After a week of bad weather, we were finally able to get back on track with basketball action in the 9th region. With the 33rd district being one of the most competitive and wide open districts in the state, there will be some movement in this week's top 10. Let's get right to it.

 

1. Newport Central Catholic (21-3)

 

Why: The Breds went 5-0 this past week, winning the All A state championship and have now won 14 straight.

 

Newcath 56 Highlands 28

Newcath was led by the inside trio of Ben Weyer (13 pts), Jake Schulte (10 pts), and Drew McDonald (6 pts, 7 rbs). Zack Pangallo had 6 assists in the win.

 

Newcath 60 Owensboro Catholic 39

The Breds were led by junior Zack Pangallo with 19 pts, while Drew McDonald and Tanner Moeves contributed 12 and 10 points.

 

Newcath 69 Green Co 33

Jake Schulte led the Breds with 18 points to held advance Newcath to the semi's of the All A State tournament. Drew McDonald finished with 9 pts, 10 rbs, while Grant Moeves finished with 9 pts, 6 rbs. Ben Weyer tallied 8 points.

 

Newcath 78 Lexington Christian 49

Apart of a balanced attack, Zack Pangallo led the way with a career high 27 pts. Drew McDonald followed that up with 17 pts, 8 rbs, 7 ast, while Jake Schulte finished with a double double (11 pts, 12 rbs). Grant Moeves and Ben Weyer both had 9 pts, while Weyer also pulled down 6 boards.

 

Newcath 72 Cordia 61

All 5 Breds reached double figures led by MVP Zack Pangallo's 15 points. Drew McDonald finished with 14 pts, 11 rbs, while Jake Schulte also tallied 14 pts with 7 rbs. Ben Weyer poured in 11 pts with 6 rbs, while Tanner Moeves had 10 pts with 4 rbs. 6th man Grant Moeves was just outside of double figures with 8 points.

 

Overall:

Newcath takes over the #1 spot this week with an impressive week at the All A State Tournament. While the competition down there wasn't as good as what they see in Northern Kentucky, outside of Cordia, it was how they won that moved them in to the #1 spot. They completely dominated the opposition but had a different star every game. With Zack Pangallo playing at a high level, there aren't too many teams who are going to be able to beat the Breds. The question is can he sustain that play up here in 9th region play the rest of the year? When Drew McDonald and Jake Schulte both play at the level that they did during the All A championship run, it opens up so many things to allow the rest of the team to score at all three levels. The Breds are clicking on all cylinders right now with every starter stepping up in some way and Grant Moeves also contributing more off the bench.

 

2/7 v Brossart

 

2. Covington Catholic (19-1)

 

Why: The Colonels went 4-0 this week.

 

Covcath 74 Summit Country Day (OH) 54

Nick Ruthsatz led the Colonels with 21 pts, 8 rbs. Cole VonHandorf finished with 15 pts, while Ben Heppler was also in double figures with 11 pts, 5 rbs. The inside duo of Mark Schult and Bo Schuh combined for 17 pts, 12 rbs.

 

Covcath 89 Boone Co 56

Only two Colonels finished in double figure scoring, but it was the Nick Ruthsatz show as the senior poured in a career high 38 points. Ben Heppler also had a solid night with 19 points in the win.

 

Covcath 73 Ryle 57

It was once again the Nick Ruthsatz show as the senior finished with 25 pts, 6 rbs. While it was a slow first half, Cole VonHandorf stepped up in a big way with 14 pts, 8 rbs for the game. Mark Schult also finished in double figures with 15 pts, 5 rbs. Bo Schuh was right behind the trio with 9 pts.

 

Covcath 87 Beechwood 42

For the second time in the last week, Nick Ruthsatz once again reached the 30 point mark with 31 for the game. Cole VonHandorf (12 pts) and Mark Schult (10 pts) were the other Colonels in double figures as 12 different players scored for Coach Ruthsatz squad.

 

Overall:

Covcath comes in at #2 this week, not because they aren't deserving of the #1 ranking, but because Newcath has been playing so well lately. Still, Covcath is clicking on all cylinders right now with 3 guys regularly in double figures every game. The key for them is getting more consistent production out of Bo Schuh. Once he gets to the point where he is at or near a double double every night, it will leave less doubt in whether or not they are the best team in the region. Right now, not much separates teams 1-3. Nick Ruthsatz play lately is promising for dad and coach, Scott Ruthsatz. The senior point guard has been on a tear lately scoring but it is his all around play that has been so impressive. Despite his size, he might be the best rebounder for the Colonels. Freshman Cole VonHandorf continues to get better and Mark Schult is making a case for most improved player in the region. He is almost a lock for double figure scoring and atleast 5 rebounds a game.

 

Up Next: 2/4 v Scott, 2/7 at Holy Cross

 

3. Holmes (18-3)

 

Why: The Bulldogs went 3-0 this week and have now won 8 straight.

