Now that we are nearly half way through January, things have started to fall in place as far as the rankings go here in the 9th region. In this edition of "Inside 9th Region Hoops" we take a look back at the previous week's games and talk about who has made movement and why.

 

Let's jump right in to the rankings:

 

1A. Covington Catholic Colonels (12-0)

 

Why: The Colonels went 4-0 this week to stay undefeated, while picking up a big win on the road over a top 10 team in the state and the previous #2 team in the region.

 

Covcath 49 Cincinnati St Xavier 35

The Colonels used a balanced scoring attack to get the win as Nick Ruthsatz (13 pts, 8 rbs), Cole VonHandorf (12 pts, 8 rbs), and Bo Schuh (10 pts) were all in double figures scoring.

 

Covcath 67 Highlands 29

11 different Colonels scored in the blow out win over the Bluebirds, led by Mark Schult's 14 points, 9 rebounds and Nick Ruthsatz 10 pts. Ben Heppler, Grant Romer, Cole VonHandorf, and Parker Keller finished with 8, 8, 7, and 7 points respectively in the victory

 

Covcath 87 Holmes 77

In a battle between two top 10 teams in the state, it was the Colonels who came out on top on the road as freshman Cole VonHandorf had a coming out party with 25 points. Not to be outdone, senior Nick Ruthsatz followed that up with 21 points, while Bo Schuh posted a double double with 19 points, 12 rebounds. Senior Mark Schult rounded out the double figure scoring Colonels with 11 points.

 

Covcath 63 Corydon, IN 43

Going against the #20 team in Indiana at Freedom Hall, the Colonels improved their record to 12-0 with a big victory over Corydon. The Colonels were led by the trio of Nick Ruthsatz (19 pts, 5 rbs), Bo Schuh (15 pts, 6 rbs), and Mark Schult (12 pts, 7 rbs).

 

Overall:

Even though the game against Newcath was called at the half, it's hard not to put Covcath at #1 right now. The Colonels are not only playing as well as anyone in the region, but also the state. Their depth and physical defense makes them the best team in the region top to bottom and also makes them a legit contender to go to Rupp and make some noise come March. What the Colonels lack in overall talent, they make up for with great chemistry at both ends. Unless the Newcath game is made up, don't expect to see the Colonels move from this spot any time soon. The emergence of freshman Cole VonHandorf and the aggressive play of Bo Schuh at both ends, makes this Colonels team extremely tough to prepare for. Nick Ruthsatz has done a great job simply running the team and the results are showing.

 

Up Next: 1/14 v Dayton Chaminade Julienne (OH), 1/17 at Fairfield, OH (Royal 8 Hardwood Classic 1/17-1/20)

 

1B. Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds (11-3)

 

Why: The Breds went 3-0 this week to stay undefeated in region play.

 

Newcath 72 Holy Cross 36

In no surprise, the Breds dominated from start to finish. Newcath put 10 guys in the boxscore, led by Tanner Moeves 19 points, and Zack Pangallo's 14 pts, 6 assists. Jake Schulte and Drew McDonald finished with 8 points apiece in the win.

 

Newcath 68 Beechwood 31

In another game against an overmatched opponent, the Breds did exactly what they should in coming out, building a big lead, and then cruising from there while getting their bench some varsity game experience. Tanner Moeves once again led Newcath with 16 first half points, while Zack Pangallo and Drew McDonald were the other double figure scorers with 11 points apiece. Grant Moeves chipped in 9 points in the win.

 

Newcath 58 Cooper 37

Jake Schulte, Zack Pangallo, and Ben Weyer led the Breds with 10 points apiece, while Drew McDonald and Tanner Moeves finished with 9 and 8 points respectively as the Breds starting 5 combined for 47 of the Breds 58 points in the 21 points win.

 

Overall:

Much like Covcath, it's hard not to have the Breds as the #1 team in the region without a final score from their game against the Colonels. Newcath continues to roll 9th region competition and outside of their game against Holmes, probably won't see a close game before the start of the region tournament. Ben Weyer continues to make a case for best sophomore in the area and his growth over the past year makes him one of the better sophomores in the state as well. Newcath's bigs are versatile and the guards continue to step up when needed. If they can get just a little more production and minutes out of their bench, watch out.

