Last year was another banner year for the 9th region champion. While the Covington Catholic Colonels didn't win a state championship, they made it back to the Sweet 16 State Semi Finals before falling to eventual state champion, Owensboro, by a score of 65-59 in overtime. While this year's region won't feature the star power that we've seen over the past several years, the region champion will once again be a contender to make a deep post season run. Let's get right in to the preseason team rankings.

 

1. Covington Catholic Colonels

Last Season: 31-6 (9th Region Champions, State Semi Finalist)

 

The Colonels are coming off back to back region championships but will have to replace one of the winningest senior classes in program history with the loss of three starters in Bo Schuh, Grant Romes, and Cooper Theobald who played in all 37 games a year ago.

 

Most program wouldn't be over to overcome that type of loss without a drop off, but head coach Scott Ruthsatz has a great starting point with the return of junior Cole Vonhandorf and senior Andy Flood.

 

"I don't typically have Captains, per se, but those are my two guys," Ruthsatz explained. "They return with the most experience and they're the guys who really have to run the team."

 

Vonhandorf is coming a sophomore campaign in which he averaged 18.2 ppg, while Flood averaged 7.6 ppg.

 

The Colonels will be younger this year than previous seasons, but still have the depth to make another deep post season run with returning seniors Will Heppler, Austin Sweeney, Noah Lenhof, and Ryan Massie.

 

While that senior class might not feature the "stars" of previous senior classes, this is a group that played in a combined 132 games last season and gained valuable experience down the stretch.

 

The future is what has Colonel fans so excited, however, as they bring in a very talented sophomore class led by Aiden Ruthsatz, AJ Mayer, CJ Fredrick, Gunnar Schuh, and one of the biggest players ever in the 9th region, 6'10 center Jake Walter.

 

The Colonels have lost a combined two 9th region games in the past two seasons. While it might be tough for the Colonels to experience that same type of dominance and success this season against one of the toughest schedules in the state, they start the season at #1 for a reason and have the pieces to have another special season.

 

Key Dates:

December 2nd at Cooper

December 5th v Louisville Trinity

December 12th v Louisville Central

December 15th at Campbell Co

December 22nd v Wilmington, OH

January 2nd v Taylor County (at Muhlenberg Co)

January 5th v Cincinnati Moeller

January 15th v Newport Catholic (at Bank of Kentucky Center)

January 29th at Holmes

February 9th v Newport

 

2. Cooper Jaguars

Last Season: 18-9 (33rd District Champions, Lost in 1st Round of Region

 

After a disappointing first round loss in the 9th region tournament last season, the Cooper Jaguars will look to get back to the region tournament and win the program's first 9th region championship.

 

"We've gotten bigger and stronger and really worked on our bodies while getting in the gym to work on our weaknesses," Coach Tim Sullivan said in reference to this offseason. " I see a big difference in our guys as far as commitment and work ethic."

 

The biggest reason for the high expectations in Union? The return of 6'4 junior guard Sean McNeil. (17.7 ppg, 5.7 rpg last season)

 

" Sean's going to do a lot for us (this season)," Said Sullivan. "We ask him to handle the ball for us, score, and rebound but it can't just be Sean. We know Sean puts that responsibility on himself and he doesn't take that lightly but I think Sean also understands he has to have the rest of the guys around him."

 

While McNeil will likely get a lot of the publicity this season, he will have plenty of help with the return of 6'2 junior backcourt mate, Dante Hendrix (5.4 ppg last season), as well as 6'2 sophomore sharpshooter Adam Kunkel. (6.5 ppg last season)

 

That trio, along with 5'11 sophomore Chris McNeil, will form arguably the best backcourt in the region.

 

The Jags will have a different look this season with the loss of 6'5 Colin Hathorn and 6'6 Phillip Hawkins, but the added quickness and versatility should allow Coach Sullivan's group to run more dribble drive and motion to get teams out of position defensively with their ball movement and penetration.

 

6'2 senior Marcus Watson should give the Jaguars some added muscle in the post while fellow senior Trevor Rohlman adds depth at the forward position.

