This one has the potential makings for an instant classic.

The Colonels (13-2) are more than likely still running baseline sprints for their 74-68 loss to Conner at home last Tuesday, their first in-state loss of the season. Prior to Tuesday night, Cov Cath had not lost a home game to a Kentucky team since Dec 5, 2015 and hadn't lost a home game to a 9th Region team since Feb 5, 2013. Cov Cath bounced back with a 74-38 slogging of the winless Holmes Bulldogs on Thursday night, and are getting themselves prepared for Tuesday night's game against Highlands.

There's little doubt that the Bluebirds (14-5) can still smell the blood in the water...err...in the air? On the hardwood?

Highlands has had a little bit of a rough patch since Christmas, with a 4-4 record in their last 8 games. The Birds have come out with solid performances in their last two games, though, with a 68-50 win over Simon Kenton this past Tuesday, and a 72-58 win over Dixie Heights last night.

A few stats to look at for an idea of how these two teams line up:
 

	Highlands (19 games)	Cov Cath (15 Games)
Total Points	1433	1117
Field Goals (Total)	516	423
Field Goals (Total) %	49.80%	49.30%
3pt Field Goals	192	112
3pt Field Goal %	42.30%	33.20%
Free Throws Made	209	159
Free Throw %	74.60%	77.20%
Rebounds (Total)	590	401
Rebounds Per Game	31.1	26.7

So, why is Cov Cath giving up their home court advantage and moving this one to Holmes? Thomas Burns.

Thomas is a senior at Covington Catholic who is currently fighting Ewing Sarcoma, a rare variety of bone cancer. Thomas was diagnosed this past October, and is currently undergoing chemotherapy. His classmates at Cov Cath have been doing all they can to rally around him and show their support, and towards the end of December, they decided to make the home game against Highlands "Thomas Burns Night". As part of the plan for the game, the students designed a yellow "TB Strong" t-shirt and started taking pre-sale orders, with plans to distribute them shortly before Tuesday night's game.  Highlands has also joined in, showing their support as well with their student section planning to arrive at the game in all-yellow.

Last week when Cov Cath's AD checked in on how many shirts had been sold in the Cov Cath Spirit Shop, he was surprised to find out that they had over 800 shirts ordered - including orders coming in from Highlands. That brought the realization that there was a very real chance that not everyone who purchased shirts for the game would be able to attend due to the size of Cov Cath's gym and the rivalry game that night. Holmes was immediately willing to offer the use of their gym for the game.

Anyone who shows up for the game in a TB Strong shirt will be given free admission to the game. The remainder of the attendees, the gate will instead be used as a donation (suggested donation $5). Proceeds will go directly to support the Cancer & Blood Disease Institute at Cincinnati Children's Hospital and to support Thomas' ongoing expenses.

The game is receiving additional press coverage as part of the St. Elizabeth Healthcare Game Of The Month series. Varsity tip is at 7:30pm following the 6:00pm JV game.

12 minutes ago, Colonels_Wear_Blue said:

This one has the potential makings for an instant classic.

The Colonels (13-2) are more than likely still running baseline sprints for their 74-68 loss to Conner at home last Tuesday, their first in-state loss of the season. Prior to Tuesday night, Cov Cath had not lost a home game to a Kentucky team since Dec 5, 2015 and hadn't lost a home game to a 9th Region team since Feb 5, 2013. Cov Cath bounced back with a 74-38 slogging of the winless Holmes Bulldogs on Thursday night, and are getting themselves prepared for Tuesday night's game against Highlands.

There's little doubt that the Bluebirds (14-5) can still smell the blood in the water...err...in the air? On the hardwood?

Highlands has had a little bit of a rough patch since Christmas, with a 4-4 record in their last 8 games. The Birds have come out with solid performances in their last two games, though, with a 68-50 win over Simon Kenton this past Tuesday, and a 72-58 win over Dixie Heights last night.

A few stats to look at for an idea of how these two teams line up:
 

	Highlands (19 games)	Cov Cath (15 Games)
Total Points	1433	1117
Field Goals (Total)	516	423
Field Goals (Total) %	49.80%	49.30%
3pt Field Goals	192	112
3pt Field Goal %	42.30%	33.20%
Free Throws Made	209	159
Free Throw %	74.60%	77.20%
Rebounds (Total)	590	401
Rebounds Per Game	31.1	26.7

So, why is Cov Cath giving up their home court advantage and moving this one to Holmes? Thomas Burns.

Thomas is a senior at Covington Catholic who is currently fighting Ewing Sarcoma, a rare variety of bone cancer. Thomas was diagnosed this past October, and is currently undergoing chemotherapy. His classmates at Cov Cath have been doing all they can to rally around him and show their support, and towards the end of December, they decided to make the home game against Highlands "Thomas Burns Night". As part of the plan for the game, the students designed a yellow "TB Strong" t-shirt and started taking pre-sale orders, with plans to distribute them shortly before Tuesday night's game.  Highlands has also joined in, showing their support as well with their student section planning to arrive at the game in all-yellow.

Last week when Cov Cath's AD checked in on how many shirts had been sold in the Cov Cath Spirit Shop, he was surprised to find out that they had over 800 shirts ordered - including orders coming in from Highlands. That brought the realization that there was a very real chance that not everyone who purchased shirts for the game would be able to attend due to the size of Cov Cath's gym and the rivalry game that night. Holmes was immediately willing to offer the use of their gym for the game.

Anyone who shows up for the game in a TB Strong shirt will be given free admission to the game. The remainder of the attendees, the gate will instead be used as a donation (suggested donation $5). Proceeds will go directly to support the Cancer & Blood Disease Institute at Cincinnati Children's Hospital and to support Thomas' ongoing expenses.

The game is receiving additional press coverage as part of the St. Elizabeth Healthcare Game Of The Month series. Varsity tip is at 7:30pm following the 6:00pm JV game.

Throw the stats out the window, CCH wins this one.

Colonels by 10-15.  

? Poll: Cov Cath up 8-6

⏰ Game time:

I'll be crossing the border and head to this one. It's for a very good cause (Team TB!!!) and I've never been in Holmes' gym. I think CC win in an insane environment that are becoming rarer by the years.

If Herald is healthy, HHS has a chance to win this one.  

I want a great game in a packed house for a great cause!!!

This is High School sports at its finest!!!

Great to see both communities (bitter rivals at that) step up together for a common cause!

#GOBIRDS!!

Just got the call. Said if not there by 6, don’t bother. Will be sold out!

Will this one be streamed anywhere? 

16 minutes ago, BLUEHOUND said:

Will this one be streamed anywhere? 

Video PPV - JV/Varsity $10 at the link below ~

https://www.covcath.org/athletics/can

Free audio only at this link ~

https://colonel-athletic-network.mixlr.com/

This is awesome!  Great gesture by both schools and Holmes to host.  Somethings are bigger than friendly, errrrrrr not so friendly, rivalries. Wish I could make it.  Go Birds!!

That ain’t good. We will try. Leaving the homestead by 550. Hopefully it’s not sold out sold out

Just got here. Not even a quarter full. Come on out it’s for a great cause.

1 hour ago, TEDFROMVILLAHILLS said:

Just got the call. Said if not there by 6, don’t bother. Will be sold out!

Plenty of room still. It's 6:20pm here at Holmes.

 

Colonels win the JV game 41-30.