Last season was a banner year for not only Northern Kentucky basketball, but specifically the 9th Region. The region featured three top 10 teams, statewide, for the majority of the season with two of those teams winning state championships.

 

The Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds won their second consecutive All “A” Classic State Championship, defeating Cordia 72-61 in the finals, while the Covington Catholic Colonels became just the third Northern Kentucky team to win a Sweet 16 State Championship. Led by tournament MVP Nick Ruthsatz, the Colonels ran through the 9th region tournament by knocking off Newcath in the semi finals, 51-43, and then Holmes in the finals 56-51.

 

Once at Rupp Arena the Colonels got a scare from Clay Co, surviving 80-78 in the first round, but then went on to defeat Bardstown (61-54), Bowling Green (81-68), and then came from behind to beat Scott County, 59-51 in overtime, in the championship game.

 

Like most years in 9th region hoops, it is going to be another competitive season where whoever emerges from the gauntlet, that is the 9th region tournament, has earned the right to play for a state championship.

 

Let’s get this party started and jump right in to this season’s top 10 teams and more.

 

Top 10:

 

1. Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds (29-4 Last Season, 36th District Champions, 9th Region Semi Finalist), All A State Champions

 

Key Returners: 5’11 Senior Zack Pangallo, 6’2 Senior Grant Moeves, 6’6 Junior Ben Weyer, 6’7 Senior Drew McDonald

 

Others to watch: Senior Seth Freppon, 6’1 Sophomore Luke Moeves, 6’4 Sophomore Trey Wurtz, 6’0 Junior Eric Anderson, 6’0 Junior Brian Anderson, Junior John Ludwig, 5’8 Freshman Stevie Pangallo

 

The Breds enter the season as the preseason #1 team for the third consecutive season led by a quartet of players who have seen varsity action since their freshman year with a back court duo that features 5’11 senior point guard Zack Pangallo and 6’2 senior guard Grant Moeves as well as one of the best and most versatile front courts in the state in 6’6 junior forward Ben Weyer and 6’7 senior Northern Kentucky University commit Drew McDonald.

 

While Coach Dawn’s squad will be one of the most talented in the state 1 through 4, it is the experience of that group that will be the biggest asset heading in to this season.

 

“ I think experience is important, going through some of the things we went through last season,” Said Coach Dawn. “ We played in some big tournaments (last season) and big games so hopefully that will help us. But one of the biggest keys is you gotta stay healthy and be playing well at the right time.”

 

Coming off back to back disappointing losses in the 9th region tournament to the eventual region champion has this group more focused than ever to try to get to Rupp Arena and make noise statewide.

 

“ After Covcath beat us in the semi finals last year and went on to win state, we knew we let an opportunity slip away,” Said Drew McDonald. “ We made excuses throughout the season but this year there’s no excuses. We have the talent and coaching this year and it’s all about how we’re going to work (together). As seniors we’re not going to let this group not work hard and let another opportunity slip through our fingers like we did the past few years.”

 

With high hopes and expectations usually comes added pressure, but senior Zack Pangallo thinks the way the last two seasons played out helps the focus of this year’s team.

 

“ Coming in to the third year, we want to look away coming in number one, preseason. We try not to worry about that as much and worry more about playing our game and playing how we know we can.”

 

The one common theme for the Breds the past few seasons has been the lack of depth but head coach Ron Dawn is confident that he has a group of five players in sophomores Luke Moeves and Trey Wurtz, as well as juniors Brian and Eric Anderson, and John Ludwig that can help get this year’s version of the Breds over the top.

 

“ A lot of people haven’t heard of John Ludwig but he’s a great shooter and Trey Wurtz, who is about 6’4, just keeps getting better. Those guys are going to have to step up for us to give us the added depth.”

The Breds will play a brutal schedule once again this season that includes appearances in the King of the Bluegrass at Fairdale High School, the Kentucky-Indiana Challenge, as well as regular season match ups with preseason #1 Louisville Trinity, preseason 6th region favorite Doss at Taylor County, and the obvious 9th region games against preseason top 15 teams Holmes and Covington Catholic.

 

“I’m hoping it helps,” Coach Dawn said. “When you get used to playing in those types of games where you don’t learn things, I don’t think it really helps you.”

 

Coach Dawn continued.

 

“Some people say a loss is never good but when you play good teams and figure out some things about your team, it’s going to make you better by the end of the year.”

 

Despite the experience and talent that Coach Dawn returns, he still feels there are areas of improvement for this team to get to an elite level.

 

“I’m always thinking we have to get better defensively and with our execution, but we really have to get better with team rebounding. We relied so heavily on (departed senior) Jake Schulte last season with his size and length rebounding, Drew (McDonald) and Ben (Weyer) are going to have to do more, and then our guards are going to have to rebound better.”

 

Much like the past few years, expectations are high for this group.

 

“ We have great team chemistry and really bond well together as a team,” Said Drew McDonald. “ We want it bad enough, we just have to go out there and work hard every day.”

 

Zack Pangallo continued.

 

“As a team we definitely want to win region and All “A” State for a third year in a row but getting to Rupp is most important because we’ve come up short the past two years. We have to use our experience from the past two years and use that to our advantage”

 

With the talent and experience that the Thoroughbreds have this year, is this the year they finally get over the hump? We will start to find out December 2nd when the Breds travel to preseason number 4, Dixie Heights.

 

 

2. Covington Catholic Colonels (33-2 Last Season, 35th District Runner Up, 9th Region Champions, KHSAA Sweet 16 State Champions)

 

Key Returners: 6’1 Sophomore Cole VonHandorf (10.9 ppg, 3.1 rpg), 6’6 Senior Bo Schuh (8.9 ppg, 5.7 rpg), 6’1 Senior Cooper Theobald, 6’2 Senior G Matt Schumate, 6’1 Senior G Grant Romes, 6’4 Sophomore C Will Heppler

 

It was a party in Park Hills last season as the Colonels returned to the state tournament for the first time since the 2006 season. This time, however, Head Coach Scott Ruthsatz team returned home from Lexington with a state championship trophy.