 

Look for sophomore guard Braden Runyon to also get some run this season as a 5th guard along with junior Nathan Brown.

 

They say guards dominate at the high school level and guard play is the most important factor to success. If that's the case, the Jaguars could be in store for a season to remember in Union. Should be fun to watch.

 

Key Dates:

December 2nd v Covington Catholic

January 7th v Newport Central Catholic

January 15th v Holmes (at Bank of Kentucky Center)

February 2nd v Newport

February 12th v Campbell County

 

3. Holmes Bulldogs

Last Season: 23-9 (35th District Runner Up, 9th Region Finalist

 

After three consecutive 9th region championship appearances, the Bulldogs will have to operate without the services of 2,000 point scorer and current West Virginia freshman, James "Beetle" Bolden this season. Bolden led the Bulldogs to Rupp Arena his sophomore year and carried his team to the 9th region finals last season after a 30 point district championship loss to eventual region champion, Covington Catholic.

 

While losing that type of player would normally set a program back, most programs don't have the luxury of constantly seeing the type of talent that comes through Holmes on a yearly basis.

 

" We don't have one dominant player (this year), whether it be in practice and certainly not in games, but we've got some very good players," Head Coach Mike Listerman explained. " This is going to be a team that's going to have to play a lot more team basketball and help each other to be successful. We certainly miss Beetle's leadership and his work ethic but these guys grew up together and have played together since middle school, so it's a pretty tight group, overall."

 

Leading the way for the Bulldogs this season will be one of the best all around guards in the region in 5'11 senior Markel McClendon, who averaged 14.5 ppg last season while also being the Bulldogs most consistent three point threat (38%) and free throw shooter. (77%)

 

" Markel is a great basketball player, and he's certainly one of the best offensive players in the region," Said Listerman. " He's working on sharing the basketball more than he ever has in his life and doing a really good job with it."

 

While McClendon is entering a rare 5th year as a varsity basketball player, and 4th as a starter, 6'2 sophomore Raavai Commodore will enter his first season in a starting role at point guard after appearing in 26 games last season as a freshman.

 

With Commodore's length and McClendon's overall quickness and athleticism, the Bulldogs should form a very good duo out on the perimeter at both ends of the court.

 

As good as the Bulldogs' backcourt duo should be, a pair of seniors in 6'4 Brandon Moore and 6'3 Andrew Arnold compliment one another as well as any other in the region. Moore plays more like a stretch 4 with the ability to knock down the outside shot, while Arnold is a bully going to the rim and will be matched by few in the region as far as pure strength goes.

That duo, along with 6'5 junior Jaiden Green could prove to be the most important pieces to this year's team.

 

Rebounding has been a weakness of the Bulldogs' to this point, so that will have to improve if the Bulldogs want to compete for a district championship and get back to the region finals for a fourth consecutive season.

 

Other players who should see minutes and make an impact include senior guards Brennon Englemon and Jordan Daniels, as well as sophomore LJ Miller.

 

While this team might not be as talented overall as some of the previous Holmes' teams, the experience is there for them to make another run and be one of the top teams in the region.

 

Key Dates:

December 1st at Henry Clay

December 18th v Newport

December 21st v Campbell County

January 15th v Cooper (at BB&T Arena)

January 20th v Casey County (at Scott County- Toyota Classic)

January 29th v Covington Catholic

February 12th at Newport Central Catholic

 

4. Newport Wildcats

Last Season: 14-17 (36th District Runner up, Lost in 1st Round of Region Tournament

 

One Free Throw. That's was the difference in Newport upsetting eventual state semi finalist, Covington Catholic, and ending their season early in the first round of the region tournament. The Wildlcats missed a second free throw with 3 seconds left that would have put them ahead by 1 with Covcath having to go the length of the court to score for the win. The game instead went to overtime, where the Colonels pulled away for an 8 point victory.

 

Despite that missed opportunity, head coach Rod Snapp said that his team has moved on and are focused on the upcoming season.

 

" We're trying to put the pieces together. We're trying to figure out how we're going to play offensively and defensively. These kids are really just trying to learn to play together."

