I forgot to mention this is my previous reply, but props to The Bank of Kentucky Center for the show they provided. I think they learned their lesson over the last couple of years in regards to long lines of people missing game action because of waiting in line to get tickets. There didn't seem to be the complaints of this happening this year as opposed to previous years.

Secondly, the flame throwers was a nice touch and how they had the teams parade around. It had a feel of what you see at the state tournament on championship night. It was quite a show and allowed for the kids to be showcased.

Lastly, in the end, not only promoting the region finals, it also showcased the BOKC in their attempt to become the new home of the girls Sweet 16.

I believe the contract with Diddle Arena and WKU is up in the next year or two. The BOKC will bid for it and I heard Julian Tackett took in the festivities on Sunday.

Look for the BOKC to be aggressive in attempting to get the rights to the Sweet 16 for girls.

 

My thoughts turned to a KHSAA directive that came out a few years back saying that teams were not permitted to circle the floor, but must remain at thier end of the arena for their entire pre-game period. WHile I certainly thought that was a nice touch, even though the spotlight had trouble keeping up with them, I was wondering if the areana staff took liberties with the rule. Clyde????

Edit

My thoughts turned to a KHSAA directive that came out a few years back saying that teams were not permitted to circle the floor, but must remain at thier end of the arena for their entire pre-game period. WHile I certainly thought that was a nice touch, even though the spotlight had trouble keeping up with them, I was wondering if the areana staff took liberties with the rule. Clyde????

Not sure of the rule, but kudos to the Holmes staff for scooting their players closer to the chairs as CovCath was coming out for their ring-around-the-rosey. Really good thinking to avoid any potential pre-game nonsense.

Covington Catholic, 10th in Dave Cantrall's Rating the State, outscored No. 7 Holmes by six in the fourth quarter en route to a 56-51 victory in the 9th Region boys' finals at Northern Kentucky on Monday night.

The Colonels (29-2), who avenged their loss to the Bulldogs in last year's region finals, led 19-10 after one quarter. But Holmes rallied to take a 37-36 lead through three.

Covington Catholic senior Nick Ruthsatz led the way with 24 points, five assists and four rebounds. He was 7-for-12 from the field.

Quentin Chames led Holmes (28-6) with 16 points and nine rebounds. James "Beetle" Bolden added 15 points, but he was 3-for-19 from three-point range.

Read more here: Region tournament highlights: Covington Catholic boys defeats Holmes to reach Sweet Sixteen | High school basketball | Kentucky.com

Bolden tweet:

 

I just want to say congrats to Cov Cath on winning much respect I just want to wish them luck down state now represent the 9th

My thoughts turned to a KHSAA directive that came out a few years back saying that teams were not permitted to circle the floor, but must remain at thier end of the arena for their entire pre-game period. WHile I certainly thought that was a nice touch, even though the spotlight had trouble keeping up with them, I was wondering if the areana staff took liberties with the rule. Clyde????

 

The arena staff really is not in charge of the Regional Tournament. Stan Steidel and crew run that from top to bottom and do an absolutely first class job at that. Anything that goes on as far as pre game, etc. would go through his crew.

On a lighter note, that wrap they put on Heppler after his chin got cut was, ummm, I'll just say interesting.

 

Heppler wound up getting 6 stitches.

You're a generation younger than my dad.

 

"Rub some dirt on it".

 

Or "bounce him" for shots to the nether regions. That one never made sense to me but I guess neither does rubbing dirt on it.

Bolden tweet:

 

I just want to say congrats to Cov Cath on winning much respect I just want to wish them luck down state now represent the 9th

 

THAT'S how it's done!

Edited March 11, 201412 yr by 75center

Heppler wound up getting 6 stitches.

 

Thanks for the update. I assumed it was a pretty good gash with the way they taped him up.

Congrats to Cov Catholic and staff, best of luck down state and it would be nice to have two state title banners in the 35 th and the ninth region, i am a Bulldog guy, but I a happy for " the old guy" , Mark, and Mr Kalin, and so many other supporters of Cov Cath, I hope the crazies show up strong, look forward to many more battles between two great programs, to the Bulldogs, thanks for another exciting year of basketball, I am the pa for the Dogs and I am always proud to be a Bulldog, finally thanks to The Bank of Ky and Mr Steidel for a great show.

Story & Photos: CovCath Beats Holmes, Wins 9TH Region Crown

 

In a tense and physical championship game, Covington Catholic (29-2) took home the Ninth Region Tournament trophy after out-slugging Holmes, 56-51, before a near-capacity crowd at the Bank of Kentucky Center on Monday night.

 

Outside shooting came at a premium with both teams struggling mightily as they combined for a measly 6 from 48 from beyond the arc; at one point in the third quarter, Holmes had gone 0-13. A lot of this came from the ice-cold shooting touch displayed by the otherwise prolific scorer, Holmes' guard James “Beetle” Bolden, but most of the credit goes toward the 3-2 zone played brilliantly by the Colonels.

 

Cov Cath head coach Scott Ruthsatz confirmed that the zone was designed to limit the effectiveness of the Holmes' guard play, specifically their superstar.

 

“We wanted to contain Bolden moving toward the basket,” Ruthsatz explained.

Loved the pictures the boys posted on Instagram....The boy that got the stitches even posted one of his chin with the comment that while the rest of the team was celebrating in the locker room, he was getting stitched up.

 

My Panda daughters were so happy for them this morning and already planning on going to Rupp. My Colonel son is long out of high school but still keeps up with them on social media from out of town. It truly is a brotherhood and a Spirit That Will Not Die....to be on the team is something special but even to be a Colonel Crazy makes the whole experience one they will never forget.

 

Congrats, CCH and Coach Ruthsatz...best of luck at Rupp!

Congratulations to the Cov Cath on a great regional tournament!

Interesting the way it played out over the past 2 years.

 

2013 Holmes beats CCH in the regular season.

CCH beats Holmes in the district finals.

Holmes draws the assumed tougher side of the bracket with Cooper & NCC.

Holmes goes on to be regional champs

 

2014 CCH beats Holmes in the regular season

Holmes Beats CCH in the district finals

CCH draws the assumed tougher side of the bracket Ryle & NCC

CCH wins regional finals.

 

Rivalries like this make high school basketball great!