 

Despite losing a special senior class from last year that included the school’s all time leading scorer and state tournament MVP, Nick Ruthsatz, the Colonels program will come in to this season with even more momentum.

 

“With everything that happened last year, we had a lot of guys experience that,” Said Coach Scott Ruthsatz. “ For our program it was such a boost for all of our underage guys. To experience that was tremendous and those guys have put forth a great effort over the summer.”

 

Leading this year’s version of the Colonels will be 6’1 sophomore Cole VonHandorf, who already holds offers from Northern Kentucky University and Winthrop. VonHandorf is a smooth lefty that can play both point guard and shooting guard as he has a solid handle and good court vision with the ball in his hands, but also possesses the strength to take a defender off the dribble and finish at the rim. One of the biggest areas of improvement for the young sophomore has been his ability to hit the pull up jumper, as well as consistency from beyond the arc. His strength, however, is on defense where he has the ability to lock up an opposing player’s best team.

 

Joining Vonhandorf in the back court will be senior Cooper Theobald, who spent a lot of time working with assistant coach Joe Fredrick both on and off the court this summer to improve his game.

 

“ Cooper will be surprising, I think the biggest surprise for us this year just because of what he had to go through last year in preparation of guarding Nick (Ruthsatz) every day.”

 

Coach Ruthsatz continued.

 

“He’s improved tremendously and I think his confidence is really blossoming right now.”

 

The player that could determine how successful the Colonels are this year, however, is 6’6 senior forward Bo Schuh, who really came on during the Colonels post season run last year.

 

“ Bo is playing within himself,” Said Ruthsatz. “ He’s doing a really good job taking care of the boards, finishing inside, knowing when to shoot perimeter jump shots and when to drive, doing a better job of driving and kicking and getting more guys involved.”

 

Looking at the rest of the Colonels roster, Matt Schumate, Andy Flood, and Austin Sweeney should be expected to give the Colonels a boost off the bench.

 

“ Those guys will come in and give us really good minutes.”

 

Taking the place of departed senior Mark Schult in the front court should be 6’1 senior Grant Romes.

 

“ Grant has been playing tremendous,” Said Ruthsatz. “ He’s really physically strong, very quick, low to the ground, and even at 6’1-6’2 he has great explosiveness.”

 

Romes is a player who brings toughness and physicality to the Colonels inside that has become a staple of the Colonels program since Ruthsatz took over. His scrappy play will be a huge asset to what the Colonels want to do at both ends of the court this year.

 

The biggest strength of this year’s Colonels team should be their offense. They will continue to run the same sets that they’ve ran the past three years, which has created continuity within the program at all three levels.

 

Defensively, the Colonels will try to implement new roles and different assignments for multiple players adjusting to higher expectations, but head coach Scott Ruthsatz still feels that you will see a team that is tough to go against.

 

 

“ I think our pressure of the guards is pretty good between Cole and Cooper….we have a lot more length than we had in the past so we can use multiple defenses that will be extremely beneficial to us.”

 

Being solid defensively will be a key component for the Colonels throughout the season, as they will once again play one of the toughest schedules in the state with match ups against Louisville Trinity, Campbell County, Knott County Central, and the always tough 9th region teams, as well as out of state games against Cincinnati Moeller and Wilmington, who features one of the best 2015 guards in the state in Javon Cumberland and cousin Jarron Cumberland who is another high major guard.

 

“ I think the mindset of going against really good teams,” Said Ruthsatz. “ When you’re going against teams and winning big, I think it gives you that false sense of security. We need to go in and really have some battles to where we’re either winning by a couple or losing by a couple points a couple and really take some things from it both positive and negative and really use that for our progression in to the post season against our region teams.”

 

That type of scheduling and progress throughout the season last year helped propel to the Colonels to an elite status by the end of December. But coming off a state championship and back to back 9th region finals, how good can this year’s version of the Colonels be?

 

“ Expectations are still really high but like I tell a lot of people, it’s a different group,” Said Ruthsatz. “ I think the personalities change and anytime the personalities change you gotta find the chemistry and that’s always something that every coach in the country is doing right now.”

 

The 9th region has seen a different region champion for the past 5 years. Can the Colonels become the first team, since Holmes won three consecutive region titles, to repeat and get back to Rupp? We should know a lot about this team early as they take on #1 in the state, Louisville Trinity, December 12th.

 

 

3. Holmes Bulldogs (28-6 Last Season, 35th District Champions, 9th Region Finalist)

 

Key Returners: 6’0 Senior PG James Bolden, 5’11 Junior Markel McClendon, 6’4 Senior Rod Avery

 

Others To Watch: 6’1 senior Jason Covington, 6’2 Junior Marcus Mullins, 5’11 Junior Ian Brolley, 6’2 Junior Andrew Arnold, 6’4 Junior Brandon Moore, 6’5 Sophomore Jaiden Greene, 6’1 Freshman Raavai Commodore

 

After back to back appearances in the region finals, the Holmes Bulldogs look primed and ready to go for another deep post season run. The Bulldogs return the best player in the region, and one of the best in the state, in senior West Virginia commit James Bolden as well as a junior who has seen varsity minutes since his 8th grade year in 5’11 Markel McClendon, and 6’4 senior Rod Avery who is arguably the best athlete in the region.

 

When you have a player of Bolden’s caliber, however, it’s no secret who the coaching staff wants to run the offense and be the leader on both ends of the court.

 

“ He’s awfully important,” Said new head coach Mike Listerman. “ I much rather have him with us than not. He went through a scary moment back in September where he tweaked his knee a little bit but he’s back 110 percent now and he’s ready to go. We’re looking for a great season from “Beetle” and his teammates will be counting on him but we won’t have to have just Beetle score for us. We have some other players who can come up and we’re going to have to count on to step up and take the pressure off of B.”

 

The main player who will have to elevate their game for Holmes to be successful is fellow senior Rod Avery, who is receiving Division II interest at the moment.

 

“ Rod’s got tremendous athleticism and he’s not a big wide body like a lot of teams have but Rod’s certainly as athletic, if not more athletic than anyone else he’s going to play against,” Said Coach Listerman.

 

Joining Bolden in the backcourt once again is 5’11 junior Markel McClendon, who is one of the quickest guards in the region at both ends of the court.

 

“We’ve really been working with Markel on his pull up jump shot and he’s really beginning to get some confidence in that so I’m looking for some good things out of Markel, as well.”

 

While those three will likely get the majority of the publicity, it is a deep and talented junior class that has won at every level they’ve been at that must continue to progress if Holmes is going to get out of the region and back to Rupp Arena.

 

Leading that group is Marcus Mullins, who spent the majority of last season injured, but is one of the best kept secrets that not many know about.

 

“ Very athletic, can get to the rim, left handed, and he can also shoot the 3,” Coach Listerman explained in regards to Mullins’ game.

 

The others rounding out that junior group include Ian Brolley, Andrew Arnold, Brennon Englemon, and 6’4 center Brandon Moore, who Coach Listerman has high hopes for.

 

“ He’s not a great leaper, but he’s got a tremendous touch around the basket, and can also shoot the 3, so people are going to have to come out and guard him.”

 

It is a sophomore and freshman, however, that will push that junior class for minutes in 6’5 Jaiden Greene and 6’1 Raavai Commodore, who is considered the best freshman in Northern Kentucky.

 

“ Jaiden’s had a very good preseason and he’s getting better every day,” Said Coach Listerman. “ Raavai is very athletic and a kid that never says boo and plays his tail end off. I like this group and truly believe we are getting better.”

 

Coach Listerman brings a different approach to the game after spending the last several years as a Holmes assistant under Booher.

 

“ I think you’re going to see a team that plays much better team defense. We’re not perfect but the kids are really buying in to what we’re doing and they’ve made me excited about the possibilities of what we could be. I don’t think we’ll be there in December but we’ll be there in late February.”

 

The areas the Bulldogs will need to improve as a team are their shooting and defense.

 

“ We’ve been putting a lot of emphasis on that and think we are making strides,” Coach Listerman explained. “ We’re going to get after people. We’ve got a variety of presses and variety of looks for what we can throw at people. We will not be one dimensional. And we’ll try to push the tempo. I think that’s when our kids play the best…when the pace gets uptempo but certainly there’s a lot of coaches out there who are going to keep us from trying to do that.”

 

Much like the other top teams in the region, the Bulldogs will play a challenging schedule that includes an appearance at the King of Bluegrass at Fairdale High School, a match up with #1 Trinity in the Joe B Hall Classic, regular season games against Henry Clay and Mason County, as well as the 9th region match ups against top 10 Covington Catholic and Newcath.

 

Like most years for Holmes’ program, expectations are once again high in Covington.

 

“ We seen what Covcath did (last year),” Said Bolden. “ They had a great draw and all we were thinking was that could have been us. We just have to work hard and we believe we can get back to the region finals. I personally think we can be in the state championship if everyone buys in to what Coach L says, work hard, get back on defense, and play to our strengths and not weaknesses.”

 

The 9th region will be extremely tough to get out of with the Bulldogs likely having to knock off both Covington Catholic and Newport Catholic, among others, to get to the state tournament, but with a player like Bolden, anything seems possible.

 

 

4. Dixie Heights Colonels (24-8 Last Season, 34th District Champions, 9th Region Semi Finalist)

 

Key Returners: 5’11 Senior PG Liam Rabe, 6’2 Senior G Austin Schreck, 6’3 Senior F Nick Niehaus, 6’4 Senior G Drew Moore, 6’4 Senior F Matt Isbel, 6’5 Senior F Andrew Hedger, 6’8 Senior C Mitch Bolin

 

Others to Watch: 6’1 Sophomore G Hunter Meyer, 5’10 Sophomore Charlie Beagle

 

Despite losing the all time 9th region scoring leader in Vermont signee Brandon Hatton, the Colonels come in to the 2014/2015 season as the most experienced team in the region. Coach Chevalier has the size, depth, and experience to make noise not only in the 9th region but possibly the state as well.

 

“ Over the course of the year, we’ve had some kids work really hard to put theirselves in position to have great senior seasons,” Said Head Coach Ken Chevalier. “ When you look at (our roster) I think our experience is second to none of anyone in the region.”

 

In the back court the Colonels feature a pair of top 10 senior guards in Liam Rabe and Austin Schreck, who return as three year starters

 

Rabe is a great ball handler and shows good court vision while also being one of the better defenders in the region and has improved his outside shot to give an added dimension to an already solid game.

 

Schreck isn’t going to put up huge numbers but rebounds extremely well for a guard and does all of the little things that Dixie will need to be successful at both ends of the floor, on top of having a very high IQ both on and off the court.

 

The player that could end up being the best on the team, however, is 6’4 senior Drew Moore. It may take a while for him to get back in basketball shape with the Colonels football team making a deep post season run, but there aren’t many kids in the region more athletic than him and his size makes him a match up problem for most other teams in the region out on the perimeter at both ends of the floor. When he is aggressive and attacking the rim, he is tough to stop.

 

In the front court, the Colonels have the size and depth to compete with almost anyone in the state. 6’5 senior Andrew Hedger and 6’8 senior center Mitch Bolin will anchor the paint with Nick Niehaus and Matt Isbel giving the Colonels a different look with players that can play inside or step outside and stretch the floor with their mid range game and outside shot. How well this group plays will determine how successful the Colonels are this season.

 

“ I think the biggest surprise that people are going to see this year is senior Mitchell Bolin,” Said Chevalier. “ Mitchell has had a great off season and has some lower level colleges looking at him right now and he’s doing some great things.”

 

Chevalier continued.

 

“But you can’t discount our old grizzly vet, Nick Niehaus, who is on his fourth year of varsity basketball. Nick does all the little things. He takes charges. He’s always in position on the defensive end and he’s very vocal so I’m really happy he’s around for his fourth year of varsity basketball.”

 

One of the biggest additions to this year’s squad will be sophomore Hunter Meyer.

 

Meyer is considered one of the better sophomores in Northern Kentucky because of his ability to not only knock down the outside shot, but also handle the ball and get in the lane and finish through contact, playing both the point and two guard.

 

At 6’1, he has a solid build and can defend multiple perimeter positions. Expect the sophomore to start making a name for himself this season after having a strong summer both on the AAU circuit and during high school summer ball.

 

“Hunter’s a kid that we’re going to look to take some major minutes this year as well,” Said Chevalier.

 

With the type of size and experience that Chevalier returns, this group should be able to throw multiple looks at the opposition on both ends of the floor.

 

“ When you look at the fact that we can put a real athletic team on the floor and really turn up the heat on our man to man defense or we can put a big team on the floor with a 6’7, 6’5, and 6’4 combination, I think this year our experience and our versatility with what we can do on the defensive end is really going to put us back in the hunt for that regional title,” Chevalier said.

 

Much like the football team, this group has went through their ups and downs as a young, inexperienced team as freshmen, sophomores, and even last year as juniors at the varsity level. We are all witnesses at what that experience and versatility did for that group. Will it carry over to this group and should we expect similar results on the hardwood, despite not having their full roster until the middle of December?

 

“ We’re going to take things in stride and we know that we can put a competitive product on the floor day 1 against NCC on December 2nd, but it’s going to be a process,” Said Chevalier. “ We’re not going to get too hung up on wins in December and we’re just going to try to keep the kids healthy from a physical and mental standpoint and put some different looks in this year and make sure that we can make that push for a district and regional title at the end of February and beginning of March.”

 

 

5. Cooper Jaguars (13-12 Last Season, 33rd District Semi Finalist)

 

Key Returners: 5’10 senior Patrick Dragan, 5’11 Sophomore PG Dante Hendrix, 6’1 Sophomore G Sean McNeil, 6’2 Senior F Jon Liechty, 6’4 Senior F Colin Hathorn, 6’7 Senior C Phillip Hawkins

 

Others to watch: 5’11 Freshman Adam Kunkel, Sophomore Jaiden Jackson, 6’2 senior Blake Dickerson, Junior Marcus Watson

 

When it comes to Cooper basketball, there are two things that are a given regardless of who Tim Sullivan puts on the floor.

 

They are going to defend at a high level and play with great intensity at both ends of the floor.

 

“This summer we really tried to amp up what we did in the weight room with getting guys bigger and stronger,” Said Head Coach Tim Sullivan. “ Not only getting bigger and stronger but also trying to get guys tougher. We’ve gotten some leadership out of our older guys and I think it’s carrying over to what our guys are doing now.”

 

This season should be no different as the Jaguars return two of the best sophomores in Northern Kentucky in Dante Hendrix and Sean McNeil in the back court.

 

“Dante is going to run the point for us, and is obviously going to be behind a little with our football team making a run, but he’s just a heady kid and I look for him to be back in basketball shape by mid January with conditioning.”

 

Hendrix, who is also a standout football player, is an athletic point guard that handles the ball well and shows the ability to score when needed to both attacking the rim and from outside. It is the scoring ability of backcourt mate Sean McNeil, however, that will likely lead the Jags this season.

 

“Understanding how to attack every single game and every day is the key for him because he’s got the ability and he’s got all the skills and size,” said Sullivan.

 

Much like his brother Zach, last year, Sean has the ability to score from anywhere on the floor at all three levels and at 6’1 also gives Coach Sullivan size out on the perimeter on defense. McNeil didn’t get to play as much last season because of a foot injury, but if he can stay healthy he has the ability to be one the top 10 best players in the 9th region by season’s end.

 

Joining Hendrix and McNeil in the backcourt will be 6’3 senior Jon Liechty.

 

“I think on the perimeter you’re going to see a lot from Jon Liechty. He’s really put some muscle on his body and got more athletic,” Said Sullivan. “ When he plays with confidence, he can be one of the better guards in our region.”

 

Liechty is a long, athletic player that can play both inside or out and has the ability to lead the Jaguars in scoring on any given night because of his versatility.

 

In the front court, it will be the duo of Phillip Hawkins and Colin Hathorn that will be counted on to keep teams from keying on McNeil, as well as 6’2 senior Blake Dickerson .

 

“We’re really going to ride our front court this year,” Said Sullivan. “If we pound it inside to our bigs, good things will happen out on the perimeter because we have kids who can shoot.

 

Hathorn, while being more of a power player, also has a nice touch out to 12 feet and is relentless when going to the rim, trying to dunk on anyone in his way. If he can stay out of foul trouble and play smart, he is another kid that has the ability to be a top 10 9th region talent.

 

The X factor for this Jaguars team is the progression and consistency of Phillip Hawkins. The former Dixie Heights Colonel didn’t have as great of a season as expected last year, but at 6’7 he has the athletic ability to alter games at both ends of the court. If he can produce when in the game, Cooper can be a dangerous team because of how well they are going to defend.

 

The one area of this team that is going to be a process throughout the preseason and early season games for Sullivan is developing depth.

 

“ We’ve gotta see throughout the preseason who progresses and who can step up and come off the bench.”

 

One of the players expected to contribute is senior Patrick Dragan.

 

“ I really feel like he can come off the bench and do a really nice job for us but overall I feel like our depth could be a little bit of a problem.”

 

Sullivan continued

 

“I’m more anxious to see are we a tough enough team to win in the 33rd district. This year is going to be about just enjoying the process and just building every single day and trying to learn to play together and be tough enough to win those tough games. ”

 

It comes as no surprise that toughness is mentioned the most when Sullivan talks about expectations for this team. If the team can put out the same effort on the court as the coach does on the sidelines, this year’s version of the Jags will be just fine.

 

 

 

6. Boone County Rebels (16-11 Last Season, 33rd District Semi Finalist)

 

The Rebels return one of the most versatile guards in the region in 6’1 senior Brenden Stanley. The senior guard can play both inside or outside but will need help from fellow seniors Brett Mayberry and 6’5 center Junior Stockwell for Coach McQueary’s squad to get back to the region tournament.

 

Other players that will be looked upon to provide a spark include senior Haven Borkowski, and juniors Dylon Bishop Malcolm Stockwellm and sophomore Colin Teegarden.

 

"We should be quick," Said senior point guard Brett Mayberry. " We'll get up and down the floor well and be able to knock down shots from outside. Colin Teegarden should give us quality minutes off the bench and Malcolm Stockwell should be help down low getting boards and putbacks."

 

 

 

7. Newport Wildcats (15-11 Last Season, 36th District Semi Finalist)

 

Key Returners: 6’1 Junior Ethan Snapp, 5’11 Senior Paul Price, 5’11 Senior Dom Joseph, 6’5 Sophomore Kam Covington

 

The Wildcats are led by arguably the best scoring guards in the region in 6’1 junior Ethan Snapp, who averaged 20 ppg last season as a sophomore.

 

“ I think it’s important that he just stays focused and injury free,” Said father and head coach Rod Snapp. “ He’s providing leadership instead of getting down on himself and others and doing a good job getting others involved.”

 

Snapp has unlimited range and a great handle at either guard position and has improved his strength since last year.

 

Joining Snapp in the back court are a pair of tough, hard nosed senior guards in Paul Price (14.3 ppg, 5.1 rpg last season), and Dom Joseph (6 ppg, 5 rpg).

 

“Dom plays his role and is a big strong kid that is very coachable,” Said Snapp. “ Paul is our point guard and probably our best defender. “

 

In the front court, Newport has one of the most underrated big men in the region in 6’5 sophomore Kam Covington, who averaged 9.7 ppg and 8.7 rpg last year as a freshman. How well Covington plays at both ends this season will be a huge factor in how successful the Wildcats can be. The talent is in place for them to move up in the rankings.

 

Other plays to watch include juniors Ryan Ochoa (5.3 ppg), Tyree Bolden, and freshman Rico Hollis, who is widely regarded as the best athlete in Northern Kentucky for 2018.

 

“ I’ve got 14 returning players and 4 starters,” Said Head Coach Rod Snapp. “ We’ve got new guys who have gotten better over the summer in Najee Williams and Kedan Davis.”

 

Any time a coach returns his entire roster, team chemistry is obviously going to be one of the biggest strengths heading in to a new season.

 

“ These guys all hang out (together) and seem to get along,” Said Snapp. “ That’s important, I think because there’s a lot of things that count besides just having some talent. We’ve got some speed and size. Returning the nucleus of your team is a strength that can a long way.”

 

And expectations?

 

“ It’s so early, honestly I don’t know,” Said Snapp. “ You never know what to expect with these guys.”

 

Much like every other preseason, I’ll end this Newport preview with the old “ Don’t be surprised if the Wildcats make some noise this year.”

 

8. Ryle Raiders (14-12 Last Season, 33rd District Champions, 9th Region Quarter Finalist)

 

Key Returners: Junior Tyrek Owens, Senior Jake Puthoff, Senior Max Lonneman

 

Others to Watch: Junior Logan Turner, Senior Eric Moore, Gavin Brandt, Junior Jack Driscoll, Sophomore, Jared Webster, Sophomore Brandon Cheeseman

 

The Raiders will have a much different look this season and run a different system due to a lack of height and post presence with the graduation of Will Stuhr, JB Allen, and Josh Bellew.

 

Returning in the back court is two year starter Tyrek Owen as well as Jake Puthoff, Max Lonneman., and Logan Turner, who gives the Raiders a deep threat.

 

Gavin Brandt and Eric Moore will be counted on to provide defense and leadership off the bench, while back up point guard Brandon Cheeseman should give solid minutes.

 

The Raiders will be small in the front court with junior Jack Driscoll and sophomore Jared Webster manning the post, but should be able to play more uptempo and shoot the ball well from outside with a guard dominated team.

 

As a team, the Raiders will have to play good help defense in the post to make up for a lack of size but have a lot of young talent coming up that Coach McFarland should be able to develop throughout the season to give the Raiders depth.

 

 

9. St Henry Crusaders (14-11 Last Season, 34th District Runner Up, 9th Region Quarter Finalist)

 

Key Returners: 5’10 Junior Adam Goetz, 6’1 Senior Alex Green, 6’3 Junior Paul Wallenhorst, 6’4 Senior Connor Kunstek

 

Despite losing a deep senior class from last year’s 34th district runner up team, head coach Dave Faust has liked what he’s saw from his team so far this off season.

 

“ We just got most of our team back within the last (two weeks) but I think we progressed well,” Said Faust. “ but I think we had a great off season and I know some of the kids worked extremely hard to improve their game and I think it’s shown.”

 

Leading the way for the Cru this season will be 6’3 forward Connor Kunstek, who is in his fourth year of varsity basketball at St Henry.

