article BluegrassPrep's 9th Region Rankings (2-5-18)

Big Games:


--Newport vs. Newport Central Catholic (Feb. 5)

(NOTE: NewCath has beaten Newport 16 straight times, dating back to the 2009-10 season. The 'Breds haven't lost to the Wildcats since Aric Russell was the head coach at Newport.)

--Cooper vs. Newport Central Catholic (Feb. 7)



--Holy Cross vs. Beechwood (Feb.10)

Prediction 9th Region Tournament:



33rd District: Cooper (Winner), Boone County (Runner-Up)

34th District: Dixie Heights (Winner), St. Henry (Runner-Up)


35th District: Covington Catholic (Winner), Holy Cross (Runner-Up)


36th District: Newport Central Catholic (Winner), Newport (Runner-Up)




1.Covington Catholic (21-4) – Covington Catholic had a very successful week despite playing shorthanded due to illness. The Colonels have won nine straight games after defeating Highlands (71-25), Scott (70-51) and Beechwood (79-43). Leading the Colonels through 25 games is C.J. Fredrick (22.0 ppg), Aiden Ruthsatz (14.8 ppg) and Jake Walter (11.6 ppg). Games coming up: Roger Bacon (Feb. 6) and Dixie Heights (Feb. 9) Previous ranking: 1



2. Cooper (18-5) – Cooper has a four-game winning streak after beating both Newport (74-48) and Holmes (71-48). Leading Cooper through 21 games are Adam Kunkel (20.3 ppg. 6.9 rpg), Chris McNeil (10.0 ppg) and Braydon Runion (8.7 ppg). Games coming up: Newport Central Catholic (Feb. 7) and Redemption Christian Academy (Feb.10). Previous ranking: 2

3. Newport Central Catholic (13-9) – With a fully healthy roster, Newport Central Catholic had an impressive week by beating both Scott (72-71) and Bishop Brossart (72-56). NewCath is led by Brennan Hall (22.1 ppg), Brendan Luken (12.6 ppg, 7.3 rpg) and Branden Posey (9.4 ppg). Games coming up: Newport (Feb. 5), Cooper (Feb.7) and Bellevue (Feb.10)
Previous ranking: 7

4. Newport (18-6) – Posted a road victory at Breathitt County (84-75), but also lost at Cooper (74-48). Through 24 games Newport is led by MeKell Burries (21.6 ppg), Tahj Harding (14.7 ppg), Donnie Miller (10.3 ppg) and Makhi McGuire (9.7 ppg). Games coming up: Newport Central Catholic (Feb. 5) and Taft (Feb. 7).
Previous Ranking: 4



5. Boone County (13-10) – Split two games, beating Seneca (65-46) but losing to Ryle (59-58). Through 23 games Boone County is led by Raymond Rodgers (16.3 ppg), Ethan Haynes (18.2 ppg) and Ethan Robbins(13.0 ppg). Games coming up: Holmes (Feb. 6) and Grant County (Feb. 8).Previous Ranking: 3 


6. Beechwood (14-11) – The Tigers splits a pair of games, defeating Conner (57-52) but losing to Covington Catholic (79-43). Through 25 games Beechwood is led by Scotty Draud (20.8 ppg), C.J. Brannen (10.8 ppg) and Ben Toebbe (9.9 ppg). Games coming up: St. Henry (Feb. 6) and Holy Cross (Feb. 10) Previous Ranking: 5

7. Holy Cross (10-11) – The Indians’ recent struggles continued without guard Jordan Niehuas in the lineup. The losing streak is at four games as the Indians lost to Conner (72-66) and Lexington Christian (76-60). Through 21 games Holy Cross is led by Parker Zimerman (17.5 ppg), Nolan Schrand (15.2 ppg) and Jordan Niehaus (12.5 ppg). Games coming up: Dixie Heights (Feb.6), Ryle (Feb. 8) and Beechwood (Feb. 10). Previous Ranking: 6 







