NKy.com Coaches poll

 

BOYSi

 

1. Newport Catholic (3) 47

2. Covington Catholic (1) 43

3. Cooper 39

4. Holmes 30

5. Holy Cross (1) 26

6. Dixie Heights 23

7. Scott 19

8. Campbell County 14

9. Brossart 13

9. Simon Kenton 13

Others: Conner 5; St. Henry QUOTE]

 

This is a 9th Reg preview TOG, not entire NKY. Cov Cath at #2 is also a little high IMO. If Tobler isn't 100% you guys will have some big problems against the big teams like Cooper, NCC and Holy Cross.

 

Just showing the difference between the BGP's preview and the coaches picks but of course we will see who was the better in pickings teams at the end of the season!

The only official BGP Poll is our state rankings, the 9th Region rankings are the independent opinion of the author of the 9th region preview.

I've had the chance to see the majority of the teams in nky, even though I didn't preview them and I agree that Covcath at #2 is a little high. From what I've seen, I'd go with:

 

1. Newcath

2a. Holmes

2b. Cooper

4. Covcath

5. Dixie

6. Holy Cross

7. Conner

8. St. Henry

9. Highlands

10. Ryle

 

I think 8, 9, and 10 could be in any order though.

 

Newcath has unproven depth, but a lot of talent and great size to go with it. Their bigs will win them a lot of games but guard play, as Brannen said, will be a "wait and see." I think teams that pressure a lot can really make the bigs a non factor and force them to play at a pace they aren't particularly comfortable with. I do expect Seibert to have a big year though for the Breds and in a half court game, I'll put them against anyone in the region and a lot of teams around the state. Dupont is going to open a lot of eyes off the bench.

 

Holmes will be the deepest team in the region...mark it down. Guard wise, no other team in the region will be able to handle them. Simply too deep, quick, athletic, and tough. I realize I get the "label" as a Holmes homer but I can promise you this group of guards is going to be one nobody wants to face when they pressure full court. It is the half court defense that has me worried, due to their lack of size in the post. Offensively though, I think the athleticism in the post will be a strength. Englemon and Chames will both play above the rim this year...when you guys see them, you'll see what I'm talking about.

 

I put Cooper right with Holmes for the simple fact that I haven't had the chance to see them over the summer but know what they return and know what to expect. Morgan will be a problem for opposing teams, especially defensively. Maniacci and Shelton down low are a great "thunder and lightning" combo with Maniacci being the above the rim guy and Shelton doing the little things like rebounding and playing tough defense. Collins and McNeil are both outside threats to compliment the bigs inside. Their depth, is the question though. Experience alone put them in the top 3.

 

Covcath, I think has questions to be answered. Ruthsatz struggles at times against quicker guards because he simply doesn't have the athleticism to get around them and his lack of size hurts him against bigger guards. Can't question the kids heart though. When he is a pass first, score second guard, Covcath is tough to beat. His shot selection needs to improve in order for Covcath to be considered an elite 9th region team. I know that isn't going to be popular, but just my opinion from seeing Covcath the times I did last year. Kids improve, I get that. Tobler, with the back issues could be a big blow. He was huge for them in the district tourney last year. They have talent with the younger guys, but lack of experience is what I think separates Covcath from the above three. Frederick is a good shooter but he can't create on his own which I think makes him a non factor against the above three teams.

 

Dixie has the best player in the region, IMO. Brandon alone will keep his team in games and I think as the season wears on and the sophomores get more experience, you will see Dixie win games that most think they wouldn't. Wouldn't surprise me at all to see Dixie beat any of the above teams, hence why I put them here at #5. The sophomore class really is as good as advertised. Size, athletiicsm, and deep.

 

I put Holy Cross at 6 but simply because I don't think they have the depth to knock off the above teams. I don't question their talent. McClendon boys, Pouncy, Campbell, and Gabbard will be a very good starting 5 but after that, I'm not sure they can get enough scoring if any of the above get in foul trouble. Jake Burger will be missed big time. I don't think some realize just how good he was and how much Campbell benefitted from having him in the front court with him at both ends.

 

I really like the make up of Conner and Highlands but I just don't think they have enough "play makers" to make them a serious threat to the above teams. Will they knock off any of the above? Wouldn't surprise me.

Walter, hard to argue with that ranking of the teams.

 

So, who will be the big surprise players this year that come out of nowhere? (kinda like McDonald last year)

A few players who will play big roles and have some big games and get better as the year goes on?

