I had a rough day at work Monday. After work I went to the gym for basketball practice with my 6th grade team and felt better. Tuesday was a rough one as well. After work I went to watch a Varsity boys' game, and all was right with the world. Wednesday the pattern repeated itself as I ventured out to watch a girl’s game. Thursday and Friday were better.

 

Folks, this is why basketball is so amazing. You can have a bad day at work, but when you are on the court or in the gym, it gives you a chance to step back and focus on something else. For a few hours, the stresses of work, money, or your mother-in-law can leave your mind and you can really enjoy watching, coaching, or playing.

 

 

Regional Rankings

 

1. Covington Catholic (2-3): Covington Catholic got their first two wins of the season this week. The Colonels will remain at #1 even though some of the other teams have a better record. Grant Disken is shooting really well from 3-point range (45%) and the free-throw line (90%). The Colonels play fellow archdiocesan schools NCC and Holy Cross this week.

 

2. St. Henry (4-1): The Cru’ scored a lot of points this week, and their previous victory over Conner is looking pretty good. I think they deserve the #2 spot. Wyatt Vieth is averaging 17 points a game.

 

3. Beechwood (4-2): The Tigers are adjusting well and after back to back losses to Simon Kenton and Bishop Brossart, they were able to defeat New Cath, Cooper, and a team out of Indianapolis. Scotty Draud and Will Downton are scoring well, and Mitchell Rylee is averaging 11 rebounds a game.

 

4. Highlands (5-0): The Bluebirds are forcing my hand. They have 5 victories over quality competition. I considered moving them above Beechwood, but 4 of their victories have been at home. They really have not been tested on the road. They do travel to Harrison County for a tournament, so I may eat crow next week. Sam Vinson is averaging 24 points and Luke Muller is averaging 21 points a game.

 

5. Conner (3-1): Conner won three games this week, including two against district rivals Boone County and Cooper. Their scoring is balanced with three players averaging double digits. They have a big game at Campbell County on the 18th.

 

6. Newport Central Catholic (4-1): It is hard to judge the Thoroughbreds because they are not fully healthy. I am not sure how long their key players are out, but when they are back, NewCath will be very good.

 

7. Lloyd Memorial (4-2): The Juggernauts are doing well. They played hard against Conner and should beat Holmes and Boone County this week. Treshawn Cody is averaging 22 points a game.

 

8. Newport (5-0): Newport's strong start is getting stronger. They are proving some people (including myself) wrong. Keandre Nelson is averaging 14 points a game with 56 FG%. That is very impressive.

 

9. Holmes (3-2): The Bulldogs beat Dixie by a point and lost to Newport by 2. They have Lloyd this week and are also playing the Simon Kenton Invitational.

 

10. Holy Cross (1-4): The Indians travel to Rowan County next weekend. They have three players averaging double-digit points per game.

 

11. Ryle (2-3): Word is that Ryle played Simon Kenton very well. The Raiders have a game against Cooper on the 17th. It should be a good one.

 

12. Cooper (0-5): Coach Sullivan has done a fine job over the years. I believe he is the 2nd longest tenured 9th Region Coach behind coach Faust. I believe his team will improve every game. With that in mind, you still have to win some games. They have a chance to do that this week against Ryle and Bryan Station.

 

13. Boone County (2-5): Preston Malone and Parker Fields are averaging double digits and Tate Herrman is averaging 9. I was surprised how badly the loss to Conner was. I thought that game would have been closer.

 

14. Dixie Heights (0-5): Life will not get any easier for Dixie as they travel to Beechwood and Newport. They still have not posted stats so I don’t have much to tell you.

 

15. Villa Madonna (2-4): The Vikings play Ludlow, Bracken, and Heritage this week. I think they can win all three games. As a team, they are struggling to shoot the ball. 55% from the FT line, 26% from 3-point land, and 38% overall.

 

16. Dayton (1-4): The Green-Devils beat Latin to pick up their first win. Dayton travels to Ludlow on Wednesday. I was in their gym for a middle school game and was very impressed by their locker rooms. Coach Kinmon is trying to give those boys a chance for some nice things. He should be commended.

 

17. Ludlow (1-4): The Panthers travel to Villa for a district game on Monday. I may take this one in because I think Villa has a cool gym. If you are going to be there, stop by and say “hello.” I should be working on my sermon and updating the BGpreps universe.

 

18. Bellevue (1-4): Bellevue beat Heritage for their lone win. Their 4 losses have been by more than 20 points. They should beat Bracken and St. Pat’s this week.

 

19. Heritage (1-3): Heritage beat Frankfort Christian for their first victory of the season.

 

P.S. I know this is the 9th Region Boy's Basketball article, but I think the family of Coach Bob Osbourne could use one more line. Osbourne was the Girls Coach at Owen County for a long time. We all are basketball fans and we all had coaches that we loved.

 

RIP Coach, you were a good dude.

The Cru is #2!!!

Looks about perfect!!

I would switch Beechwood and Highlands. Results against common opponent Brossart support that move.

I would switch Beechwood and Highlands. Results against common opponent Brossart support that move.

 

Yeah maybe. I also think home vs. away is a key component when facing Brossart.

Nice shout out to Villa Madonna's gym being pretty cool. I totally agree.

12. Cooper (0-5): Coach Sullivan has done a fine job over the years. I believe he is the 2nd longest tenured 9th Region Coach behind coach Faust.

 

If you mean at one school, yes; however, Coach Goetz is in his 15th season in the 9th region, just at two different schools.

Good point about Coach Goetz. I thought Trame was Holy Cross’ coach until 2009 and then Goetz took over. I was in the 8th region then so I didn’t keep up as much.

Totally agree with PP1 on Brossarts gym. They have a huge following that pack their gym.

Villa Madonna’s gym is really cool.

Agree...at night! Sunshiney tough sledding!

Looks great this week. Hopefully Newport can Continue with the good play.

Everyone is sleeping on Highlands. This is a fun team that will put up points. It will take some scoring to beat them. Can’t wait to see them against the top of the 9th region!

Everyone is sleeping on Highlands. This is a fun team that will put up points. It will take some scoring to beat them. Can’t wait to see them against the top of the 9th region!

 

They're averaging 85.6 ppg after 6 games. I have to believe that is tops in the state in scoring.

Everyone is sleeping on Highlands. This is a fun team that will put up points. It will take some scoring to beat them. Can’t wait to see them against the top of the 9th region!

 

How can everyone be sleeping on Highlands when I have them ranked #4 in the region and most of the comments have been in support of my rankings?