8. Dixie Heights (13-11) – The rollercoaster season continues for first-year coach Roger Stainforth II. Dixie beat Ludlow (73-50) but lost to Holmes (65-52). Through 24 games Dixie Heights is led by Tyler Schreck (13.7 ppg) and Jabari Karim (12.8 ppg). Games coming up: Holy Cross (Feb. 6) and Covington Catholic (Feb.9). Previous Ranking: 8 



9. Highlands- (11-12) — The rollercoaster season continues for the Bluebirds, who are gearing up for district play. Highlands defeated Anderson (48-38), but lost to Covington Catholic (71-25) and Campbell County (73-54). Through 23 games Highlands is led by Ben Sisson (9.5 ppg). Games coming Up: Lloyd Memorial (Feb. 10)Previous Ranking: 9 


10. Holmes (9-12) – After the Holmes administration announced the celebration of Mike Listerman’s last season as coach, the basketball team spilt two games. Holmes beat Dixie Heights (65-52) but Lost to Cooper (71-48). Through 21 games Holmes is led by Kerez Race (12.9 ppg), Jarrod Miller (9.1 ppg) and Donavin Saxon (8.4 ppg). Games coming up: Harrison County (Feb. 5), Boone County (Feb. 6) and St. Henry (Feb. 8) Previous Ranking: 10 





11. St. Henry (10-11) – St. Henry has a three-game winning streak as the Crusaders posted three victories last week. St. Henry beat Villa Madonna (59-44), Williamstown (66-27) and Lloyd Memorial (59-58). After 21 games Wyatt Vieth leads the team in scoring (9.3 ppg). Games coming up: Beechwood (Feb. 6), Holmes (Feb. 8) and Walton-Verona (Feb. 9). Previous Ranking: 12 



12. Lloyd (9-13) – Played in three games, losing to Gallatin County (72-44) and St. Henry (59-58), but beating Eminence (58-50). Through 22 games Lloyd is led by Jordan Fann (14.9 ppg) and Jamal Neal (14.6 ppg). Games coming up: Walton-Verona (Feb. 6) and Highlands (Feb. 10). Previous Ranking: 11 




13. Conner (7-17) – Lost to Beechwood (57-52) but beat Holy Cross (72-66). Through 24 games Conner is led by Tanner Craddock (10.1 ppg) and Jared Hicks (10.3 ppg). Games coming up: Scott (Feb. 9) and Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy (Feb.10).Previous Ranking: 13 




14. Ryle (8-15) –Ryle won twice, snapping a 10-game losing streak. Ryle had wins against Owen County (70-36) and a big upset over Boone County (59-58). The Raiders also lost to Shelby County (79-70). No Stats available , Stats from Previous week. Through 23 games Ryle is led by Vince Rankin (17.4 ppg, 7.8 rpg) and Jacob Tarvin (7.6 ppg). Games coming up: Scott (Feb. 6), Holy Cross (Feb. 8) and St. Patrick (Feb.10). Previous Ranking: 14


15. Bellevue (10-13) – Played twice, beating Villa Madonna (55-49) and losing to Calvary Christian (59-47). Through 23 games Bellevue is led by Brett Maehren (16.0 ppg. 8.0 rpg) and Tommy Ratterman (12.8 ppg). Games coming up: Ludlow (Feb. 5), Dayton (Feb. 8) and Newport Central Catholic (Feb.10).
Previous Ranking:15 






16. Villa Madonna (12-12) – Played three times last week. Villa beat Heritage Academy (58-26), but lost to St. Henry (59-44) and Bellevue (55-49).Through 24 games played Villa is led by Sean McIntyre (13.0 ppg) and Ben Zalla (11.8 ppg). Previous Ranking: 16 





17. Ludlow (4-17) – Played once and lost to district opponent Dixie Heights (73-50). Through 21 games Ludlow is led by Trey Donahue (13.7 ppg and 7.2 rpg) and Ian Vallandingham (10.4 ppg). Games coming up: Bellevue (Feb. 5), Silver Grove (Feb. 7) and Heritage Academy (Feb. 8). Previous Ranking: 17 





