The Bluebirds (9-9 overall) are at. 500 for the first time this season with the win over the host Greendevils (4-13, 1-2 district).

 

But more importantly, they are 2-0 in 36th District action and 6-3 in 9th Region action. Highlands had not won two district seed games in a season since going 2-2 during the 2013-14 campaign and earning the third seed in the district tournament. The Bluebirds beat Newport in the district semifinals that year on their way to the program's last appearance in the 9th Region Tournament.

 

"Any district win is a big win regardless of who you're playing because it sets up the post-season tournament," said Kevin Listerman, Highlands Head Coach. "We've gotten a lot done in the last eight days. To have a district game at the end of that on a Saturday night coming off the double-overtime win on the road, I was really pleased with the effort that our kids put forward. It's huge for us to continue to find ways to win."

 

Highlands will not be playing on the first day of the tournament this year with the win. The Bluebirds finished 1-3 in district play the last two seasons to draw the fourth seed in the district tournament. They'd proceed to beat Dayton in the 4-5 game before losing to top-seeded Newport Central Catholic in the semifinals to end the season each time.

 

Junior Jacob Noe led Highlands with 15 points. Kyle Finfrock followed with 11 points and Griffin Huber had 10.

 

The Bluebirds shot well from the free-throw line making 16-of-20 for 80 percent. Dayton made 14-of-18 for 78 percent. Highlands made 20-of-42 shots for 48 percent including 9-of-17 from three-point range for 53 percent and Dayton hit 17-of-43 shots for 40 percent including 6-of-11 from three-point range for 55 percent.

 

"We shot the ball well from three, particularly early," Listerman said. "Jacob Noe hit three first-quarter three's and really got us out of the gate well. We did a good job getting the ball inside to Kyle again. They were very, very physical with him and for the most part, Kyle handled it and did a good job. We knocked some free throws down in the early part of the fourth quarter and got the lead to 19 with about three or four minutes to go then handled the situation from there on out."

 

Highlands travels to Campbell County (16-1) on Tuesday. Game time is 7:30 p.m.

 

Fort Thomas Matters Sports: Gratifying District Wins

Congrats to Coach L and the Bluebirds. Keep the momentum going and go knock off the tough Camels.

 

I heard the JV game was not so eventful as Highlands jumped out to a 38-1 lead.

I heard the JV game was not so eventful as Highlands jumped out to a 38-1 lead.

 

YIKES!!!!

Camels will absolutely torch birds by 15 or more

Camels will absolutely torch birds by 15 or more

 

And if they don't?

Camels will absolutely torch birds by 15 or more

 

Don't get too cocky....I know the Camels have had a great year thus far but the Birds are on a roll and have kids at every position who can contribute. I'd say the Camels are an 8-10pt favorite playing at home but anything can happen.

Camels will absolutely torch birds by 15 or more

 

Is losing by 15 to a top team considered being torched? Serious question.

Is losing by 15 to a top team considered being torched? Serious question.

 

I don't think so........but it depends on who you ask.

Don't get too cocky....I know the Camels have had a great year thus far but the Birds are on a roll and have kids at every position who can contribute. I'd say the Camels are an 8-10pt favorite playing at home but anything can happen.

 

Have seen Highlands play twice ... they are just not that good and Camels coming off a lackluster performance at Conner. They will be focused.

Have seen Highlands play twice ... they are just not that good and Camels coming off a lackluster performance at Conner. They will be focused.

 

Same Conner team Highlands was up 20 on an beat a couple nights before the camel's played conner? Campbell is favorite. But don't count the birds out just like that.