This game mainly meant deciding between the second seed when the two 32nd District rivals meet again in the district semifinals at Simon Kenton in a few weeks.
The Walton-Verona Bearcats (17-9) earned it with a 49-47 win over the visiting Grant County Braves (21-6). Walton-Verona finished 2-1 in district seed play and Grant County finished 1-2.
Walton-Verona took advantage at the free throw line, hitting 12-of-14 free throws. Sophomore Aaron Gutman led the Bearcats with 20 points and junior Zach Smith scored 14.
Grant County was held without a 3-pointer and made 40% from the field. Junior guard Spencer Breeden and senior small forward Dylan Hammonds led the Braves scoring 19 and 15, respectively.
“Everything they do goes through (Breeden and Hammonds),” said Mike Hester, Walton-Verona head coach. “I’m very proud of our guys. It was huge for us to get this momentum-wise.”
Walton-Verona plays host to Spencer County (18-7) on Friday at 7:30 p.m.
Holy Cross 95, Newport Central Catholic 80
Jacob Meyer is now 16 points shy of breaking the Ninth Region scoring record set by Beechwood’s Scotty Draud (3,128 points). Meyer scored 41 points in the Indians 15-point victory over NewCath, Javier Ward adding 28 points.
Indians senior Sam Gibson posted a triple-double with 13 points, 14 rebounds and 10 blocked shots.
Coby Kramer led NewCath with 28 points, Ian Mann adding 20 and Jase Iles chipping in 15.
Holy Cross has won 12 of 13, improving to 19-6 on the year. NewCath has dropped eight of nine and are 10-15.
Ludlow 80, Carroll County 60
Ludlow (17-9) got their 17th win of the season in a 20-point victory over Carroll County on Wednesday.
Jaxson Rice poured in 20 points, Spencer Brandenburg chipping in 26, Elijah Perrin posting a double-double with 10 points and 14 rebounds.
The Panthers next matchup is Dayton on Friday in the NKAC Classic.
Other Boys Basketball Scores
Boone County 80, Bishop Brossart 64
Covington Catholic 66, Dixie Heights 34
Trimble County 76, Covington Latin 27
Girls Basketball Scores
Simon Kenton 51, Campbell County 46
The Pioneers have won five of seven after a five-point victory over Campbell County Wednesday night.
Megan Gadzala led three Pioneers in double figures with 14 points, Haylie Webb with 13 and Brynli Pernell adding 10. Simon Kenton won the rebounding battle, 42-27.
Campbell County was led by Macie Peoples with 12 points, Sophia Beck adding 10. The Camels host George Rogers Clark on Friday.
Simon Kenton looks to make it six of eight when they host Holmes on Saturday at 3 p.m.
Other Girls Basketball Scores
Bellevue 56, Dayton 27
Ludlow 60, Villa Madonna 31
Holmes 1, Covington Latin 0 (forfeit)
