The Walton-Verona Bearcats girls basketball team (7-8) knew this game would be a tough challenge to get back to the All “A” State Tournament.
The Owen County Rebels (9-5) eliminated the Bearcats in the region championship game last year. Walton-Verona saw senior standout wing Grace Brewer post a double-double of 28 points and 10 rebounds. But it was not enough as the Bearcats fell short in a 48-45 loss. Senior McKaila Hatton added eight points.
Walton-Verona rallied from an eight-point halftime deficit to get within two after three quarters of play. With 3:16 to go, the game was knotted at 44, the Rebels locking down the rest of the way to only allow a free throw down the stretch.
Walton-Verona does not play again until Jan. 14 at Ryle (12-3) at 1:30 p.m.
Boys Basketball
Highlands 79, Dayton 37
The Bluebirds (12-4) won their 36th District opener over the Greendevils (3-8).
Senior guard Seth Ryan and junior Brayden Moeves scored 12 points each for Highlands. Senior guard Will Herald and junior Hank Shick added 11 points each. Sophomore Chad Nickell led Dayton with 11 points.
Dayton plays host to Villa Madonna (4-10) on Friday at 7:30 p.m. Highlands plays host to Newport (11-3) on Saturday at 7:30 p.m., as they look to move to 2-0 in the district.
Other Boys Basketball Scores
Ludlow 79, Heritage Academy 65
Bracken County 83, Newport Central Catholic 67
Harrison County 62, Scott 56