Hard to believe it, but we are 2 weeks away from the start of district play. As teams try to fine tune things at both ends of the court, this is the time of year most coaches simply want to stay healthy to get ready for a post season run. Let's take a look at this week's top 10 and review last week's action.

 

1. Covington Catholic (18-6)

 

The Colonels enter this week on a 7 game win streak after defeating Boone County (61-29) then following that up with a road win over Scott (80-63) and wrapping up the #2 seed in the 35th district with a 66-29 win over Beechwood. While the Colonels showed great balance in all three games, sophomore CJ Fredrick gets player of the week honors after averaging 17 points, 5 rebounds per game during the three game stretch. The Colonels seem to be peaking at the right time as the tough early season schedule and losses have helped Scott Ruthsatz group improve as each week has passed.

 

Up Next: 2/9 v Newport (NKYSports.com Live Broadcast), 2/11 at Ryle, 2/12 v Dixie Heights (at BB&T Arena at NKU)

 

2. Newport Central Catholic (20-4)

 

After a tough All A State Semi Final loss to Cordia, the Breds responded with a 46-38 win over Beechwood and a 36-30 win over Bishop Brossart. Ben Weyer and Brennan Hall led the Breds with 19 points, each, with Weyer pulling down 9 rebounds in the win over the Tigers. While the game against Brossart was closer than expected, Newcath got the win despite playing without starting point guard, Brennan Hall, as Ben Weyer finished with 23 of the Breds 36 points and double figure rebounds.

 

Up Next: 2/12 v Holmes (at NKU's BB&T Arena)

 

3. Cooper (20-2)

 

Despite being without leading scorer and rebounder Sean McNeil, the Jaguars have won 5 straight since the junior suffered a wrist injury. Cooper picked up a 67-63 win over Newport and a 50-36 road win over Highlands to extend their win streak to 8 games this past week. Adam Kunkel scored 26 points to go with 6 rebounds in the win over Newport, followed by 14 and 11 from Dante Hendrix and Chris McNeil. Chris McNeil led Cooper with 13 points in the win over Highlands but Adam Kunkel once again had a big game with 12 points, 12 rebounds.

 

Up Next: 2/9 at Harrison Co, 2/12 v Campbell Co, 2/13 v Ludlow

 

4. Holy Cross (18-6)

 

The Indians went 1-1 this week with a 60-52 loss to Lexington Christian and a 61-52 win over Simon Kenton. Holy Cross was led by Leighton Schrand and Erich Jakubowski with 15 and 14 points in the road loss to LCA. In the game against Simon Kenton, the Indians finally got Tyler Bezold back and he went on to score 11 points. Leighton Schrand scored a game high 23 points and younger brother Nolan Schrand scored a career high 12 points.

 

5. Newport (15-9)

 

Rod Snapp's group has now lost three straight after falling to Cooper (67-63) and Campbell County (61-57) this past week. Ethan Snapp scored 22 and 16 in the two losses, followed by Kedan Davis with 16 and 7. Marcus Mullins had 16 in the loss to Cooper, but 9 in the loss to Campbell County. The Wildcats played without Kam Covington in the Cooper game and without Rico Hollis in both games.

 

Up Next: 2/9 at Covington Catholic (NKYSports.com Live Broadcast), 2/11 v St Henry

 

6. Holmes (11-10)

 

After losing three straight, the Bulldogs rebounded with an overtime 56-49 win over Dixie Heights and 72-53 win over Highlands. Holmes was led by Markel McClendon with 30 and 26 points in both games. McClendon will need to continue to play like that for the Bulldogs to have a chance at an upset in the district tournament.

 

Up Next: 2/9 at Boone Co; 2/12 v Newcath (at NKU's BB&T Arena)

 

7. Conner (14-8)

 

I don't know if any team has seen more injuries to their team over the course of the season as the Conner Cougars. Conner has lost 5 of their last 8 but did win two of three this past week and they defeated Lloyd (63-53) and Beechwood (59-37) but did suffer a road loss to Scott (69-65). Travis Connelly (15), Alec Garnett (12), Spencer Hemmerich (13), and Michael Scott (12) were all in double figures in the win over Lloyd. Michael Scott led Conner with 16 points in the win over Beechwood and 25 points in the loss to Scott.

 

Up Next: 2/9 v Grant County, 2/13 v Highlands

 

8. Dixie Heights (16-7)

 

The Red Colonels lost in overtime to Holmes (56-49) this past week but did win their other game over Ludlow, 62-44. Reed Bradfield finished with 16 and Hunter Meyer tallied 12 in the loss to Holmes. Four Colonels finished with double figures in the win over Ludlow, led by Cam Thornberry's 18 points.

 

Up Next: 2/8 at Highlands, 2/9 v Holy Cross, 2/12 v Covington Catholic (at NKU's BB&T Arena)

 

9. St Henry (10-13)

 

After a rough start, St Henry has now won 7 of their previous 9 after picking up wins over Ludlow and Lloyd this past week. Adam Goetz finished with 27 and 22 points in the two wins this week followed by Paul Wallenhorst with 19 points both games.

 

Up Next: 2/9 v Beechwood, 2/11 at Newport, 2/12 at Walton Verona

 

10. Ryle (10-12)

 

The Raiders won both of their games this past week with a 55-39 win over Gallatin County and 60-46 win over Boone County. Braden Cheesman and Logan Turner led Ryle with 11 and 10 points in the win over Gallatin.

 

Up Next: 2/9 at Scott, 2/11 v Covington Catholic, 2/13 v Tates Creek

 

The Rest

 

11. Beechwood (13-11)

12. Lloyd (9-14)

13. Ludlow (10-14)

14. Bellevue (14-11)

15. Highlands (5-13)

16. Boone County (4-20)

17. Dayton (10-13)

18. Villa Madonna (11-12)

19. Cov Latin (3-12)

20. Heritage Academy (0-20)

6 through 10 continue to change each week but 1 through 4 have been consistent for the past several weeks.

 

Thoughts?

 

Agree? Disagree?

Note: While it doesn't show on either team's schedule, I was told a few weeks back that both the Dixie-Covcath and Holmes-Newcath games would be at NKU Friday night.

You say that cov cath has the 2 seed wrapped up in the 35th district. Doesn't Beechwood play Holy Cross in the future and a potential 3 way tie for the 1 seed?

Also, I thought I remember last year the younger Schrand hitting like 6 3's against south Oldham in a game. I could be wrong on both.

I'd maybe probably have Cooper at 2 and NCC at 3 but that is splitting hairs.

I've said this before and I'll say it again....the 9th is fortunate to have Walter share an objective, inclusive take on the goings on in the region.

 

And the lack of feedback is a credit to so many folks being in agreement with him!!! Prepare yourself Walter...I may have just incited some flood gates opening. :lol2:

 

Thank you for your time and energy! :thumb: