The Highlands Bluebirds (16-6) do not need to be told things will be a battle when a team enters the historic Thomas H. Seither Center on the Bishop Brossart campus.
The Bluebirds under the veteran guidance of head coach Kevin Listerman had to go to overtime to down the Mustangs (12-7), 106-99 in Brossart’s final tune-up before playing Hazard in the first round of the All “A” State Tournament at Eastern Kentucky University on Thursday.
Highlands put four players in double figures as 76 free throws were shot in the game, the Bluebirds making 35-of-42 attempts, the Mustangs 24-of-34 from the charity stripe. Highlands junior guard Nathan Vinson led the way making an outstanding 20-of-21 free throws on his way to 48 points. Senior guard Seth Ryan scored 21 points and senior guard Will Herald made four triples on his way to 20 points. Junior post Brody Benke added 10 points.
The Mustangs made 13 three-pointers and placed five in double figures. Senior forward Mason Sepate led the way with 24 points. Senior guards Logan Woosley and Brandon Bezold scored 14 each with senior guard Anthony Kruse and sophomore forward Keegan Gulley scoring 11 each.
Highlands travels to Holmes (0-15) on Thursday for a 7:30 p.m. 9th Region battle.
Other Boys Basketball Scores
Ryle 73, Beechwood 64
Augusta 67, Boone County 64
Girls Basketball
Simon Kenton 67, Boone County 35
The Pioneers (11-9) hit the road for the non-region win against the Rebels (4-15).
Simon Kenton had it going from deep in making 13 three-pointers. Freshman forward/guard Anna Kelch led the way with 15 points, making four three-pointers and freshman forward Haylie Webb scored 14 with eighth grade point guard Brynli Pernell scoring 10.
Boone County was led by sophomore Mya Bennett scoring 17 to lead the Rebels and eighth grade guard Alivia Scott scored eight.
Boone County travels to Grant County (13-8) on Wednesday for a 7:30 p.m. game. Simon Kenton travels to Anderson County (18-3) on Saturday for a 3:30 p.m. battle.
Other Girls Basketball Scores
Ludlow 61, Dayton 48
Newport Central Catholic 56, Bellevue 47
Walton-Verona 52, Trimble County 33