 

Leading the Wildcats once again this season will be senior sharpshooter Ethan Snapp, who averaged 18.7 ppg and 3.9 rpg last year as a junior.

 

"He's a very good shooter when spotting up or when guys penetrate and get him the ball, but now he's got to facilitate and get others involved which is an adjustment for everybody," Said Snapp in regards to Ethan playing more point guard. " He's undersized strength wise but he's been working every day, non stop."

 

While Snapp would have likely been the focal point of many defenses this year, Newport added a much needed boost to their lineup at both ends of the floor with the addition of Holmes' transfer, Marcus Mullins.

 

" He's super athletic but he's been good and is slowly buying in but it just takes time."

 

Snapp continued.

 

" He's adjusting and he's kind of trying to get in their quickly but we are just trying to bring him along slowly and telling him to let the game come to him."

 

Mullins averaged double figures last year for the region runner up Bulldogs, and is one of the most athletic wings in the region at 6'2.

 

Also returning for the Wildcats are 5'11 sophomore point guard Rico Hollis (5.3 ppg, 2.4 rpg), 6'2 senior forward Kedan Davis (7 ppg, 3.5 rpg), and 6'2 senior forward Kam Covington (7 ppg, 7 rpg).

 

Those five will form one of the most talented starting lineups in the region, but much like other years, can they put it all together and work as a cohesive unit will be the question most around Northern Kentucky are asking.

 

Key Dates:

December 18th at Holmes

January 13th v Newport Central Catholic

February 2nd at Cooper

February 5th v Campbell County

February 9th at Covington Catholic

 

5. Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds

Last Season: 28-4 (36th District Champions, Lost in First Round of Region

 

For the first time in three seasons, the Breds will enter the season not only without the #1 ranking next to their name, but also without a senior class that features several stud players who have seen varsity minutes since their freshman year.

 

"We've returned so many experience players the past few years we pretty much knew who we were going to be going with, and who could do what, while this preseason and summer we were trying to figure out who could defend, and who can score," Said second year head coach Ron Dawn. "We're going to use a lot of different lineups and first half of the year probably play 9 or 10 kids (to see what we have)."

 

While other positions and roles might not be defined yet, the clear leader of this team is 6'6 senior forward Ben Weyer, who committed to Bellarmine this summer after averaging 15.3 ppg and 7.3 rpg as a junior.

 

How important is Weyer?

 

"Ben is crucial to our success," Said Dawn. "He's been great with helping these young kids and been real positive. His game has improved tremendously over the summer and I really think he's going to have a fantastic year and do a lot of good things for us."

 

While Newcath will be young and somewhat inexperienced this season, they do return 6'1 senior Eric Anderson who was a starter on last year's All A state championship team, as well as senior John Ludwig who is most known for outside shooting ability.

 

 

Likely candidates for the remaining starting positions for the Breds include a pair of sophomore guards in Brennan Hall and Stevie Pangallo, as well as junior Luke Moeves.

 

"Brennan is a good scorer, while Stevie is pretty much a pure point guard," Dawn explained. " Luke Moeves played a bunch last season and is going to have a much bigger role this season."

 

With Newcath transitioning to more of a shooting and transition team, expect the quickness of this year's version of the Breds to really push the tempo and look to get out and score and apply pressure defensively.

 

The All A Classic Region and state championships are always a goal of the school up on the hill, but with the Breds having arguably the most dominant player in the region this season in Ben Weyer, winning the 9th region championship is a realistic possibility.

 

Key Dates:

 

December 5th v Lexington Catholic (at North Laurel- Legacy Nissan Classic)

December 26th v Lawrence County (At Lexcath- Traditional Bank Holiday Classic)

January 7th v Cooper

January 9th v Campbell Co (at Newport- John Turner Classic)

January 13th at Newport

January 15th v Covington Catholic (at BB&T Arena)

 

6. Holy Cross Indians

Last Season: 13-14 (Lost in 35th District Semi Finals

 

While getting to the region tournament has historically been a tough feat for the Holy Cross Indians to accomplish, this season they have a realistic shot as they lost just one senior from last year's team.

