The top four teams in Northern Kentucky boys' basketball squared off last night against each other with No. 1 Holmes and No. 3 Highlands coming out victorious.

 

The top-ranked Bulldogs defeated No. 4 Covington Catholic 59-50 in overtime on the Bulldogs' home court.  Senior Arrez Henderson scored 18 points and Braeon Avery added 15 points to lead Holmes.

 

Holmes (14-1) has now won eight straight games since losing 49-44 to Louisville Male on Dec. 22 and remain unbeaten against local competition.  Male is ranked No. 3 in the state in the Kentucky Associated Press state poll.

 

CovCath (11-5) has lost three straight games.

 

No. 3 Highlands (11-1) traveled to Boone County and defeated the No. 2-ranked Rebels 72-65.  Senior guard Greg McGraw, playing without backcourt mate Nic Simpson who is out with an injury, poured in a game-high 29 points to lead Highlands.

 

Highlands (11-1), like Holmes, is also unbeaten against local competition with a 61-60 loss to Henry Clay its lone loss to date.  The Rebels (14-3) lost for just the second time in its past 16 games.

 

- Ed Letsinger