The Ryle Lady Raiders (18-8) hoped to bounce back from the tough loss at Notre Dame on Tuesday facing the another state-ranked opponent in the defending state champion Louisville Sacred Heart Valkyries (26-3) in less than 24 hours.
Ryle played better and had a chance to win entering the fourth quarter trailing just 50-44. But the Valkyries pulled away for a 72-56 victory.
Junior guard Abby Holtman made five three-pointers in the first half on her way to 20 points. Sophomore Quinn Eubank followed with 13 points and junior guard Austin Johnson scored 10. Junior guard Meredith Snider scored eight points.
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Ryle could not stop Sacred Heart freshman standout forward/guard ZaKiyah Johnson, who scored 24 points. Sophomore center/forward Angelina Pelayo scored 20 and sophomore forward/guard Reagan Bender scored 15.
Top-seeded Ryle takes on Boone County (2-25) in the 33rd District semifinals on Tuesday. Game time is 6 p.m. in Union.
GIRLS BASKETBALL
Highlands 59, Ludlow 43:
The Bluebirds (10-15) saw 11 different players score in the 9th Region road win over the Panthers (22-6). Freshman 6-foot-2-inch center Marissa Green led the way scoring 24 points to go with 12 rebounds for a double-double along with four steals.
Highlands has struggled shooting outside most of the season. But the Bluebirds made seven three-pointers in the win. Junior guard Ellie Walz and eighth grade guard Natalie Hinegardner made two each.
“We had great contributions from everyone that stepped out on the court,” said Jaime Walz-Richey, Highlands Head Coach. “We played the way that we’re capable of playing and it was a great display of basketball that we witnessed.”
Highlands made 21-of-50 shots for 42 percent and 10-of-25 free throws for 40 percent. The Bluebirds also had 17 assists, 20 steals, 14 turnovers and 34 rebounds. Junior point guard Alyssa Harris had five assists and four steals. Sophomore guard Laney Smith had four assists and three steals.
“It helps a lot when we all work as a team, come together and the energy on the bench is really good,” said Megan Calme, Highlands junior forward. “When that happens, it works really well. The beginning of the year started off a little shaky. But we’re starting to bond as a team. I have high hopes for us as we move into districts.”
Senior center Jenna Lillard came into the game averaging 22.5 points per game and junior point guard Mylee Garrett averaged 11.5. Lillard scored 18 and Garrett scored 12. The two made two three-pointers each.
Ludlow made seven three-pointers and 11-of-13 free throws for 85 percent. Ludlow owns two forfeit wins on the season.
Highlands concludes the regular season at Beechwood (10-19) on Friday. Game time is 6 p.m.
Ludlow takes on Bellevue (15-9) on Thursday. Game time is 7:30 p.m.
BOYS BASKETBALL
Covington Catholic 89, Newport Central Catholic 49:
The blue Colonels (22-4) took care of business on their home floor moving to 7-0 in region play against the Thoroughbreds (9-17).
Junior forward Chandler Starks led the Colonels with 23 points. The 6-foot-8-inch center Mitchell Rylee and junior guard Evan Ipsaro scored 15 points each.
NewCath saw just one player score in double digits. It was junior Coby Kramer with 12 points.
The Colonels head downstate Friday to take on the defending 11th Region champion Madison Central Indians (19-9). The Thoroughbreds conclude the regular season Friday at home against Bishop Brossart (11-16). Both games start at 7:30 p.m.
Campbell County 57, Beechwood 53:
The Camels (17-10) downed the Tigers (7-17) in Fort Mitchell in a non-region game. Junior power forward Eric Davie scored 14 points to lead the Camels and junior forward Aydan Hamilton scored 13.
The Tigers received a nice game from junior Cameron Boyd. Boyd scored 20 points making nine shots including a three-pointer.
Campbell County opens 39th District Tournament play Tuesday at Campbell County Middle School. The Camels face Calvary Christian (19-9) at 6 p.m.
Beechwood plays host to Highlands (19-8) on Friday. Game time is 7:45 p.m.
Other NKY Girls Basketball Scores:
Bracken County 66, Villa Madonna 24
Franklin County 67, Boone County 32
Covington Holy Cross 62, Simon Kenton 47
Conner 59, Scott 33
Dixie Heights 50, St. Henry 32
LLoyd Memorial 77, Trimble County 46
Other NKY Boys Basketball Score:
Bishop Brossart 60, Bourbon County 34
Lloyd Memorial 72, Cincinnati Trailblazer (Ohio) Home School 33
Owen County 56, Boone County 50