 

The Indians have one of the best forwards in the region in 6'3 senior Tyler Bezold to go along with two of the better shooters in the region in Leighton Schrand and Erick Jakubowski.

 

The Indians will want to try to play uptempo and live and die with the three ball but how successful this team can be will be determined by how much contribution they get from senior Hamilton Scott and junior forward Derrick Barnes.

 

Key Dates

 

December 9th v Campbell County

December 18th/19th v Rowan Co/Madison Central (at Rowan County-Kentucky Bank Challenge)

December 22nd v Newport Central Catholic

January 8th v Holmes

January 12th v Covington Catholic

February 15th v Newport

 

7. Conner Cougars

Last Season: 12-15 (Lost in 33rd District Semi Finals)

 

Missing the region tournament can be a huge motivation for any coach and his returning players. After losing to Cooper in last season's 33rd district semi finals, head coach Jim Hicks and his returning players are motivated to get back to BB&T Arena.

 

"These guys really want to get back to the region," Said Hicks. " They had a good taste of it as sophomores and they want to get back to that level again this year."

 

The Cougars have a great starting point to reaching that goal with the return of 6'1 senior Michael Scott (14.3 ppg, 3.9 rpg last season) as well as 6'2 junior Spencer Hemmerich (10.8 ppg, 2.9 rpg last season).

 

Hicks talked about how important the duo is to the team success this year.

 

"Michael is a strong point guard. He can shoot the ball or take it to the rim well and he's really picked up his defense this year but he's also become a very strong leader, something we asked of him this summer."

 

Hemmerich brings a different set of skills to the game as he can hit the perimeter shot, but also possesses the size and versatility to post up and score around the rim with his back to the basket.

 

While that duo will likely get the majority of the publicity this season for Conner, they also return seniors Kyler Padget (5 ppg last season, Division I CO-defensive player of the year ) and Alec Garnett (6 ppg, 4 rpg), who will both be looked upon to provide more scoring and rebounding with the loss of leading scorer, Jacob Barnes, from last season.

 

Other players to keep an eye on for the Cougars this season include junior post players Jake Surprenant and Travis Connelly, as well as Logan Cook.

 

There may not be anything flashy about this year's version of the Cougars, but they return enough firepower to make things interesting with the teams ranked ahead of them.

 

Key Dates:

 

December 8th v Cooper

January 8th v Covington Catholic

January 15th at Campbell County

January 26th at Cooper

February 15th at Holmes

February 18th at Newport Central Catholic

 

8. Ryle Raiders

Last Season: 6-23 (Lost in 33rd District Semi Finals)

It was a tough 2014-2015 campaign for third year head coach David McFarland as his team struggled to get to 6 wins for the year. What was once a young and inexperienced team, this year's version of the Raiders are now a veteran group with high expectations.

 

" It's been awesome and I'm so proud of our guys," said McFarland in reference to this off season. " Last year our guys did a heck of a job using that as motivation. They really responded well and played their hearts out last year."

 

McFarland continued.

 

" Now they're older, they've grown, and they're more experienced. THey've got a chip on their shoulder and this is a special group we've got."

 

When looking at virtually every other team in the top 10, you can point to one player as the ""dominant" player that returns as the "star", but that simply isn't the case with this Raider bunch as they return seven player who appeared in 20 or more games and averaged 3 or more points per game.

 

Logan Turner and Tyrek Owens return as the two leading scorers from last season at 6.8 and 6.3 ppg, respectively, but that doesn't necessarily make them the go to guys this season.

 

" We're 10 or 11 deep," McFarland stated. " We don't have that go to guy but they play really well together, are tough defensively, they get on the floor, they hit the open shot, and they don't care who scores, as long as we score."

 

Depth will be needed if the Raiders are going to get back to the region tournament, but Coach McFarland feels that his team has a little bit of everything that is needed to make a post season run.

 

What are expectations like for McFarland's team?