 

Up Next: 1/15 at Lloyd

 

3. Holmes Bulldogs (12-3)

 

Why: The Bulldogs went 2-1 this week, dropping their first game inside the 9th region.

 

Covcath 87 Holmes 77

Holmes had their worst defensive performance of the year and could never recover as the lost at home against the Colonels. James Bolden led Holmes with 28 points, while Quinton Chames had a double double with 22 points, 11 rebounds, and sophomore Markel McClendon also reached double figures with 11 points.

 

Holmes 92 Holy Cross 50

In what used to be a good rivalry, Holmes took their frustration from the Covcath loss out on the Indians in a 42 point win. The Dogs were led by James Bolden's 18 points, 10 assists. Other double figure scorers included Quinton Chames (15 pts), Markel McClendon (14 pts), Rod Avery (14 pts), and Daequan Glover with 10 points.

 

Holmes 66 McCracken County 44

The Bulldogs won their second game in as many days with a 22 point win over host McCracken Co behing 19 points from sophomore Markel McClendon and 18 from James Bolden (all in the 2nd half). Quinton Chames and Armani Housely both chipped in 8 points, apiece, while Marcus Hill had a game high 13 rebounds to go with 6 points.

 

Overall:

Despite the #3 ranking and loss to Covcath, there is still very little that separates the top two and Holmes. Holmes had a rough night defensively against Covcath but have consistently been one of the best defensive teams in the region to date and that is what will carry them late in the season. The one thing missing is consistent scoring for the Dogs after the top 3 of Bolden, Chames, and McClendon. Bolden with 10 assists against Holy Cross, as well as 14 points from Rod Avery are both promising signs for the Bulldog faithful as Bolden getting others involved with his penetrating ability make Holmes much more dangerous. He did this the past two games and the results speak for themselves. The 10 day lay off after the New York trip also probably didn't help Holmes' cause heading in to the Covcath game.

 

Up Next: 1/15 v Cincinnati Woodward ; 1/17 at Cooper (NKYSports.com Game of the Week Live Broadcast)

 

4. Dixie Heights Colonels (9-6)

 

Why: The Colonels went 3-0 this week.

 

Dixie Heights 71 St Henry 58

In a big 34th district match up, the Colonels dominated the 2nd half to pick up the win. Brandon Hatton led the Colonels with 28 points, followed by Austin Schreck with 13 points, and Mitch Bolin with 10 points. Junior point guard Liam Rabe contributed 8 points in the win.

 

Dixie Heights 58 Ryle 51

Four Colonels got in to double figures led by a career high 19 points from junior Austin Schreck. Brandon Hatton followed that with 12 points, while Adam Daria and Andrew Hedger both had 10 points apiece in the road victory.

 

Dixie Heights 78 Lewis County 75

The Colonels went on the road and picked up a double overtime win led by 20 points from Brandon Hatton. Adam Daria (15 pts), Liam Rabe (12 pts, 5 ast), and Nick Niehaus (10 pts) were other Colonels in double figures with Austin Schreck having a game and career high 16 rebounds.

 

Overall:

The Colonels continue to close the gap between themselves and the top 3. With the supporting cast of Hatton stepping up more and more each game, things become easier for him which is getting him better looks at the basket. The key is still the play of Austin Schreck. The 19 point game and 16 rebound game show what this kid is capable of. When he puts it all together, he is going to be very tough to stop at both ends. Dixie continues to improve and will be a problem for teams the rest of the season.

 

Up Next: 1/13 at Ludlow; 1/17 v Scott; 1/18 v Conner

 

5. Boone County Rebels (12-3)

 

Why: The Rebels went 2-1 this week.

 

Boone County 62 North Hardin 42

Brenden Stanley led the Rebels with 25 pts, 5 rbs, and 5 ast followed by Hunter Hixenbaugh with a double double (10 pts, 10 rbs). Brannen McDonald was the third leading scorer for the Rebels with 8 points.

 

Mason County 64 Boone Co 57

Being outscored from the charity stripe by 19 and outrebounded by 14 proved to be too much for the Rebels to overcome. Brenden Stanley scored 23 points to go with 7 steals.

 

Boone Co 72 Beechwood 45

The Rebels shot 54% from the field. Junior Stockwell led the Rebels with 16 points while also adding four rebounds and five assists. Brenden Stanley (14), Brett Mayberry (12) and Hunter Hixenbaugh (10) also hit double-figures.