 

Holmes 87 Ryle 67

The Bulldogs got a career high 29 points from Markel McClendon and a career high 20 points from Marcus Hill. Hill also pulled down 11 rbs, while James Bolden finished with 22 pts, 6 ast in what was one of the more dominating performances by a trio of players from the same team this year.

 

Holmes 90 Beechwood 32

As expected, the Bulldogs rolled the Tigers with 5 players reaching double figure scoring. Quinton Chames and Armani Housely both finished with 15 pts, while James Bolden, Markel McClendon, and Daequan Glover each had 10 points. McClendon also had a game and career high 9 steals, finishing just shy of a double double. Marcus Hill continued to dominate the boards with 8 pts, 10 rbs.

 

Holmes 88 Scott 49

James Bolden got back to his old ways with an all around solid performance of 26 pts, 7 ast, 6 rbs, and 4 stls while also throwing down a tomahawk dunk in transition. Markel McClendon had another near double double night with 12 pts, 7 ast, while Quinton Chames had a double double of 12 pts, 10 rbs. Marcus Hill capped off his best week of the season with a 9 point, 7 rebound performance in just 13 minutes.

 

Overall:

The Bulldogs were very impressive this week, averaging 88 ppg and giving up just 46 ppg. The key for Holmes lately has been their defense. Their full court pressure has been suffocating but when teams do get in the half court, it has been one and done as Marcus Hill has been a man on the boards. With McClendon playing like a top 10 player in the region and Chames consistently in double figures, Holmes is rounding in post season form. As I stated in the Covcath recap, there isn't much separating the top 3 teams right now as all three are playing at a high level. Holmes continues to get very good balance, with their bench providing good minutes as well.

 

Up Next; 2/5 at Dixie Heights (NKYSports.Com Live Broadcast), 2/7 at Highlands, 2/8 at Madison Central

 

4. Dixie Heights (15-6)

 

Why: The Colonels went 3-0 this week and have now won 9 straight games.

 

Dixie Heights 72 Lloyd 30

It was all Colonels as Brandon Hatton poured in a game high 26 points, with 12 other Colonels getting their name in the box score in the blow out win.

 

Dixie Heights 67 Simon Kenton 49

It was another big night for Brandon Hatton as the senior pumped in another game high of 31 points and career high 8 3 pointers. Nick Niehaus was the other Colonel in double figures with 10 points, while Andrew Hedger had 9 points. Austin Schreck had another big night on the boards with 12 rbs and 7 ast.

 

Dixie Heights 66 Newport 45

While Hatton was the only Colonel in double figures with 19 points, it was a balanced night for Dixie across the board with Moore (9), Schreck (8), Rabe (7), Niehaus (7), Daria (6), and Matt Isbell (6) all scoring 6 or more points.

 

Overall:

Dixie is a team that is capable of beating any of the top 3 teams when they get the type of production from the supporting cast that they did in the Newport game. Hatton is now 50 points away from breaking the 9th region scoring record and Dixie is looking better each game out. The junior class has started to round in to form with the elevated play of Austin Schreck, Nick Niehaus, and Liam Rabe. The more consistent that group is, the tougher Dixie will be to beat come tournament time.

 

5. St Henry (12-7)

 

Why: The Crusaders went 1-0 this week.

 

St Henry 81 Lloyd 57

Jordan Noble racked up 20 points to lead all scorers, while Sophomore guard Adam Goetz poured in 17 points. Jake Plummer (15 pts), and Nick Rechtin (13 pts) were also in double figures to help lead a balanced attack.

 

Overall:

St Henry has now won 5 of their last 6 and continue to get balanced scoring in every game. Not much you can take away from this week with the opponent being Lloyd, but St Henry dominated like a good team should.

 

Up Next: 2/5 at Beechwood, 2/7 v Cooper

 

6. Cooper (10-8)

 

Why: The Jags went 1-1 this week.

 

Conner 48 Cooper 41

With the score tied going in to the 4th quarter, Cooper was outscored 19-12 on the road. Spencer Holland led the Jags with 11 points.

 

Cooper 65 Ryle 42

Colin Hathorn had a team and game high 20 points while Spencer Holland (15 pts) and Zach McNeil (12 pts) were also in double figure scoring. Freshman Sean McNeil finished with 9 points in the win.

 

Overall:

Cooper dropped a tough one to Conner on the road but remain at #6 in this week's ranking with a dominating win over Ryle. With Sean McNeil back in the lineup, the Jags get more depth and a solid 4th scoring option every night out. The key for this team continues to be the play of seniors Zach McNeil and Spencer Holland. When those two play at the level they're capable of, this is a team with top 5 talent in the region that can compete with anyone. Colin Hathorn's 20 point performance is promising for Coach Sullivan and his team. Hathorn could dominate every night with his aggression and strength in the post.

 

Up Next: 2/5 at Newport, 2/7 at St Henry, 2/8 at Boone Co

 

7. Ryle (7-9)

 

Why: The Raiders went 0-3 this week but lost to 2 of the top 3 teams in the region.