 

“ I expect a lot from Connor,” Said Faust. “He’s been one of the best leaders I’ve ever had in all my years of coaching.”

 

Helping take pressure off Kunstek, will be a pair of junior guards in Adam Goetz and Paul Wallenhorst.

 

“ They both worked on their game in the off season and have improved a lot,” Said Faust.

 

The player that could end up being the key piece to the Crusaders success, however, is Senior Alex Green.

 

“ Alex Green got some great minutes last year as a junior,” Said Faust. “ He played soccer and he’s just not getting in to shape but I think Alex will have a good senior year.”

 

The Cru will count on two transfers in senior Evan Lyons and junior Grant Williams, as well as senior Logan Kenney and Josh Lanning to provide depth.

 

“Right now I’m rotating 10 kids and hopefully that helps with depth and we’ll see how that goes,” Said Faust.

 

Offensively, the Crusaders should be able to put some points on the board led by Kunstek, Goetz, Green, and Wallenhorst, but the Cru will have to take care of the ball to be successful this season.

 

“Too many turnovers right now in preseason practices,” Said Faust. “ We’re not a very good rebounding team right now and we’re going to have to (improve) because we’re not very big.”

 

Much like every year, the Crusaders have expectations to win their district and get in to the region where anything can happen.

 

 

 

10. Conner Cougars (11-15 Last Season, 33rd District Runner Up, 9th Region Quarter Finalist)

 

Key Returners: 5’10 Senior Nick Watts, 6’1 Junior Michael Scott, 6’1 Junior Alec Garnett

 

Others to Watch: Senior Jacob Barnes, Senior Malek Scott, Senior Justin Rabe, Junior Kyler Padgett, Sophomore Spencer Hemmerich,

 

The Cougars will try to replace one of the best scorers in the region from last year in Sam Hemmerich, but head coach Jim Hicks thinks the Cougars will be better than what many are expecting.

 

“This is probably one of the hardest working teams that I’ve coached. They leave it all out on the floor and in the weight room they just work really hard and they’re a good group together.”

 

Leading the way for the Cougars this year will be a pair of guards in 5’11 senior guard Nick Watts and 6’1 junior Michael Scott.

 

“ Michael Scott is huge for us this year and is going to play a pivotal role,” Said Hicks. “ Nick Watts is very athletic and will play a pivotal role for us as well. “

 

The player that the Hicks is expecting to really make a name for himself this year, however, is guard Jacob Barnes.

 

“People don’t know about him right now but they will once the season starts because he’s a really good shooter,” Said Hicks.

 

Bringing some versatility to the front court with an inside outside game is junior Alec Garnett, an Indiana transfer in Ian Collier, as well as a defensive player in Kyler Padgett, who also handles the ball well.

 

Coach Hicks expects the overall team quickness and defense to be the strength of this year’s version of the Cougars.

 

“ We get after it pretty well in practice so hopefully it carries over to the games. We’re not very big so we have to get after teams that way.”

 

Despite the lack of love for Hicks’ group in the preseason polls and chatter around Northern Kentucky, Hicks feels that this group can make some noise.

 

“The sky is the limit for this group. I think they can be as good as they want to be. It’s always a battle to get out of the 33rd district and in to the region so hopefully we’re there come the end of February.”

 

 

11. Highlands Bluebirds (9-15 Last Season, 36th District Runner Up, 9th Region Quarter Finalist)

 

Heading in to his second year as Highlands’ head coach, Coach Listerman will look at for a pair of seniors in Parker Harris and Justin Weyer as well as junior Mitchell Cain to lead the Bluebirds. It’s tough to get a true gauge on how the Bluebirds will do until December because you never know which footballers will be apart of the roster. Regardless, like any Listerman coached team, you will see great effort and intensity at both ends.

 

12. Lloyd Juggernauts (6-24 Last Season)

 

The Juggernauts had a disappointing 6 win season last year as a very young squad but should be much improved this year with their entire roster back. Look for sophomore Lashunn Townsend, who is one of the better athletes in Northern Kentucky for 2017, to once again lead this team and improve upon his 9.2 ppg from last season.

 

The senior group of Hayden Molitor (7.9 ppg last season), Sergio Gutierrez (6.7 ppg last season), Donald Wright (6.3 ppg last season), and Zach Riddle (6.3 ppg last season) should give the Juggs the experience and leadership needed to be successful this season.

 

 

13. Beechwood Tigers (11-16 last season)

 

The Tigers come in at #13 in the rankings but could surprise some teams ahead of them with virtually their entire roster back, minus Max Shover. Look for leading scorer from a season ago, Jacob Huff (15.7 ppg), to once again lead the Tigers as Erik Goetz looks for his team to improve upon last season’s 11 win total.

 

Other players who will play a role in the Tigers success include seniors Connor Brock (8.6 ppg last season), Kyle Fieger (8.2 ppg last season), and Jonathon Stokes (4.6 ppg, 6.7 rpg last season).

 

14. Holy Cross Indians (7-19 Last Season)

 

After winning only 7 games last season in his first year as head coach at Holy Cross, Ryan Schrand returns a group this year with the experience that they lacked in year one. The outside shooting of Leighton Schrand, Hamilton Scott, and Jared Seibert will be an important key for this year’s team, but it is versatile junior forward Tyler Bezold that will be looked upon for leadership and consistent scoring.

 

15. Bellevue Tigers (16-12 Last Season)

 

The Tigers return four of their top five leading scorers from last season in senior Austin Woodyard (12.8 ppg), senior Zach Barrett (9.8 ppg), junior Matthew Fryman (6.2 ppg), and senior Nate Arnzen (5.6 ppg).

 

With experience being so important at the Division III level in Northern Kentucky, look for the black and gold Tigers to come in as the favorite for the DIII crown.