I like the Shuh kid at CCH. A little on the lean side, but the kid can play and will be a big asset as the year goes on. Probably more of a 4 or a 3?

The Chames kid will surprise many this year. Should really help out the inside, and have seen him throw down some power dunks and oops.

Stuhr at Ryle could have a breakout type year.

Kuebbing at St.Henry is 6-4. Had a few dunks in game last year. Nice outside shot. Hurt knee right now and will be out first 2 games?

There was a kid for Cooper that hit a few 3's in first qtr of their scrimmage vs. oak hills. He started and looked like he could stroke it from the outside. (not mcneil)

Which soph. for Dixie makes the biggest splash (besides neihaus).

Walter, hard to argue with that ranking of the teams.

 

So, who will be the big surprise players this year that come out of nowhere? (kinda like McDonald last year)

A few players who will play big roles and have some big games and get better as the year goes on?

I like the Shuh kid at CCH. A little on the lean side, but the kid can play and will be a big asset as the year goes on. Probably more of a 4 or a 3?

The Chames kid will surprise many this year. Should really help out the inside, and have seen him throw down some power dunks and oops.

Stuhr at Ryle could have a breakout type year.

Kuebbing at St.Henry is 6-4. Had a few dunks in game last year. Nice outside shot. Hurt knee right now and will be out first 2 games?

There was a kid for Cooper that hit a few 3's in first qtr of their scrimmage vs. oak hills. He started and looked like he could stroke it from the outside. (not mcneil)

Which soph. for Dixie makes the biggest splash (besides neihaus).

 

Here are a few of the kids that I like to turn some heads this year that you aren't hearing much about:

 

Daquan Glover 6'2 F Holmes: This kid is a lot like Jaleel Gray heading in to his senior season. Unknown but put in a lot of work over the summer and improved his game a lot. He isn't as quick or explosive as Gray was but he is very quick off the bounce and gets to the rack. He can knock it down consistently from outside and attacks the glass hard.

 

Keyontae Herndon 5'11 G Holmes- Herndon might be the most athletic player on Holmes team. He is a hard nosed tough kid that doesn't back down from anyone or anything and is a freak athlete. He will throw down atleast one dunk this year if he gets a breakaway opportunity. What makes him so tough though is how well he handles the ball. He will play some point guard for Holmes this year and has a very tight hande...think Jamel Riley.

 

Colin Dupont 5'11 G Newcath- I love the way this kid plays. He is going to absolutely light it up from outside this year if given the opportunity. Mark it down. Not the best athlete but a smart player that does a lot of things well. He will quietly put double figures up on you and it won't be noticed until you see the box score the next day.

 

Leam Rabe 5'11 G Dixie- This is another young sophomore that will make a name for himself this year....defensively. He will be one of the better defenders in nky this year as a soph. Brandon Hatton can vouch for me on this one. He absolutely makes Brandon work and his length makes it tough for opposing guards to get around him. On offense, he is a true point and handles the ball so well, you will have trouble realize whether he is right handed or left handed. (He is a righty)

 

Andrew Way G Conner - I've heard nothing but great things about this kid and I'm expecting him to really make an impact for the Cougars this year. Don't think you'll see him get noticed for his scoring, but rather his smart play.

 

Aaron Morgan Cooper- Obviously he started last year so he is a known, but I think he will have a break out year offensively. He is already an elite defender in this region, IMO, but I think you'll see him put up some big numbers at times this year as well.

 

Blake Tiberi Holy Cross- Blake doesn't look like a basketball player....until you have to go up against him. He will make you work at both ends. Very smart player that is constantly moving on offense without the ball and always makes the right pass with the ball. Good spot up shooter from outside as well. He won't do anything to hurt you while he is in the game. Very smart player.

 

Spencer Holland of Cooper could be the kid you're thinking about. Solid from outside.

 

I really like Houliston of Highlands as well but not sure if he's playing this year or not. I do really like Bailey Witte and his game as well. I think Bailey could be in the top 5 in scoring in the region this year and nobody know it unless you look at the stats...he sure doesn't get it from his pops though. :sssh:

Here are a few of the kids that I like to turn some heads this year that you aren't hearing much about:

 

Daquan Glover 6'2 F Holmes: This kid is a lot like Jaleel Gray heading in to his senior season. Unknown but put in a lot of work over the summer and improved his game a lot. He isn't as quick or explosive as Gray was but he is very quick off the bounce and gets to the rack. He can knock it down consistently from outside and attacks the glass hard.