 

"I've got a big picture of Rupp Arena in our locker room as we walk out of our door and that's what we're trying to do. We're shooting to get back to the region finals for the first time since 2002."

 

Key Dates:

 

December 15th v Cooper

December 18th at Conner

January 12th at Newport Central Catholic

January 16th at Holmes

January 29th at Cooper

February 11th at Covington Catholic

February 19th at Campbell County

 

9. Dixie Heights Colonels

Last Season: 23-8 (34th District Champion, 9th Region Semi Finalist

 

Coming in to last season, the Dixie Heights Colonels were being talked about as the most experienced team in the region with the return of not only 7 seniors, but a group that had size, athleticism, and versatility. Fast forward to this season and the weeks leading up to the season have been much different for head coach Ken Chevalier.

 

" When you have a veteran team coming back, you're focused more on individual improvement. This year our focus was going ahead and putting our system in and getting the kids comfortable with what we want to do."

 

Despite losing so much from last year's team, the Colonels still have one player to lean on for leadership and experience in 6'0 senior Hunter Meyer, who averaged 4 ppg last season while starting 25 of 27 games.

 

"The great thing about (Hunter) is I think he's one of the best defensive players in the region," Chevalier said. " We're going to use him in multiple ways this year. He's our energy guy this year."

 

With Meyer being one of the more versatile players on the team, he is expected to run the point, while also playing the 2 and 3 where he can show his perimeter skills and attack the rim with dribble penetration.

 

Other returning players that should be expected to make an impact for Dixie this season include 6'5 junior Reed Bradfield and 6'3 senior Jake Jones in the post, as well as AJ Plitzuweit, Tyler Screck, and Ethan Schulte out on the perimeter.

 

The Colonels will also welcome Holmes' transfer Ian Brolley, who will be eligible in December and has already received high praise from Chevalier, who think Brolley is good enough to play basketball at the next level because of his work ethic and high basketball IQ to go along with his overall skill.

 

" We'll be a little more perimeter oriented this year with a lack of height and look to get in dribble drive sets while scoring in transition before the defense has a chance to set up."

 

Last season the Dixie Heights Colonels were talking about winning the 9th region tournament after defeating the eventual region champion and state semi finalist, Covcath Colonels. How have expectations changed 7 months later?

 

" I love the expectations for this year's group. Going from a top three or four team over the past few years to an after thought, we're able to use that as motivation with the coaching staff pushing the kids and kids pushing eachother."

 

Key Dates:

 

December 10th at Newcath

December 16th v Campbell County

December 18th v St Henry

December 21st at Mercer Co (Farmer's National Bank Clash of the Titans)

January 9th at Newport

January 15th v Scott (at NKU's BB&T Arena)

February 2nd at Holmes

February 12th v Covington Catholic

February 16th v Cooper

 

10. St Henry Crusaders

Last Season: 20-13 (34th District Runner Up, 9th Region Semi Finalist)

 

The St Henry Crusaders have become accustomed to finding themselves in the 34th district championship and 9th region tournament on a yearly basis. With the graduation of a deep senior class from last year, Coach Dave Faust will once again need to work his magic to replace 7 seniors with new varsity players.

 

"We're just trying to find experience and see where it takes us in the end," said Faust.

 

That role of experienced lead will fall on the shoulders of senior Adam Goetz this season as he returns as one of the top players in the region.

 

" Adam Goetz had a real good off season and with his work ethic and habits, he's pushed a lot of our kids. Adam is very important to our success but the thing I like about Adam is he's not selfish at all."

 

Goetz was not only the leading scorer for the Cru last season, but also led the team in assists.

 

The Crusaders will rely heavily on Goetz but return seniors Grant Williams and Paul Wallenhorst to add experience and take some of the pressure off of Getz,

 

With the lack of experience, Coach Faust had a clear message for his sophomores and other newcomers to the team.

 

"Anything can happen. I'm just looking for people to fill in, know their roles, and add depth."

 

There will be growing pains with this group as they work to handle the expectations and meet standards of Dave Faust, but as long as he is the head coach you can expect this team to be there at the end of the season.

