| Highlands Runs Away from Improved Rebels
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| PHOTO: G. Michael Graham, Fort Thomas Matters. Highlands junior Will Herald (15) follows through on a shot in a recent game. |
The Highlands Bluebirds boys basketball team (15-6 overall) may have dominated the Boone County Rebels on Saturday, 91-61 in 9th Region action on the road.
The Rebels own a record of 12-10 after going 8-11 last year. Boone County last made it to the 9th Region Tournament in 2015. Senior point guard Cole Shumate could not play in the game for the Rebels.
“We were able to get the game up and down early,” said Kevin Listerman, Highlands Head Coach. “Without (Shumate), they don’t really have the depth on the perimeter. We were able to expose that.”
Thirteen different Bluebirds scored in the victory. Senior guard Zach Barth led the way scoring 20 points to go with six rebounds, two assists and three steals. Junior guard Will Herald made three three-pointers and all four free throws on his way to 17 points and senior forward Oliver Harris scored 11.
Highlands made 35-of-58 shots for 60 percent including 9-of-19 from three-point range for 47 percent and 12-of-14 free throws for 86 percent. The Bluebirds also had 25 rebounds, 24 assists, nine steals and eight turnovers. Sophomore guard Cam Giesler had six assists and senior guard Leyton Read had five.
“It’s very important that we play to our best ability every day,” said Brody Benke, Highlands sophomore center. “That was a big win because it gives us a good look at what we’re going to be facing in the region (tournament). We played really good defense.”
The Rebels made 35-of-66 shots for 53 percent including 5-of-16 from three-point range for 31 percent and 8-of-15 free throws for 53 percent. The Rebels had 24 rebounds, five assists, three steals and 12 turnovers.
Sophomore forward Jashaun Pouncy led Boone County with 14 points and junior forward Will Raleigh scored 10. Pouncy grabbed 10 rebounds for a double-double.
“They shoot the ball a little better (than recent years). The Pouncy kid is a nice athlete in the middle and he’s a high-efficiency player,” Listerman said. “They get after you physically.”
Highlands had a home game scheduled Friday against Louisville St. Xavier. But snow in Northern Kentucky forced the game’s cancellation.
Highlands travels to Bellevue (2-16) on Friday. Game time is 7:30 p.m.