without it, there are a couple teams that can get them...including the Birds. The Birds are gonna be fine and Holmes is Holmes!

 

Good luck to the Bulldogs until we meet again!

Couldn't make it tonight, outstanding report RCC9, thank you. Hoping your daughter stays healthy, best of luck to two outstanding teams.

Well said RCC9, well said! Great report!!

 

Holmes fought hard, they could of easily folded behind 11 but they kept fight! Great win over a great team!

 

Two great teams, one great game!! Good luck to both teams as they continue!

Another great 9th region match up. Hats off to both teams for what sounds like a good one. Congrats to Bulldogs on the comeback win.

Highlands only scored 15 after halftime. Similar to how Holmes beat Ryle -- second-half defense.

Highlands only scored 15 after halftime. Similar to how Holmes beat Ryle -- second-half defense.

 

Highlands having their PG would have most likely helped that number. Not just scoring, but HHS would not have had as many TO's in the second half. The panic in the third would not have been as great. AND they would have had her defense and rebounding as well. She is the second leading rebounder on the team behind Leigh and one of their best passers and defenders. HHS also missed 7 layups in the second half. That didn't help the scoring. So yes, Holmes slowed them down at times in the second half, but I don't think it would have been as impactful with HHS' senior leader on the floor. Many times last night due to injuries, HHS had an inexperienced lineup on the floor when they needed the experience. Without the injuries, I feel HHS will be just fine.

Mostly from the free throw line???