 

Key Dates

 

December 4th at Holmes

December 8th v Covington Catholic

December 18th at Dixie Heights

January 2nd v Cooper

January 8th v Lexington Catholic

February 2nd at Newport Catholic

February 5th at Lloyd

February 11th at Newport

 

Region Outlook:

How tough was it to rank the top 10 teams this year? There are atleast 4 teams that you could slide in to the #3 slot behind Covcath and Cooper and not be wrong. I chose to go with Holmes because of the deep senior class they return but Newport has enough talent in their starting lineup to be considered there, and Newcath has the most dominant player in the region to go along with talented sophomore guards that make them a legit pick there as well.

 

After the top 5, Conner and Holy Cross were really a toss up as both return multiple starters that will make them tough, regardless of the opponent. Ryle should be improved and Dixie might be a little better than expected. As always, St Henry will play hard and should be there at the end of the season as they gain experience against a tough schedule.

 

When looking at previous years, the region is more wide open than it has been in atleast three years. Covcath is certainly the favorite, but you should see more parity among the top teams this season.

 

Just Outside the Top 10

 

Lloyd Memorial

Last Season: 10-19

 

The Juggs will look to improve on their 10-19 record with the return of one of the best athletes in the area in 5'10 junior point guard Lashunn Townsend (9.7 ppg last season) as well as other juniors Sterling Hamilton (12 ppg, 4 rpg) and Elijah Jouett (7.4 ppg).

 

Highlands Bluebirds

Last Season: 8-17

 

With the football team still playing, it's still up in the air who will suit up for the Bluebirds this season but assuming Mitchell Cain, Nick Kendall, and Bo Hebel play, the Birds will return 3 of their top 5 scorers from last season's team.

 

Boone County Rebels

Last Season: 20-12

 

The Rebels were hit hard by graduation as they lost all 5 starters from last season's 33rd district runner up team. Expect Malcolm Stockwell to be looked upon as a leader both on and off the court this year.

 

Beechwood Tigers

Last Season: 10-16

 

Erik Goetz will need to replace his two leading scorers from last year with the graduation of Conner Brock and Jacob Huff, but the Tigers do return JT Toebbe who averaged 9 points and 7 rebounds per game.

 

Bellevue Tigers

Last Season: 15-13

 

The Tigers lost double figure scorers Austin Woodyard and Zach Barrett to graduation. Seniors Matt Fryan and Nick Baker, along with junior Jason Craig return with the most experience for the black and gold Tigers.

 

Ludlow Panthers

Last Season: 15-14

 

The Panthers return a very deep junior class led by double figure scorers Kalib Mitchell and Marcus Roark. With Ludlow only losing Cam Hart as a significant contributor from last year's team, the Panthers should be favored to win Division III this year.

 

Villa Madonna Blue Lightning

Last Season: 9-19

 

The Blue Lightning return their entire roster, led by double figure scorers Thomas Schutzman and Alex Kenkel.

 

Dayton Greendevils

Last Season: 8-20

 

Dayton loses their leading scorer from last year but do return their second and third leading scorers in Phillip McDaniel and Sam Brewer.

 

Heritage Academy

Last Season: 3-22

 

Heritage lost their two leading scorers from last year but will look upon double figure scorer Isaiah Liske to lead the team this year.

 

Covington Latin

Last Season: 2-20

 

Michael Mohn, Jack Flesch, and Robby Case will lead the Trojans this year after averaging 5 ppg apiece last year.

 

 

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Now that we have previewed the teams around the 9th region, let's take a look at the 9th region's top players this coming season.

 

9th Region Top 10 Players

 

1A. Cole VonHandorf - 6'1 Junior Guard Covington Catholic

Winner. Best word to describe the young lefty. Cole is as tough a player as you'll find around the state and his game more than backs it up. While he struggles with his outside shot, he is one of the better defenders in the region, can knock down the mid range jumper with consistency, and is strong with the ball and finishes through contact when going to the rim. Vonhandorf currently holds offers from Winthrop, DePaul, Lipscomb, and Northern Kentucky.

