| Bluebirds Record Third Straight Win
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| Highlands seniors Oliver Harris (13) and Cole Kocher (2) box out in a recent game. |
Using another big third quarter, the Highlands Bluebirds boys basketball team (14-6 overall) turned a close game into a lopsided victory.
Highlands trailed the Bishop Brossart Mustangs (7-13), 22-20 after the first quarter before building a 48-41 halftime lead. But the Bluebirds outscored the Mustangs, 18-4 in the third quarter to go up 66-45 after three periods on their way to a 94-61 victory.
“We did a much better job of just sitting down and guarding them,” said Kevin Listerman, Highlands Head Coach. “We kept our pressure. We didn’t trap as early. We pulled it back and picked our spots a lot better.”
This ties the highest point total of the year for Highlands and is the fourth time the Bluebirds have scored 90 or more points in a game. Highlands lost to Walton-Verona, 97-94 to open the regular season on Nov. 30.
Thirteen Bluebirds scored in the game with five scoring in double figures. Senior forward Oliver Harris led the way scoring 22 points. Senior guard Zach Barth and sophomore guard Brayden Moeves scored 15 points each with Moeves making all five three-pointers. Junior guard Will Herald hit four triples on his way to 12 points and senior forward Cole Kocher scored 11.
Highlands made 38-of-60 shots for 63 percent and 14-of-24 for 58 percent and 4-of-6 free throws for 67 percent. The Bluebirds also had 28 rebounds, 25 assists, eight steals and eight turnovers. Barth had seven assists and three steals. Harris had six rebounds.
One player scored in double figures for Bishop Brossart. Senior center David Govan scored 17 points.
The Mustangs made 24-of-38 from the field for 63 percent including 4-of-10 from three-point range for 40 percent and 11-of-16 free throws for 69 percent. Bishop Brossart also had 14 rebounds, eight assists, two steals and eight turnovers.
The lopsided score let some reserves see action. Freshman guard Hank Shick scored his first three varsity points on a triple in the fourth quarter.
“The coaches all do a great job of getting us experience at a young age,” Shick said. “I think it really helps our confidence for when we do have to play in pressure situations at the varsity level.”
Highlands plays host to Louisville St. Xavier (13-6) on Friday. Game time is 7:30 p.m.