 

Overall: Boone continues to win but it is still left to be seen if they can beat any of the elite teams in the region. The game against Newcath gave us a good idea that they are a tier or two below the top 3 teams and just behind Dixie at #4.

 

Up Next: 1/14 v Scott; 1/16 v Campbell Co; 1/18 at St Henry

 

 

6. Cooper Jaguars (8-6)

 

Why: The Jags went 2-1 this week.

 

Cooper 55 Harrison Co 51

The Jags were led by seniors Zach McNeil (23 pts) and Spencer Holland (10 pts) followed by 9 and 6 points from Colin Hathorn and Phillip Hawkins, both juniors.

 

Newcath 58 Cooper 37

Cooper fell behind 31-9 at the half and made a big 3rd quarter comeback but could never get closer than 16 points. Jon Liechty led Cooper with 10 points.

 

Cooper 58 Highlands 51

The Jags were led by 15 points apiece from seniors Spencer Holland and Zach McNeil, followed by 8 points from Colin Hathorn.

 

Overall: Cooper has won 6 of their last 8 and seem to be getting better but are still lacking a third scoring option. That should change when freshman Sean McNeil comes back from a slight fracture in his foot.

 

Up Next: 1/14 at Simon Kenton;1/17 v Holmes (NKYSports.com Game of the Week Live Broadcast)

 

7. Ryle Raiders (6-6)

 

Why: Ryle went 1-1 this week but picked up a big win over one of the better 8th region teams.

 

Ryle 64 Simon Kenton 61

 

Dixie Heights 58 Ryle 51

Ryle was led by Will Stuhr's 17 points and sophomore Tyreke Owen's 13 points in the loss.

 

Overall:

Ryle is capable of knocking off the teams ahead of them but a lack of consistency to this point is why they sit at #7. The key for them is the play of Will Stuhr and Tanner White. When those two play well, Ryle looks like a much different team. Still, Travis King and Tyreke Owen will have to improve as the season progresses if they are going to make a serious run at the 33rd district title.

 

Up Next: 1/16 at Highlands; 1/18 at Pendleton Co

 

8. St Henry Crusaders (7-6)

 

Why: The Cru went 2-2 this week.

 

Dixie Heights 71 St Henry 58

St Henry was led by the inside duo of Jordan Noble (22 points) and Conner Kunstek (17 pts).

 

St Henry 65 Tates Creek 60

It was an all around solid game for the Cru is they picked up the road win behind 17 points from sophomore Adam Goetz. Nick Rechtin finished with 13 points, while Jake Plummer and Conner Kunstek finished with 11 and 10 points.

 

St Henry 63 Conner 39

If the Cru needed a signature win to let the 9th region know they are going to be a tough out, this was it. St Henry came up with a blow out win over Conner behind 17 points from Nick Rechtin. Jordan Noble (14 pts), and Jake Plummer (11 pts) were the other players in double figures for the Cru, followed by 9 from Adam Goetz.

 

Lexington Catholic 60 St Henry 52

Nick Rechtin led the Crusaders with 15 points while Jordan Noble and junior Connor Kunstek added 12 points each for St. Henry.

 

Up Next: 1/16 at Newport; 1/18 v Boone Co

 

Overall:

St Henry has really opened some eyes recently with the way they have played Holmes, Dixie, and Lexcath, as well as a blow out win over Conner. With their younger players Green and Wallenhorst improving each week, St Henry could be a threat come region tournament time to pull off an upset with the right draw.

 

9. Conner Cougars (5-5)

 

Why: The Cougars lost their only game this week.

 

St Henry 63 Conner 39

Landon Lamblez and Sam Hemmerich led the Cougars with 13 points apiece in the loss.

 

Overall: Conner has now lost 3 straight and have some issues that they need to work out before rising in the rankings.

 

Up Next: 1/14 at Campbell Co ; 1/16 v Grant Co; 1/18 at Dixie Heights

 

10. Newport Wildcats (7-4)

 

Why: The Wildcats went 2-0 this week.

 

Newport 75 Cincinnati Oyler 66

Ethan Snapp led the Wildcats with 28 points, and was one of three Wildcats in double figures. Junior Paul Price had 19 points, 6 rebounds, while Dom Joseph had 10 points, 9 rebounds in the win.