 

Keyontae Herndon 5'11 G Holmes- Herndon might be the most athletic player on Holmes team. He is a hard nosed tough kid that doesn't back down from anyone or anything and is a freak athlete. He will throw down atleast one dunk this year if he gets a breakaway opportunity. What makes him so tough though is how well he handles the ball. He will play some point guard for Holmes this year and has a very tight hande...think Jamel Riley.

 

Colin Dupont 5'11 G Newcath- I love the way this kid plays. He is going to absolutely light it up from outside this year if given the opportunity. Mark it down. Not the best athlete but a smart player that does a lot of things well. He will quietly put double figures up on you and it won't be noticed until you see the box score the next day.

 

Leam Rabe 5'11 G Dixie- This is another young sophomore that will make a name for himself this year....defensively. He will be one of the better defenders in nky this year as a soph. Brandon Hatton can vouch for me on this one. He absolutely makes Brandon work and his length makes it tough for opposing guards to get around him. On offense, he is a true point and handles the ball so well, you will have trouble realize whether he is right handed or left handed. (He is a righty)

 

Andrew Way G Conner - I've heard nothing but great things about this kid and I'm expecting him to really make an impact for the Cougars this year. Don't think you'll see him get noticed for his scoring, but rather his smart play.

 

Aaron Morgan Cooper- Obviously he started last year so he is a known, but I think he will have a break out year offensively. He is already an elite defender in this region, IMO, but I think you'll see him put up some big numbers at times this year as well.

 

Blake Tiberi Holy Cross- Blake doesn't look like a basketball player....until you have to go up against him. He will make you work at both ends. Very smart player that is constantly moving on offense without the ball and always makes the right pass with the ball. Good spot up shooter from outside as well. He won't do anything to hurt you while he is in the game. Very smart player.

 

Spencer Holland of Cooper could be the kid you're thinking about. Solid from outside.

 

I really like Houliston of Highlands as well but not sure if he's playing this year or not. I do really like Bailey Witte and his game as well. I think Bailey could be in the top 5 in scoring in the region this year and nobody know it unless you look at the stats...he sure doesn't get it from his pops though. :sssh:

 

Houliston is definitely playing for Highlands and will be counted on heavily. Not so sure about Witte being a top 5 scorer as he will be asked to wear many hats this year. He will play the PG position, be asked to rebound from the 4 spot and also finish around the rim with his strength. All the while defending the best athlete/player on the opposing team so his stats wont be blaring in any one specific category but consistent in all categories.

 

As far as other players to watch this season I am still saying that Drew Mays will be a top 10 player in the Region before its all said and done. He will definitely be a top 5 scorer as he has really added to his game with increased strength and attacking ability. He was always a great shooter who would linger around the perimeter and bury 3's quickly on you. Now he can do both and that is lethal.

 

Teams to watch, I think Newport will surprise some people this year. Its a daily struggle down there with not knowing who will show up in uniform but if they can get the Short Brothers and Pearson all clicking at once and if the 2 transfers pan out they could pose problems for teams. Consistency has always been an issue with the Wildcats though so we shall see.

Teams to watch, I think Newport will surprise some people this year. .

 

If I drank a shot every time I've read that "Newport might surprise people this year" in either the b-ball or football thread I'd be drunk for a week.

Not so sure about Witte being a top 5 scorer as he will be asked to wear many hats this year. He will play the PG position, be asked to rebound from the 4 spot and also finish around the rim with his strength. All the while defending the best athlete/player on the opposing team so his stats wont be blaring in any one specific category but consistent in all categories.

 

That's my kind of player. :thumb: Sounds like the team's MVP, to me. I look forward to watching him play.

 

High school has too many cherry pickers trying to pad their stats to get ink instead of doing whatever is needed to get the job done, like Witte.

High school has too many cherry pickers trying to pad their stats to get ink instead of doing whatever is needed to get the job done, like Witte.

If kids are "cherry picking" and padding stats at this age, then its on the coach for putting up with it. Kid shouldn't see the floor.

If kids are "cherry picking" and padding stats at this age, then its on the coach for putting up with it. Kid shouldn't see the floor.

 

Yea I cant see any coaches putting up with that these days.

There has been so much basketball talent at NewCath the past ten years or so its a joke they didnt win region five times. Grant needs to go and the Breds need to bring in someone from outside the hill to run the program

ttt