I guess you've forgotten about 2014.

 

I remember. But I also remember 2000, 01, 02, 03, 05, 07, 13, and 16. All years Cov Cath lost in region to a team they beat in the regular season. Often times teams they beat by double digits.

Rematch at NKU?...

Just who was supposed to be blowing out whom???

 

I think everyone was pretty much in tune with the fact that it was going to be a close game.

 

 

I'm with you and the masses Mustang- I expected a tight game one way or the other. Either team winning wouldn't have surprised me. I am responding to a poster who was surprised that CCH didn't win by a lot more.

Rematch at NKU?...

 

Never know. Newport could have beaten Cov. Cath several years ago if they just would have hit one out of two free throws with one second to go in the game. Crazy things can happen at tournament time.

From the Cincinnati Enquirer:

 

Mayer's bucket lifts Colonels in thriller

 

Last year, AJ Mayer may not have been able to make the clutch decision, or shot.

 

This year, the Covington Catholic junior was called upon for a winning play as the Colonels looked to break a tie against rival Cooper. And he delivered.

 

Mayer drove the lane and made a layup and was fouled with 5.2 seconds left. His three-point play gave Cov Cath a 55-52 win over Cooper Wednesday night in a showdown of the top two teams in the Ninth Region.

 

“They beat us last year in the beginning,” Mayer said. “So they wanted to come in here and beat us. Both teams were going at it. We both want to win a lot of games. They’re a good team. They make a ton of shots, they have a great coach. I definitely expect to see them in the (regional tournament).”

 

Cov Cath took possession with 17 seconds to go. Mayer took a handoff at the top of the key and took his defender to the rim. The three-point play gave him seven points for the quarter and 10 for the game.

 

Head coach Scott Ruthsatz said Mayer had the option to shoot or pass depending on the defense, and he made the right play. Something he might not have done last year.

 

“AJ has been a warrior,” Ruthsatz said. “Last year he was a rebounder - give the ball up, go set screens. Now he’s more versatile. He can score. He’s very physical.”

 

Mayer’s basket capped a thrilling finish to a contest that had been a slugfest for three quarters.

 

The Colonels and Jaguars brought two of the Ninth Region’s top-scoring offenses into their showdown at Cov Cath, which came in front of a sold-out crowd. Cov Cath came in averaging 67 points per game and Cooper 64.

Heard/saw the Crazies broke the bleachers, again. Time to make an emergency withdrawal from the NKU Bleacher fund to get those fixed before the next home game!

If I'm a Cooper player, coach or fan, I'd come away from last night feeling very very good about my team and chances of winning the 9th. I understand that most probably felt that way already, but, given the talent already there, coupled with the timing of when their injured starters are projected to come back relative to CCH's, I like the Jags chances in the event of a rematch. Man are they a tough minded bunch.

I thought that Aiden Ruthsatz had a nice game last night but in my opinion the best player on the floor was Dante Hendrix. Since the injuries to two starters he has been on a roll. Love the way the kid plays!

Saw both teams in the KOB this year. Cooper was a last second shot and missed free throw from beating Trinity in the first round. Trinity obviously went on to win it. Being from Louisville I would make the trip to see these two teams play again. "You scared, you shaken, You aint gonna make it."

If I'm a Cooper player, coach or fan, I'd come away from last night feeling very very good about my team and chances of winning the 9th. I understand that most probably felt that way already, but, given the talent already there, coupled with the timing of when their injured starters are projected to come back relative to CCH's, I like the Jags chances in the event of a rematch. Man are they a tough minded bunch.

 

Either team winning the 9th would of course be no surprise, but at 16-3 Dixie is certainly posturing themselves for their say in the matter as well. We won't have the benefit of seeing how they truly match up until their 2nd and 3rd last regular season games when they face CovCath and Cooper back to back, first CovCath @ home then Cooper @ Cooper. Interesting and smart scheduling on their part to save these contests 'til the end when they'll undoubtedly be at their best barring any unforeseen injuries. This is not a bold prediction that Dixie will take the 9th, but the well coached talented Red Colonels are certainly nothing to sneeze at.

Either team winning the 9th would of course be no surprise, but at 16-3 Dixie is certainly posturing themselves for their say in the matter as well. We won't have the benefit of seeing how they truly match up until their 2nd and 3rd last regular season games when they face CovCath and Cooper back to back, first CovCath @ home then Cooper @ Cooper. Interesting and smart scheduling on their part to save these contests 'til the end when they'll undoubtedly be at their best barring any unforeseen injuries. This is not a bold prediction that Dixie will take the 9th, but the well coached talented Red Colonels are certainly nothing to sneeze at.

 

I would think if CCH and Cooper are set to meet in the finals the fave pre tourney would be the one that avoided Dixie. The potential back to back Dixie then CCH or Cooper would be a tall task.

I would think if CCH and Cooper are set to meet in the finals the fave pre tourney would be the one that avoided Dixie. The potential back to back Dixie then CCH or Cooper would be a tall task.

 

True Dat

If I'm a Cooper player, coach or fan, I'd come away from last night feeling very very good about my team and chances of winning the 9th. I understand that most probably felt that way already, but, given the talent already there, coupled with the timing of when their injured starters are projected to come back relative to CCH's, I like the Jags chances in the event of a rematch. Man are they a tough minded bunch.

 

I believe that the two starters back on the floor for Cooper helps them more defensively than offensively. Yes, we know Sean can score the basketball and yes it is always nice to have your floor general running things at the point. However, in my opinion I believe their defense, especially that of Chris McNeil gives Cooper another body that can apply ball pressure away from the basket. A game between two strong teams comes down to possessions. Cooper did a nice job of not turning the ball over. Getting that one additional stop or steal could be the difference in a potential rematch. Not saying it won't happen because both teams are capable of scoring points but I think you would be foolish to say either team scores 71 and I don't see a marginal of victory being more than 2 or 3 points either way. Let's all look forward to rematch between these two teams. As one poster put it, "It could be one for the ages"!

True Dat

 

Anyone else notice? @B-Ball-fan just had his shortest BGP post EVER!!!

Hendrix was a problem defensively as always but just as much off the dribble going to the rim.

 

CCH did a nice job on Kunkel - talented kid.

 

If you let Runion set his feet on a 3 it's probably going in.

 

Dante is a true warrior. He is a kid you always want on your team because he knows how to find ways to win. Braydon Runion has been spectacular stepping up his game in the absence for the McNeil brothers. Adam I think has been the victim of teams being able to focus on him more which has limited his scoring a bit following the injuries to both Chris and Sean. The rest of the crew has performed admirably. Great experience for these younger guys which may very well pay dividends in their post season run.