 

Newport 65 Riverview East Academy, OH 48

Dom Joseph led Newport with 17 points, while Ethan Snapp added 15 points and Kam Covington added 12 points, 12 rebounds.

 

Overall:

Ethan Snapp continues to have a huge sophomore season but it is the play of Kam Covington, Dom Joseph, and Paul Price that has helped lead the Wildcats to wins lately. Newport might be a year or two away from making a serious run at the district championship, but they have some nice young talent.

 

Up Next: 1/14 v Highlands; 1/16 v St Henry; 1/18 at Augusta;

Great work once again Walter! :thumb:

Great job as usual Walter!! I've only seen NewCath, Boone, and Newport, so who am I to dispute these rankings?

I'm cool with 1 through 5.

 

I move Ryle into 6, St Henry 7, Cooper 8, Conner 9, Ludlow to 10.

 

Newport has done nothing to deserve a spot in the top 10. Heck, we don't even know if they're better than Highlands.

Sounds pretty good. Thanks for getting down to the knitty gritty of it all. :thumb:

Appreciate your time and effort putting this together, Walter.

I'm cool with 1 through 5.

 

I move Ryle into 6, St Henry 7, Cooper 8, Conner 9, Ludlow to 10.

 

Newport has done nothing to deserve a spot in the top 10. Heck, we don't even know if they're better than Highlands.

 

I have no problem with your 6-10. I honestly struggled with that and felt St Henry should be higher than I had them at 8. I like what Ryle has but couldn't get over their 10 point loss to Conner.

 

I also think Cooper could be anywhere 6-8. Once they get McNeil back, I think they will solidify themselves at #6, but until then, #8 isn't a bad place for you to have them.

 

I don't think I'd have Ludlow over Newport. As you said, we will find out this week if they are better than Highlands, but I like Newport's talent with Covington, Snapp, Joseph, Price, and Ochoa. You heard it here first...in two years they will be battling as a top 5 team in the region. Just my opinion.

Good stuff Walter!!!

I have no problem with your 6-10. I honestly struggled with that and felt St Henry should be higher than I had them at 8. I like what Ryle has but couldn't get over their 10 point loss to Conner.

 

I also think Cooper could be anywhere 6-8. Once they get McNeil back, I think they will solidify themselves at #6, but until then, #8 isn't a bad place for you to have them.

 

I don't think I'd have Ludlow over Newport. As you said, we will find out this week if they are better than Highlands, but I like Newport's talent with Covington, Snapp, Joseph, Price, and Ochoa. You heard it here first...in two years they will be battling as a top 5 team in the region. Just my opinion.

 

I'll put Newport in in two years then.

 

Look at their level of competition.

 

Ludlow has outperformed them.

I have yet to see Boone play so perhaps they're much better than I've been inclined to lean.

 

After them I don't think there's much difference between St. Henry, Cooper, and Ryle, and originally I sorta thought that perhaps Boone belonged there in the same breath with these 3. I'm starting to get the sneaking suspicion that St. Henry might be breaking away from this pack a little.

 

It might be safe to say the Conner, Newport, Ludlow, and Highlands are somewhere tight together with Holy Cross sitting relatively near by, as they beat Ludlow in OT in their match up. I'm with Walter on Newport as they're not too shabby with the talent they have.

Solid job as always. No argument out of me with the rankings.

Solid job as always. No argument out of me with the rankings.

 

Where's the fun in that?

I'll put Newport in in two years then.

 

Look at their level of competition.

 

Ludlow has outperformed them.

 

Newport lost to Campbell Co by 2 and Brossart by 9.

 

The Nicholas Co game, they sat a couple guys because of their effort.

 

Newport is better than you realize. Have you seen them play? And how has Ludlow outperformed them?

 

Campbell Co 59 Newport 57

Campbell Co 73 Ludlow 47

 

Holy Cross 81 Ludlow 79

Newport 65 Holy Cross 62

 

Newport 66 Lloyd 51

Ludlow 50 Lloyd 47

 

Unfortunately for us, we won't have a head to head match up to go off of, but those three results above prove otherwise that Ludlow has outperformed Newport.

Fantastic recap, your dedication is much appreciated.

Where's the fun in that?

 

:laugh:

 

While Walter and I see things different on some things, we are civil enough to "agree to disagree". However, the effort he puts into his 9th Region Notebook is 2nd to none and is always a very good read.