 

16. Ludlow Panthers (15-11 Last Season)

 

The Panthers will have to replace DIII player of the year, Jared Howard, as well as running mates Mitchell Cody, Josh Furnish, Geoffrey Thornsburg, and Jake Mahan.

 

Returning seniors Cam Hart and Tyler Durham will likely be called upon to lead a deep group of juniors.

 

17. Dayton Green Devils ( 7-18 Last Season)

The Devils will look to improve upon last season’s 7 wins with the return of 5 seniors.

 

18. Villa Madonna (5-19 Last Season)

 

The Blue Lightning will feature a roster this year that includes 8 players who are either a freshman or sophomore, with just one seniors.

 

Look for Junior Alex Kenkel and Sophomore Thomas Schutzman to lead the Blue Lightning more often than not.

 

19. Heritage Academy (3-19 Last Season)

 

The Eagles will have to replace Daniel Vargas and his 21 ppg from a season ago but will return three of their top 4 leading scorers in sophomore Crew Harper (12.4 ppg, 8.6 rpg) and junior Isaiah Liske (9.8 ppg, 9.2 rpg) , and Zach Siren (8.9 ppg)

 

20. Covington Latin (0-19 Last Season)

 

The Trojans will be led by a group of 6 seniors, looking to improve on last year’s winless season.

 

As stars from last year have moved on, some of those familiar faces are back this year, while new ones will emerge. With that said, let’s jump in to this year’s 9th Region Top 10 Players List:

 

1. James Bolden (5’11 Senior PG Holmes)

The West Virginia commit is not only the most dynamic guard in the region, but also one of the best players in the state and is considered one of the favorites for Kentucky Mr Basketball. “Beetle” has been wowing crowds since his sophomore year with his passing and play-making ability, but it is his strength and overall athleticism that has improved the most over the past two years that has made him a nationally known name. Of all the players in the 9th region, he is the one that has the most potential to single handedly lead his team to a region championship. His ability to knock down big time shots has been on full display since he took the reigns as Holmes’ starting point guard. Bolden suffered a knee injury over the summer but seems to be back and ready to go after dropping 34 points on Scott County in the team’s first scrimmage.

 

2. Drew McDonald (6’7 Senior F Newcath)

Much like Bolden, McDonald burst on the scene as a little known freshman and has been making a name for himself since. Playing for the Kentucky Travelers AAU team the past two summers on the Nike EYBL circuit, McDonald earned scholarship offers from UNC-Asheville, Wright State, St. Francis and Kentucky Wesleyan before finally committing to the hometown Northern Kentucky Norse. McDonald is a skilled forward who at 6’7 can use his strength inside to finish around the rim, or use his versatility to stretch a defense and step out hit the midrange jumper or outside shot. The most over looked aspect of the big man’s game, however, is how well he passes from the high post. Look for McDonald to have another stellar year that could potentially lead to a third consecutive All “A” state championship, as well as a trip to Rupp Arena in March.

 

3. Zack Pangallo (5’10 Senior PG Newcath)

Pangallo is the best “pure” point guard in the 9th region and one of the most underrated point guards in the state for the class of 2015. Pangallo has the quickness to blow by his defender off the dribble and score at all three levels but it is his improved outside shot to go with a solid mid range game that will make him even tougher to defend. The area of the talented senior’s game that often gets overlooked is how good of a defender he is. Pangallo was the All “A” Classic state tournament MVP last year and should add even more accolades to his resume with another strong season.

 

4. Cole VonHandorf (6’1 Sophomore G Covcath)

Already heading in to his third year of varsity basketball as a sophomore, VonHandorf lands at number 4 in this year’s preseason rankings. The talented guard can play and defend both the 1 and 2 guard positions and excels at using his strength to get to the rim and finishing through contact. Vonhandorf’s on the ball and off the ball defense is one of the best in the region and he will likely be called upon to defend the opposing team’s best player more often than not out on the perimeter. Mature beyond his age, Vonhandorf is considered one of the best players in the state for the class of 2017 and had a strong summer playing for the Nike EYBL Kentucky Travelers’ 16U squad. With Nick Ruthsatz gone, expect to see Vonhandorf’s 11 ppg average from a season ago to increase as the featured player on the Covington Catholic Colonels squad.

 

5. Brendan Stanley (6’1 Senior G Boone County)

Having played varsity since his freshman year, Stanley enters his 4th year of varsity action as one of the most versatile players in the region. Stanley can score at all three levels and is more of a point forward than anything. You will see him defend the 1 through 4 on defense and he is skilled enough to use his strength inside against smaller players or hit the outside shot against bigger defenders. The one area that looked to be improved upon when seeing him over the summer was how well he shot from outside. That aspect of his game will be crucial to the success of this year’s version of the Boone County Rebels. Stanley must do a better job at rising to the occasion against better teams, but expect him to put up big numbers this season.

 

6. Bo Schuh (6’6 Senior F Covcath)

Schuh is coming off a season in which he averaged 9 ppg and 6 rpg, but his athletic ability and potential were on full display during the Colonels 9th Region and State tournament run, as he had 15 rebounds in the 9th region championship against an athletic Holmes front court, and 12 rebounds in the state championship against Scott County and their 7’0 center. At 6’6 Schuh has the versatility to step out and hit the three and has really improved his strength to allow him to go inside and bang with opposing bigs at both ends of the floor. Consistency is the biggest issue with the athletic and talented forward. If he plays to his potential, he could end up higher in the player rankings by season’s end.

 

7. Ethan Snapp (6’1 Junior G Newport)

The Newport guard is arguably the best scorer in Northern Kentucky (20 ppg as a sophomore) and one of the best in the state for his class. Snapp is another Northern Kentucky player that had a strong summer on the AAU circuit as he picked up an offer from Division II University of Charleston, and is also receiving interest from Division I programs Army, Belmont, Wofford, and Lipscomb, among others. The one area of his game that needs to improve is at the defensive end but added strength and spending hours in the gym to improve his overall game should help that this season. With Newport playing a tough schedule this season, expect Snapp’s exposure to continue to increase statewide.

