The Highland Lady Cougars basketball team (21-6) got their revenge in the Region IV Division I Championship against rival Triton College (23-5), avenging a loss in last season's Championship game. The Cougars emerged victorious by a score of 86-58, led by Sophomore All-American Abby Barr's career high 33 points and 10 rebounds.

Barr was unstoppable from the opening tip. She converted the opening tip-off with a turnaround jumper to take a 2-0 lead. She would go on to score Highland's first 10 points in a tightly contested first quarter that ended with a 14-12 Highland lead.

Sophomore Tyra Clark helped spark a 7-0 run to open the 2nd quarter with an early 3 and mid-range jumper, which extended the Cougar advantage to 21-12. Their first half lead reached as many as 13, and they went into the half ahead 37-29.

The Cougars' depth has been an asset all season, leading to strong play in the second half.  This was apparent once again as they were able to control the second half by getting into the paint at will and frustrating the opponent with physical team defense. The Cougars led 61-46 at the end of the 3rd, and pulled away for a final score of 86-58. Barr's career high 33 points led the Cougars, and Karlie Krogman played a superb all-around game, nearing a triple-double with 13 points, 15 rebounds, and 9 assists. Clark pitched in with 10 points to round out the scoring.

Several Cougars were honored for their performance,.  Barr was named Region IV All-Tournament MVP, with Krogman and Clark earning All-Tournament honors, and Coach Blake Becke earned Region IV Coach of the Year.

The Cougars now look forward to the District play-in game this Saturday, March 5th at home vs. Region XIII Champion, North Dakota State College of Science. The game will tip-off at 1:00  The winner advances to the NJCAA Division I National Tournament in Lubbock, Texas.  Tickets will be available in the athletic department on Thursday afternoon and Friday.  Tickets will also be sold at the door.