18. Dayton (4-17) - Dayton lost twice last week, falling short to St. Patrick (87-69) and Calvary Christian (73-59). Games coming up this week: Heritage Academy (Feb. 5), Villa Madonna (Feb. 6) and Bellevue (Feb.8). * No Stats available , Stats from Previous week. Through 21 games Dayton is led by Michael Marksberry (8.6 ppg.) and Julian Jimenez (10.0 ppg). Previous Ranking: 18 



19. Heritage Academy (3-14) – Snapped an eight-game losing streak with wins against Silver Grove (69-42) and Covington Latin (63-46). Heritage also lost to Villa Maddona (58-26). Through 17 games Heritage is led by Jacob Chalk (12.9 ppg). Games coming up: Dayton (Feb. 5), Walden (Feb. 6), Ludlow (Feb.8) and June Buchanan (Feb.10)
Previous Ranking: 19

Not that it makes any difference in the big picture, But NCC goes 500 for the week and jumps from the 7 hole to number 3.

Not that it makes any difference in the big picture, But NCC goes 500 for the week and jumps from the 7 hole to number 3.

I'm sure math isn't a big concern of yours, but NewCath was 2-0 last week with wins over Scott and Brossart. That help you out?

I'm sure math isn't a big concern of yours, but NewCath was 2-0 last week with wins over Scott and Brossart. That help you out?

Sorry, you are very correct.

Sorry, you are very correct.

Don't mention it. NewCath is the third best team in the 9th Region when healthy and they are now. Keep an eye on their game at Newport tonight, NewCath has beaten Newport 16 straight times. Can you imagine if CovCath lost 16 straight times to any school of a similar size what the reaction would be?

Newport beat New Cath 16-1

59-48 Newport

Final

Good crowd tonight in Newport as they inducted members into their HOF. Nice halftime ceremony.

As for the game, NCC jumped out quick leading by as many as 10 or 11 in first half but Newport chipped away and got within 2 at halftime. The 2nd half was close throughout before the Wildcats pulled away in last 4 minutes. Tahj Harding is a load for Newport, really nice player.

4 is roughly 11 points better than 3.

4 is roughly 11 points better than 3.

I'd say last night they may have 4-5pts better. But 11 no. A lot a fouling at the end to add to the scoreboard. But Tahj was the man last night! Congrats hope for a rematch in the district finals.

I'd say last night they may have 4-5pts better. But 11 no. A lot a fouling at the end to add to the scoreboard. But Tahj was the man last night! Congrats hope for a rematch in the district finals.

Barring something crazy, this should be the district championship. And yes, Taj is a force!

Since the beginning of January, Dixie has gone 9-2

Their overall record is 14-11

Roller coaster season might perhaps define them to some degree when taking into consideration their early season rough start with losses right out of the gate to Walton, Bryan Station, NewCath, and Simon Kenton, and then Campbell Co, and Collins shortly thereafter.

Certainly strength in schedule means a lot and should be taken into consideration, and in that respect their season has been up and down with playing a lot of decent teams, as well as a good handful of average ones.

With that said, and with their quiet consistency since the beginning of January, they've never managed to get any higher in these particular rankings than No. 8.

Dixie's next and last 3 games of the season will be as tough as their season began with CovCath, Cooper, and lastly Boone Co. No surprise there if they end the regular season 0-3, but they should be good and tested come tournament time.

For comparison sake in the Won/Loss department for the ranked top 10 since the beginning January we have...

1. CovCath 13-1

2. Cooper 6-3

3. NewCath 5-5

4. Newport 10-2

5. Boone Co. 6-5

6. Beechwood 9-4

7. Holy Cross 4-6

8. Dixie 9-2

9. Highlands 5-6

10. Holmes 6-7

Since the beginning of January, Dixie has gone 9-2

 

Their overall record is 14-11

 

Roller coaster season might perhaps define them to some degree when taking into consideration their early season rough start with losses right out of the gate to Walton, Bryan Station, NewCath, and Simon Kenton, and then Campbell Co, and Collins shortly thereafter.

 

Certainly strength in schedule means a lot and should be taken into consideration, and in that respect their season has been up and down with playing a lot of decent teams, as well as a good handful of average ones.