 

8. Ben Weyer ( 6’6 Junior F Newcath)

Despite being #8 on the player rankings list, there might not be another player in the region, minus James Bolden, that has a bigger impact for their team this season. The 6’6 forward has the ability to impact a game on the defensive end with his athleticism and shot blocking ability, as well as the offensive end with his versatility to consistently knock down the outside shot as well as dominate inside with his size and strength. Weyer is one of the few kids in the region that has the ability to play above the rim at both ends of the floor. After a solid summer on the AAU circuit with the Nike EYBL Kentucky Travelers, his confidence is sky high and it has shown in his play at the high school level so far.

 

9. Liam Rabe (5’11 Senior G Dixie Heights)

Rabe should lead the Colonels in scoring this year. He has a strong handle from the point guard position and his strength makes him a tough match up at both ends for opposing guards. An improved outside shot will allow him to get easy buckets as he will be able to use his quickness to get to the rim and finish. The strength of this point guard, however, is his play on the defensive end. There aren’t many guards out there that he can’t check one on one.

 

10. Austin Shreck (6’2 Senior G Dixie Heights)

While his scoring ability might not be at the same level as the players listed ahead of him, not many guards in this region are going to rebound and defend the way Schreck will. He plays with great effort and is a perfect example of blue collar player who fills the stat sheet up in every category on a nightly basis. With Brandon Hatton off to Vermont, look for Schreck’s scoring production to increase as he will get more looks both inside and out.

 

5 other players to watch this season:

 

Grant Moeves (6’2 Senior G Newcath)

It was tough to leave Moeves off this list as he should have a great year for the Breds with his ability to knock down the outside shot as well as get to the rim and finish because of his strength. Defensively, he has the ability to lock down the opposing team’s best player. While he may not be in double digits every night, mainly because of how good Newcath is as a team, Moeves has the ability to make an impact in every aspect of a game at both ends.

 

Rod Avery ( 6’4 Senior F Holmes)

Avery is one of the best athletes in Northern Kentucky. His lack of consistency and effort are the only two things that kept him off the list. When he plays to his potential, he is one of the best players not only in Northern Kentucky, but also the state for his class. A strong season from him could help get Holmes back to Rupp Arena.

 

Markel McClendon (5’11 Junior G Holmes)

McClendon has been seeing varsity minutes since his 8th grade year at Holy Cross. He is one of the quickest players in the region with the ball and his defense frustrates opposing guards. An improved outside shot, shown last season, makes him an early candidate to be considered for next year’s top 10 list. If he can consistently hit the mid range jumper, he adds a dimension to his game that makes him deadly off the dribble.

 

Colin Hathorn (6’4 F Cooper)

Much like Moeves, it was really hard to leave Hathorn off this top 10 list. He is an absolute man around the rim and tries to rip the rim off any time he goes up for a dunk. He has the ability to block a lot of shots this year and if he can stay out of foul trouble should average close to a double double. The big man is more than just a banger inside, though, and can also step out and hit the mid range jumper. His versatility makes him one of the top players in the region, but his future is likely on the diamond as he is also a standout baseball player.

 

Sean McNeil (6’1 Sophomore G Cooper)

McNeil has one of the purest shots in the region and simply put, the kid can fill it up from anywhere on the floor. He had a game over the summer in which he put up 45 points and should continue to put up big numbers this season as the featured player on a solid Cooper team. Much like McClendon, McNeil is a player who is an early candidate for next season’s top 10 list, but the way he scores, he might be included before then.

 

Top Games at a Glance

 

December:

12/2- #1 Newcath at #4 Dixie Heights

12/5- #4 Dixie Heights at Campbell County

12/6- #1 Newcath at #5 Cooper

12/12- #2 Covcath at Trinity

12/17- #2 Covcath v Campbell County (10th Region Favorite)

12/20- #1 Newcath v Doss (at Fairdale King of the Bluegrass 12/19-12/23)

12/20- #3 Holmes v Bullitt East (at Fairdale King of the Bluegrass 12/19-12/23)

12/20- #2 Covcath v Knott Co Central (at Rowan Co)

12/20- #4 Dixie Heights v Johnson Central (at Rowan Co)

 

 

January:

1/3: #1 Newcath v Doss (at Taylor County)

1/6: #7 Newport at #1 Newcath

1/14: #3 Holmes at #7 Newport

1/16: #1 Newcath v #2 CovCath (at Bank of Kentucky Center)

1/16: #3 Holmes v #5 Cooper (at Bank of Kentucky Center)

1/23: #3 Holmes at #2 Covcath

1/24: #3 Holmes v Trinity (at Montgomery Co Joe B Hall Classic)

 

February:

2/3: #5 Cooper at #7 Newport

2/4: #3 Holmes at #4 Dixie Heights

2/10: #5 Cooper at #2 Covcath

2/10: #4 Dixie Heights at Bullitt East

2/13: #1 Newcath v #3 Holmes (at Bank of Kentucky Center)

2/13: #2 Covcath v #4 Dixie Heights (at Bank of Kentucky Center)

2/13: #5 Cooper at Campbell County

2/17: #1 Newcath v Trinity (#1 Team in Kentucky)

2/17: #4 Dixie Heights at #5 Cooper

Edited November 29, 201411 yr by gold sunrise

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I will also have preseason video interviews with Mike Listerman, Ken Chevalier, James Bolden, and Zack Pangallo/Drew McDonald up later as well.

Awesome work Walter!

Outstanding job, thanks for the preview.

Good stuff Walter. Love the videos. :thumb: