| Highlands Records Home Win
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| PHOTO: G. Michael Graham, Fort Thomas Matters. Highlands senior point guard Zach Barth (left) sets up a play in a recent game. |
The Highlands Bluebirds boys basketball team (13-6 overall) welcomed in its lone opponent of the regular season from the 14th Region on Saturday and took care of business in an 86-68 win.
The Breathitt County Bobcats ventured north from the mountains of eastern Kentucky with an impressive 14-4 record. The Bobcats won the All “A” region crown on Jan. 9.
“It was about getting the game fast,” said Kevin Listerman, Highlands Head Coach. “We did a great job of taking care of the basketball. I thought we did a great job of moving. We were very patient in getting the good looks that we wanted.”
The Bluebirds again used balanced scoring to record the win. Senior guard Zach Barth led the way scoring 25 points on three three-pointers. Junior guard Will Herald also made three triples on his way to 21 points. Senior forward Cole Kocher and junior guard Seth Ryan scored 11 points each. Barth also had six rebounds, seven assists and five steals. Senior forward Oliver Harris and sophomore guard Cam Giesler had five assists each.
Highlands made 33-of-59 shots for 56 percent including 8-of-16 from three-point range for 50 percent and 12-of-17 free throws for 71 percent. The Bluebirds also had 24 rebounds, 19 assists, 10 steals and just eight turnovers.
“Everyone had a really good game. That’s why it showed up on the scoreboard,” Ryan said. “Everyone was getting the job done. When one person scored, it created opportunities for others.”
Breathitt County made 29-of-53 shots for 55 percent including 5-of-12 from three-point range for 42 percent and 5-of-8 free throws for 63 percent. The Bobcats also had 21 rebounds, seven assists, three steals and nine turnovers.
Freshman 6-foot-3-inch point guard Austin Sperry led the Bobcats with 23 points. Juniors Christian Collins and Luke Bellamy scored 10 points each.
“(Sperry) is really long. He attacks the rim hard,” Listerman said. “We did a very good job of making it difficult for him in the second half.”
Highlands faces county rival Bishop Brossart (7-12) on Monday. Game time is 7:30 p.m.