Lady Cougars shoot 73%, pull away with 104-81 victory

The shots were falling Thursday night at Larry F. Kahl Gymnasium, as the Highland Lady Cougars shot a blistering 73% (35-48) from the field and 69% (11-16) from 3 to hold off Arrowhead Conference opponent Kishwaukee 104-81. With the hard-fought victory, the Cougars improve to 2-0 in the conference and 10-5 overall.
The Lady Cougars got off to a fast start, jumping out to a 16-0 lead to open the game. Kishwaukee battled back however, and even took the lead in the 2nd quarter 33-31. After a timeout to regroup, Highland regained control with hot shooting from Logan Hubbard, and went into the half with a 54-45 lead. 
The third quarter was closely contested, but the Lady Cougars took advantage of their opportunities from the free throw line to ice the game, going 9 for their last 10 down the stretch to outscore Kish 30-16 in the final frame. 

Hubbard, a freshman guard from Cuba City, WI led the scoring with 24 points, shooting an incredible 8-8 from the field (5-5 from 3). All-American Abby Barr continued her strong play, scoring 22, while starters Karlie Krogman (18), Tyra Clark (15), and Madilyn Schultz (12) all chipped in with double figures. 

The win improves their record to 2-0 in conference after a 90-49 win on the road against Sauk Valley on Tuesday. Julia Michalik led the scoring with a career-high 18 points, and Barr almost notched a triple double with 16 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists. Krogman (13), Hubbard (11) and Schultz (10) added double figures in the conference opener. 

Highland looks to continue the hot shooting as they travel to Chicago on Saturday to face Region IV opponent Malcolm X. Malcolm X is currently riding a 7-game winning streak since their 90-67 defeat at the hands of Highland.