 

With that said, and with their quiet consistency since the beginning of January, they've never managed to get any higher in these particular rankings than No. 8.

 

Dixie's next and last 3 games of the season will be as tough as their season began with CovCath, Cooper, and lastly Boone Co. No surprise there if they end the regular season 0-3, but they should be good and tested come tournament time.

 

For comparison sake in the Won/Loss department for the ranked top 10 since the beginning January we have...

 

 

1. CovCath 13-1

2. Cooper 6-3

3. NewCath 5-5

4. Newport 10-2

5. Boone Co. 6-5

6. Beechwood 9-4

7. Holy Cross 4-6

8. Dixie 9-2

9. Highlands 5-6

10. Holmes 6-7

Dixie may be 9-2 since January but they are the beneficiaries of an extremely weak schedule during that stretch. Of those 9 wins they’ve beaten no one with a winning record and all of them have double digit losses and one of their 2 losses came to a 13 loss Holmes team. The only team they played since January with a winning record was Scott and that was a loss. Playing the last three games against quality opponents may help Dixie with your “battle tested” comment but your 9-2 since January argument against that schedule doesn’t hold much weight.

Dixie may be 9-2 since January but they are the beneficiaries of an extremely weak schedule during that stretch. Of those 9 wins they’ve beaten no one with a winning record and all of them have double digit losses and one of their 2 losses came to a 13 loss Holmes team. The only team they played since January with a winning record was Scott and that was a loss. Playing the last three games against quality opponents may help Dixie with your “battle tested” comment but your 9-2 since January argument against that schedule doesn’t hold much weight.

They're probably fine with your assessment, and wouldn't mind being taken lightly come tournament time.

They're really not that bad of a team, and much better than anyone's given them credit for this season.

Scott's really nothing to sneeze at and they gave them a real decent game at the BB&T only losing by 3 points.

In their early season losses to NewCath, Simon Kenton, Campbell Co., and Collins those games were 3-5 point losses.

They looked uninspired in the second half against Holmes, but otherwise have consistently since the beginning of the year taken care of business against all of the middle of the road teams they have faced... such as Ryle, Conner, Highlands, Lloyd, St. Henry, Grant Co., and Eastern. They smacked Ryle up by 22.

They lost early in the season to Holy Cross by 3 in a holiday tourney yet they just beat them last night by 13...sounds like a 16 point swing of improvement since their last meeting.

Holy Cross has been rated as high in these rankings at 4, but have never passed the eye test as being anything but terribly mediocre this season, and their downslide of late is pretty evident and telling.

Dixie in my mind, just as I said earlier in the season is no worse than the 6th best team in the region, and I still maintain that this has not changed one bit for me personally throughout the season. I'd even go as far as saying No. 5

No secret that they're not top dogs, and I know they'll likely never shock anyone like CovCath or Cooper, but in a season where Boone, NewCath, Holy Cross, and Beechwood have been given attention and nods of being in the top 5 in these rankings, I opine that Dixie is right there in their league (Boone with the edge however), and all the while have been terribly ignored. No way they're any worse than any of those teams mentioned other than Boone.

Sure this season is hard to rate past the top 2, and with teams like Newport and Boone inconsistently deserving 3, and 4, but 5 on is a crap shoot and the reasoning for some like even Ryle to have been rated high this season when Dixie continues to be snubbed is illogical.

Dixie may be 9-2 since January but they are the beneficiaries of an extremely weak schedule during that stretch. Of those 9 wins they’ve beaten no one with a winning record and all of them have double digit losses and one of their 2 losses came to a 13 loss Holmes team. The only team they played since January with a winning record was Scott and that was a loss. Playing the last three games against quality opponents may help Dixie with your “battle tested” comment but your 9-2 since January argument against that schedule doesn’t hold much weight.

Dixie plays the weakest district and has always padded their record that way. I don’t think any school in their district is over 500 kids. St.Henry and Lloyd has a good team every few years. Ludlow and Villa very seldom is strong. I do feel Dixie has some talent. The main reason Dixie has turned any at all in the end of season is the #3 is back.