 

Holmes 87 Ryle 67

Tanner White (20 pts), Will Stuhr (13 pts), Tyrek Owens (9 pts), and JB Allen (8 pts) led the Raiders in the loss.

 

Cooper 65 Ryle 42

Will Stuhr was the only Raider to score in double figures with 11 points.

 

Covcath 73 Ryle 57

JB Allen led the Raiders with 17 pts, 10 rbs, Tanner White, Will Stuhr, and Tyrek Owens finished with 10, 9, and 8 points, respectively.

 

Overall:

Don't look much in to the blowout losses this week, Holmes and Covcath are both playing at a very high level right now and the Raiders were step for step with both early in the second half, with Covcath only holding a 3 point advantage heading in to the 4th quarter. The Cooper loss looks bad but Cooper is a very good team, despite what their record might suggest. The play of JB Allen and Tyrek Owens to compliment Will Stuhr and Tanner White are what everyone should focus on going forward with this Ryle bunch. Allen has went from being cut the previous 3 years to recording a double double against a top 10 team in the state in Covcath. Owens had 3 solid performances this week in the scoring column. When he cuts down on his turnovers, he will be one of the better point guards for his class.

 

Up Next: 1/6 at Boone Co, 1/8 at Highlands

 

8. Conner (7-9)

 

Why: The Cougars went 2-1 this week.

 

Cooner 48 Cooper 41

Landon Lamblez led the Cougars with 20 points, while Andrew Way also reached double figures with 11 points.

 

Conner 63 Boone Co 50

Sam Hemmerich finished with a game high 25 points for Conner in the win, while sophomore Michael Scott added 14 to go along with 10 points from Andrew Way.

 

Highlands 51 Conner 38

 

Overall: Conner likely would've been ranked 6th or 7th but a loss to Highlands puts them at #8 this week. This is a good team but the problem is that you never know which player is going to step up for them. Andrew Way was the one constant for the Cougars in both wins this week. Consistency is the key for Conner going forward. The 33rd is wide open and they have already proved they are capable of winning the district with wins over the other 3 teams.

 

9.. Boone County (13-7)

 

Why: The Rebels went 0-3 this week and have now lost 4 straight games.

 

Covcath 89 Boone 56

Junior Stockwell and Barry Ordu led the Rebels with 11 and 10 points, respectively.

 

Conner 63 Boone Co 50

Junior Stockwell led the Rebels once again with 13 points, while Brenden Stanley and Brannen McDonald both contributed 11 points in the loss.

 

Simon Kenton 80 Boone Co 66

Brenden Stanley had 24 points, but it wasn't enough as the Pioneers got two 20 point performances. Brett Mayberry and Hunter Hixenbaugh finished with 12 and 10 points.

 

Overall:

Boone's early weak schedule seems to finally be catching up to them. What was once a top 4 team, they have now fallen 5 spots to #9. The Rebels will need to find an identity soon with key district games coming up this week.

 

Up Next: 2/6 v Ryle, 2/8 v Cooper

 

10. Newport (12-9)

 

Why: The Wildcats went 0-2 this week and have now lost 3 straight.

 

Augusta 90 Newport 76

Ethan Snapp poured in 33 points, while fellow sophomore Kam Covington had a 26 point, 21 rebound night.

 

Dixie Heights 66 Newport 45

Newport was led by Ethan Snapp (16 pts) and Paul Price (13 pts).

 

Newport 62 Bellevue 59

 

Overall:

Despite the two losses, Newport got some very good performances this week from the sophomore duo of Ethan Snapp and Kam Covington. The Wildcats are young and will take their lumps here and there but they are gritty, very tough, and play hard every time out.

 

Up Next: 2/5 v Cooper, 2/7 at St Patrick, 2/8 at Dayton Ponitz Career Technology Center (OH)

Walter, this is really nice work. :thumb:

 

Thank you.

Walter, this is really nice work. :thumb:

 

Thank you.

 

Thanks, I appreciate it.

 

Interested to hear everyone's thoughts on this week's rankings.

Another excellent review. Thanks Walter.

Good work, Walter!

As always, great work covering the 9th. Shocked not to see a 1a and 1b this week.

As always, great work covering the 9th. Shocked not to see a 1a and 1b this week.

 

Newcath has earned the #1 ranking and honestly they never did anything that should have left them in a tie for first.

 

As I've stated multiple times there isn't much separation between 1-3. The way those three are playing right now, anyone could win region and make a run to the championship at Rupp.

Newcath has earned the #1 ranking and honestly they never did anything that should have left them in a tie for first.

 

As I've stated multiple times there isn't much separation between 1-3. The way those three are playing right now, anyone could win region and make a run to the championship at Rupp.

 

Both teams had exceptional weeks taking care of business in hand. No argument from me about lack of separation. I agree 1-3 all have a solid chance to win the region and #4 has been starting to click!