The Highlands Bluebirds boys basketball team (19-8 overall) had faced three 2021 region champions it defeated either in the state tournament or during the regular season last year on its way to the state championship.
But the Bluebirds have not won any of the rematches this year. The defending 8th Region champion Oldham County Colonels (17-8) came to Fort Thomas and left with a 72-59 victory Tuesday.
Highlands had four players reach double digits making 4-of-5 free throws for 80 percent and five triples. Senior guard Zach Barth led the way scoring 16 points with senior forward Cole Kocher scoring 14. Junior guard Will Herald made three three-pointers on his way to 11 points and senior forward Oliver Harris scored 10.
The Colonels also put four players in double figures making 12-of-17 free throws for 71 percent. Oldham County made six triples. Senior Samuel Powell led the way with 19 points. Sophomore Max Green had 13 with senior Hayden Burgess and junior Luke Amburgey scoring 12 and 10 points respectively.
Highlands travels to Beechwood (7-16) on Friday. Game time is 7:45 p.m.
Basketball, Boys:
Cooper 54, Dixie Heights 46:
The Jaguars (20-5) won the 9th Region battle over the red Colonels (17-6).
Cooper put two players in double figures. Junior forward Caleb Brooks led the way with 18 points and freshman guard Yamil Rondon scored 12.
Cooper plays host to Scott (7-19) to conclude the regular season Friday and Dixie Heights travels to Boone County. Both games start at 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday NKY Boys Basketball Scores:
August 71, Ludlow 52
Bishop Brossart 56, Ryle 43
Bracken County 66, Dayton 59
Calvary Christian 75, Covington Latin 27
Campbell County 70, Pendleton County 49
Eminence 76, Villa Madonna 67
Scott 69, Clark Montessori (Ohio) 59
Simon Kenton 65, Boone County 53
St. Henry 61, Newport 48
Walton-Verona 84, Covington Holmes 62
Williamstown 81, Bellevue 55
Tuesday NKY Girls Basketball Scores:
Beechwood 51, Villa Madonna 19
Bishop Brossart 49, Scott 32
Cooper 68, Newport Central Catholic 50
Fleming County 69, Dayton 24