Your perception of my post is incorrect. So, I will correct as you wished... in the opening statement it states nothing of the sort about CCH being the best in the region right now. I merely stated that I believed they had played a tougher schedule than Beechwood, had some swagger back, and seemed poised, based on recent performances, to make a run in NKY.

 

Then, I gave you my opinion that Cooper appears to be the best team so far in NKY up to this point. With that said, CCH will have its chance to change my mind when they play. As will some other teams.

 

The confusion probably came in when I said “to be the man, you have to beat the man”, which was just an allusion to CCH being the most current state champs.

A few things, in my opinion:

 

-CovCath has certainly played a tougher overall schedule than Beechwood. CCH also defeated LexCath by 25, to Beechwood barely beating them in OT. CovCath seems to have some of its swagger back and seems poised to make a run here in NKY. To be the man, you have to beat the man, and right now, the latest state champs are that man. Good luck, opponents.

 

-That said, Beechwood still has the pieces to compete with CCH, and maybe beat them on a given night. They have been blowing people out in games that are never close. I believe their could be something special to this Beechwood team.

 

-While were talking about schedules: let’s talk about Lloyd being 9-3 but has not played the schedule of these other teams, except Brossart, who they beat, and also lost to. I guess if we’re doing “feel good” rankings based on record, fine Lloyd is 5. But, a healthy Highlands would defeat Lloyd, imo, and NCC (I know their record is currently worse) already beat them. This said, they have a chance at home to make a statement vs. Newport this week.

 

-Since you didn’t see the games, Makhi McGuire was out for Newport vs. CovCath, and I believe Jalen Scott was out for Conner vs. CovCath. Since we’re playing hypotheticals with numbers (records) Scott averages 16/gm, and so does McGuire, so those two games vs. CCH may have gone different if the 2 teams had their key pieces.

 

-While we’re discussing schedule strength, has anyone seen Newport’s schedule? Campbell, Highlands, GRC, SK, LexCath, University Heights, CovCath, and Cincinnati Hills (have only lost 1 game in Ohio... not sure how good they are, but have won every game on the schedule except 1.... maybe someone can confirm??). They are 4-4 vs. that schedule, and 6 of those games came right in a row. 3 of those 4 losses are to teams who are ranked Top 10 in the state (according to BGP, AP, Courier Journal, etc.), and 2 of the 4 were played without a leading Newport scorer and key player in McGuire.

 

-Cooper clearly looks like the best team in the region to me. They have size, defense, coaching, and find ways to score. Houston, Spencer, Hampton have been excellent in their roles, and Centers & Baker seem to be coming on big. They play CCH soon, and that should be a war! Hope to see it.

 

Lastly, let me also agree with a previous poster in saying that rankings are “immaterial” at this point, as it will all solve itself by the end of the season. That said, it’s fun to talk about.

 

I would agree with just about everything you said. Even your homage to Ric Flair's catchphrase.

I would agree with just about everything you said. Even your homage to Ric Flair's catchphrase.

 

WOOOOOOO!!!!!

Tuesday, January 8

Holy Cross at NCC

This game is always one to see especially on NCC's new floor. Both teams are trying to replace a lot from last season and this game serves as bragging rights in the Diocese.

 

Dixie Heights at St. Henry

Dixie seems to be playing better and it couldn't come at a better time as they take on a Crusader team with a very talented Sophomore in Vieth. This puts the winner in the driver seat to the 1-seed and possibly avoiding upstart Lloyd.

 

Wednesday, January 9

Newport at Lloyd

Lloyd comes in with a 9-3 record albeit against not the greatest competition. Their wins against Kentucky competition is against teams with a combined 38-82 record. Newport has played a strong schedule and might be too much for the Juggernauts.

 

Friday, January 11

Cooper at Covington Catholic

The two teams that are arguably the most physical teams in the 9th. Wouldn't be surprised to see a 45-40 win in this game either way. Does Cooper have the Colonels number? Is Cov Cath going to show the 9th Region title still goes through them?

 

Beechwood at Holmes

This game may not be much on paper as the Bulldogs have lost 11 of their last 12 but you can't take anything for granted. Goetz wants to get his team to the region this year and this game is their first step in avoiding Cov Cath in the opening round.

ttt