 

1B.. Ben Weyer- 6'6 Senior Forward Newport Central Catholic

There isn't another player in the region like Weyer. At 6'6, the Bellarmine commit has the ability to score inside by using his length and size, or step outside and knock down the perimeter shot to stretch a defense. The biggest question is how will Weyer handle double teams in the post this season as he will no longer have the luxury of playing along side another 6'7 post player. Ben has gained a lot of experience playing on the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League circuit so there shouldn't be much the talented senior can't handle this season. From a pure numbers standpoint, he should be the most dominant player in the region.

 

1C. Sean McNeil- 6'4 Junior Guard Cooper

Entering his third year of varsity basketball, McNeil is finally getting recognition as one of the premier basketball players in the 9th region. The versatile wing shared Division One Player of the year honors last season with VonHandorf. McNeil can play and defend all 5 positions on the floor but his strength is as a scoring wing who finishes at all three levels. While McNeil receives pub for his scoring abilities, it is his defense and rebounding that might be the most overlooked attribute that he possesses.

 

4. Markel McClendon- 5'11 Senior Guard Holmes

McClendon has been playing high level varsity basketball since his 8th grade year. Defensively, Markel's quickness makes him arguably the best on the ball defender in the region. Offensively, there isn't much he can't do as he can score at all three levels and has the strength to finish through contact, while also playing above the rim in transition. The most overlooked aspect of his game is his court vision and ability to make the right pass for easy baskets.

 

5. Ethan Snapp- 6'1 Senior Guard Newport

One of the toughest guards in the region to defend, Snapp can score as a spot up shooter or off the dribble with a pull up jumper . He is creative with the ball in his hands and has improved his court vision to get teammates involved when he is being double teamed and trapped. The biggest flaw in his game is his inability to finish through contact at the rim at times but he has spent all summer in the weight room to bulk up and add strength.

 

6. Adam Goetz- 6'0 Senior Guard St Henry

Much like Snapp, Goetz is one of the most offensively gifted players in the region. What separates him from most others, however, is his court vision and unselfish play that makes every one around him better. Not only is he is team's leading scorer, more often than not, but usually leads in assists as well. Goetz can score from outside, off the dribble, or by driving to the rim and finishing.

 

7. Mike Scott- 6'2 Senior Guard Conner

Scott is another versatile guard in the region that can play and defend multiple positions. He handles the ball well enough to run the point. His outside shot is consistent enough to allow him to play off the ball. His strength allows him to bully his way to the rim and finish.

 

8. Andy Flood- 6'3 Guard Covington Catholic

Flood had some hype surrounding him after his freshman year but really made a name for himself last season with a strong junior campaign. His length and athleticism allow him to play multiple positions and he has the toughness to be a lock down defender against an opposing team's best player. High basketball IQ and moves well without the ball to put himself in position for easy baskets.

 

9. Tyler Bezold- 6'2 Senior Guard Holy Cross

At first glance, you would never guess Bezold could play the way he can. But the kid flat out gets it done. Offensively he is big and strong enough to play as a post player but can also step outside and burn you from deep. Ball handling needs to improve and he lacks quickness but he makes up for his flaws by playing with a high basketball IQ.

 

10. Marcus Mullins- 6'2 Senior Guard Newport

Mullins is easily one of the best athletes in the region, if not the best. The smooth lefty plays a power game and uses his strength at both ends. One of the better rebounding guards in the region, Mullins handles the ball well enough to grab a rebound and start the break. Streaky shooter and will need to improve at the free throw line, but talent wise he has to be mentioned as a top 10 player in the region.

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Great job Walter. Love the video interviews.

Great stuff and terrific videos Walter.

Real nice breakdown and videos Walter to help wet our whistles for the upcoming season.

 

Thanks for taking the time to offer so many insightful important and interesting details.

 

Good stuff. :thumb:

Nice work Walter !!

Nice write up as always Walter. Thank you.

I find it hard to put NCC down that far. A case for them as high as 2 could be made. Probably just splitting hairs.

Thanks Walter, always look forward to your insight. Great job as always.