The Ryle Raiders girls basketball team (10-3) played twice in the Franklin-Simpson Wildcat Classic on Wednesday and won both games.
Ryle first took down McCracken County, 63-60 before beating the host Wildcats, 59-44 later in the day. McCracken County’s two losses are to 9th Region opponents.
“We had the opportunity. They asked us if we wanted to play three games. But we would need to play two of them the same day,” said Katie Haitz, Ryle head coach. “I felt that would be an opportunity for us if we get to state to have some experience with that on a college floor. We kind of challenged the girls to look at it that way being able to be prepared mentally and physically for two teams in one day. That’s a lot so I was really proud of the way the girls handled themselves.”
Junior forward Quinn Eubank scored her 1,000th career point in the win over McCracken County. Ryle has seen four players score in double-figures at times this year.
“We really needed a good team win to show us how good we are and get confidence back in our skills,” Eubank said. “It was definitely a battle. It’s definitely better to worry about the win for your team because most players wouldn’t be where they are without their teammates.”
Ryle takes on Bowling Green (8-3) in a rematch of last week’s Queen of the Commonwealth semifinal at 1 p.m., Thursday, back at Franklin-Simpson.
Girls Basketball
Campbell County 63, Ludlow 32
The Camels (5-7) bested the host Panthers (6-6) behind freshman Faith Whitford’s 11 points. Sophomore Macie Peoples and junior center/forward Lilli Enzweiler scored nine points each.
Both teams play again Friday. Campbell County travels to Boone County (3-7) for a 2:30 p.m. game and Ludlow plays host to Bracken County (5-9) at 7:30 p.m.
Other Girls Basketball Scores
Cooper 62, Russell 29
Bishop Brossart 55, Berea 39
Assumption 65, Dixie Heights 56
Anderson County 67, Walton-Verona 61
Scott 52, Letcher County Central 43
Beechwood 57, Newport 47
Lloyd Memorial 48, Dayton 32
Bellevue 52, Villa Madonna 29
Newport Central Catholic 62, Frankfort 32
Boys Basketball Scores
Dixie Heights 58, Scott 47
Without leading scorer Hudson Blank, Dixie Heights (3-6) still found themselves in the winner’s column over host Scott (3-9) on Wednesday.
The Colonels got contributions from Colin Kazmaier with 18 points, Griffin Derry adding 16 and Jacob Bock chipping in 14.
Despite shooting 58 percent, the Eagles lost their fourth straight. Brayden Howell returned to the Eagles lineup from injury and led the way with 10 points.
Scott hosts St. Henry on Thursday at 6 p.m., while Dixie Heights is off until Jan. 3 when they play at St. Henry.
Olympia (Florida) 61, Covington Catholic 54
In a battle of highly ranked teams from their respective states, it was Olympia taking down Covington Catholic for the Colonels first loss of the season (9-1).
Olympia is ranked as a top five team in the state in all of Florida, where they have classes, they are led by highly rated prospect Jizzle James, son of former NFL player Edgerrin James and is committed to the University of Cincinnati. James ended with 21 points and six rebounds to lead all scorers in the contest.
Evan Ipsaro led the way for CovCath with 19 points and seven assists, the Colonels taking a 19-18 lead after one before trailing 38-32 at the break. They were able to get within three in the fourth, but couldn’t complete the comeback in the quarterfinal matchup.
Kascyl McGillis added 18 points on four 3-pointers, the Colonels hitting just 1-of-12 from deep in the second half.
They move into the fifth place bracket, facing Vanguard (Florida) on Thursday at 1 p.m.
Holy Cross 89, Bracken County 76
Jacob Meyer and Javier Ward combined for 73 points as the Indians moved on in the consolation bracket of the White, Greer and Maggard Lexington Catholic Holiday Classic on Wednesday.
Meyer poured in 42, Ward adding 31 as they improved to 7-3 on the season. They move on to face Christian Academy-Louisville in the consolation bracket on Thursday at 1:30 p.m. Sam Gibson added 19 rebounds and seven blocks in the victory.
Other boys basketball scores
Newport Central Catholic 94, Lee County 90 (OT)
Harlan 82, Bishop Brossart 43
Newport 69, Bell County 50
Columbus (Ohio) St. Charles 51, Conner 49
Cooper 59, Butler County 48
Trimble County 71, Villa Madonna 55
Seneca 90, Highlands 81
McCracken County 64, Beechwood 54
Christian Academy of Louisville 84, Campbell County 81