kyag

Ryle “With a spirit that will not die”.

We are about 75 days away from the start of the 2024 season. Looking at the Conner Cougars this year, it could be a special season for the Cougars. Returning starters: Seniors Trey Wagner - most experienced returning varsity player and will be the man in the box. Wagner will be the #1 keeper going into the season for the Cougars and will be looking to solidify himself as one of the best in Region 9. Brayden Thornton - the scrappy holding midfielder will be looking to continue his raise as a player to watch in Region 9. Thornton will play aggressive and hard for 90 minutes and if asked would do another 90 if needed. The motor on this young man last longer than the Energizer Bunny! Juniors Grady Noble - had a solid sophomore season but is stronger and faster than last year. Noble finds ways to score and has had a really nice club season leading his club in goals scored. Kellen Faulkner - returning center back who has speed and understands the game. Faulkner will be a defensive player to watch in Region 9. Mason Ginn - the other center back for the Cougars. Ginn has good vision of the field, can attack, pass, and control the ball. Will be asked to be the leader of the defense. Sophomore Dallas Marshall - the young attacking midfielder has gained strength and speed. Good control of the ball and is able to find players in scoring position with his passes. Dallas could be a key contributor to the Cougars attack. Other players to watch: Senior - Owen Mayhew….I believe his game will take a lot of teams by surprise. Not much is known about him but by the end of the year I think a lot of teams will know who he is. Junior - Benji Araujo….saw varsity minutes as a freshman and sophomore, look for him to be an attacking outside back. Junior - Owen Swaney….physical fast midfielder who will be asked to help secure the midfield. Junior - Clark Peterson….attacking winger with good speed and can score goals. Junior - Beckham Mullins…keeper who has had a great club season and should see varsity minutes and will be pushing Wagner for minutes. Junior - Colin Davey….outside back who is a solid defender who can move up on the attack and score with both feet. Junior - Brayden Cranfield….has been working on his game. Ask any JV coach from the 2023 season about Cranfield and they will tell you he will surprise you with his game. The 33rd District will be another grind this year. All 4 teams have the ability to be top 5 all year long. A look at the schedule for the Cougars. (subject to change) July 19-20….KY Bluegrass Games Aug 3 at Soccerama vs Bishop Brossart Aug 13 vs Cov Cath Aug 15 vs Beechwood Aug 20 vs Highlands Aug 22 vs GRC Aug 24 vs Scott Aug 27 vs Simon Kenton Aug 29 vs Ryle (District 33 game) Aug 31 vs LaSalle (OH) Sep 3 vs Lawrenceburg (IN) Sep 5 vs NCC Sep 10 vs Boone Co. (District 33 game) Sep 12 vs Bishop Brossart Sep 14 vs Campbell Co Sep 17 vs Holy Cross (Covington) Sep 19 vs Cooper (District 33 game) Sep 21 at Bruin Classic Sep 26 vs Dixie Heights Sep 28 vs Christian Academy of Louisville Oct 1 vs St Henry Oct 3 vs Grant Co

It is my understanding that Soccerama will be held at Boone County High School this year August 2nd and 3rd. Not sure of all the matchups, but I do know that Conner will take on Bishop Brossart August 3rd at 8:00 pm. If other matchups are known please post them. We are about 65 days away from this event.

Dennis Wainscott accepted the head coach position for the Jaguars.

Cooper coach announced he is stepping down with another child on the way. Does Cooper keep it in house and look at their JV/Freshman coaches or do we see a fresh new coaching staff for the 2024 season?

Tough district…Otte did a nice job with the program. From 2018 through 2023 he had some good teams.. I say bring Coach Dave Taylor back out of retirement!

Newport and Campbell County….16 miles apart from each other will drive close to 100 miles to play each other, March Madness! Congratulations to both NKY teams. I wonder how many times two teams from the same county have ever faced each other in the boys state tournament?

Heard there were some injuries in the 33rd district that could have an impact going into districts and regionals...

Are these games using a shot clock?

Did these games utilize a shot clock? I saw on the highlights one counting down from 35 seconds and was j

Another Ryle Raider going to NKU....congratulations to Diego Hoenderkamp and his announcement joining his high school teammates in the next level.

Heard today, Josh Line is going to NKU. If true congratulations and NKU is picking up a talented NKY kid.

Alright...what about some of the other NKY guys and others from around the state...don't be holding back information guys. Here are a few names to start the conversation: Josh Line (Ryle) Diego Hoenderkamp (Ryle) Anes Smajlovic (Ryle) Chad Gesenhues (Highlands) Adarsh Khullar (Highlands) Nico Voight (Holy Cross) Tyler Smith (Bishop Brossart) These are just a couple of NKY names that come to mind...I know there are more, but I haven't heard much about plans for some of the players and if they are wanting or have the opportunity to continue to play at the next level.

I saw the other day that Landon Barth is going to NKU next year. That made me wonder where is everyone going next year after they graduate this summer?

St X score in the 1st half and that would be all they needed. Was watching the NFHS feed and Dave Baker stated one time St X had out shot Lafayette like 16 to 3 at one point. St X did miss a couple right in front of the goal but the Lafayette defense prevented about 3-4 from going over the line. Since 1983 this is the 14th state title for St X. They have another 2 back to back in 1972 and 1973 which takes their total to 16.