9th Region - Week 8 Review

[B-Ball-fan]

Whole lotta shakin’ going on…

We saw in Week 8 in the 9th Region a lot of shake ups with upsets that challenge last week’s rankings, and begs for a reevaluation. 

We saw small school Ludlow upset big school Ryle in overtime. It puts emphasis on the old adage that both teams can only have 5 players on the court at any given time. 

We saw a struggling Villa Madonna take down Dayton by a decent 17 points. 

We saw the dark horse Lloyd Memorial take down 6th ranked Conner by 5. 

We saw a struggling but sorta finding themselves Boone County take down a decent Grant County team by 6. 

 

So let’s get to the rankings.... 

 

…. Wait...now hold on a second, there seems to be another upset that I’m forgetting about. Let’s see...what was that….it seems to have escaped my mind...what could that be? 

OK got it!!! 

I remember now!!!

The St. Henry Crusaders took down the almighty Covington Catholic Colonels in a thriller 61-60!!!

 

So let’s talk about that....

Oh brother my head has been going around in circles since last Tuesday thinking about this week’s rankings. I’ve been back and forth, and just when I’ve settled my mind on things, I turn around and change it...back and forth, back and forth. 

There are legit arguments both ways on this topic, and there really isn’t a wrong answer, and at the end of the day it’s sorta subjective. 

Before this Crusader victory most, if they’re being honest, really didn’t think any team in the 9th could touch CovCath this season, and figured it would take the stars to align, and to have a perfect storm for any of the Tier 2 teams to beat them. 

Well we saw the stars align, and we saw that perfect storm as the Crusaders triumphantly came from behind to get the lead, and the win for the first time since the first two points of the game. The senior leadership of St. Henry prevailed as Wyatt Vieth and Jude Bessler put the team on their shoulders, and would not be denied. Vieth was bound and determined to make that last basket, and the “and 1” stick, and he did, and the confetti fell from the rafters. The dragon finally had been sleighed, and a senior heavy team of destiny won a game that not one of those players will ever forget. 

Some could say, “Well yeah, but that 1 point victory was played at St. Henry, and it would be different on a neutral court, or if hypothetically they played each other 10 times, CovCath would win 7 of those games”. 

Who knows? 

We do now know that St. Henry is strong enough of a team to beat them, because they did. 

Some could say, “Well look at the strength of CovCath’s schedule compared to St. Henry’s and how they fared with like teams”.

But...We do now know that St. Henry is strong enough of a team to beat them, because they did. 

While it was early in the season, St. Henry only lost to the now 17-0 Lexington Catholic Knights by 2, the closest game that LexCath has had all season. They were the closest threat to their present undefeated season. There’s something to be said about that. 

What we do know for sure is that St. Henry is strong enough of a team to beat them because they did, and as someone in another thread said “To be the best, you have to beat the best”, and there’s a lot of truth in that. 

 

Do we believe that CovCath can beat St. Henry?

You bet, and I don’t think anyone would deny that. 

But what we do know is that St. Henry is strong enough of a team to beat them, because they did. 

 

So let’s do it...let’s pull that trigger...we now have a new Number 1 in the 9th Region. 

 

1. St. Henry - (12-2)

 

(2-0) 

 

W - Covington Catholic 61-60

W - Walton Verona 73-29 - (First round of the All ‘A’ Classic).

 

Like we already discussed St. Henry pulled off what so many thought was impossible, and took down the multi-headed monster in the almighty Covington Catholic Colonels. I am completely open to discussion regarding this Number 1 ranking and how others feel about it, but please spare me from having my head on the chopping block. LOL! 

This coming week St. Henry will face West Carter in the quarterfinals of the All ‘’A’ Classic en route in their attempt to repeat as they were the 2020 All ‘A’ Champs, and they also have a game at home against The Conner Cougars. 

 

2. Covington Catholic - (18-3)

 

(1-2)

 

L- St Henry 60-61

W- Ashland Blazer 71-62

W- Madison Central 64-48

 

We really can’t fault the Colonels too bad with this loss to St. Henry, and I will say that it’s a certain given that most realize just how tough they are, and what a rough ride it is to face them. Just ask Ashland and Madison Central because they got to feel their wrath after their loss to the Crusaders. 

This coming week CovCath will face off with the Holmes Bulldogs at home in a 35th District seeding game as well as games with Clay County, and a serious game with 5th ranked Elizabethtown, both at home. 

 

3. Highlands - (16-4) 

 

(3-0)

 

W- Simon Kenton 98-70

W- Holmes 89-78

W- Rowan County 86-54

 

The Bluebirds have been flying high, and dominating their foes with their big shooters Vinson, Muller, and Herald. In their win against Holmes they connected on an amazing 17 3’s. They turned around the next day and dismantled a really good Rowan County team at Rowan County. They’ve been playing some very impressive ball. 

This coming week Highlands will face Holy Cross, Campbell County, and Oldham County. 

 

4. Beechwood - (18-5)

 

(3-0) 

W- Holmes 62-46

W- Scott 64-57

W- Newport Central Catholic 66-53

 

Beechwood keeps getting the wins, and making their case as a top serious threat in the 9th.  If Scotty Draud keeps scoring at the pace that he is, he very possibly could become the all time 9th Region scoring leader this week against either Dixie Heights or Walton Verona. 

This coming week Beechwood plays Pendleton County, Bracken County, Dixie Heights, and Walton Verona. 

 

5. Dixie Heights - (17-3)

 

(3-0)

 

W- Scott 81-46

W- Holmes 68-47

W- Cooper 64-34

 

Dixie keeps rolling, winning 14 or their last 15 games with their only losses this season being a double overtime loss to Highlands, and a loss to both St. Henry and CovCath. They really bring a nice complete product to the court with 4 players who regularly can be relied on to score in double figures, they have great ball movement, and are dynamite in transition, also with multiple players who can knock down the 3. 

This coming week Dixie will face an oncoming strong Mason County, and Beechwood. 

 

6. Holy Cross - (12-6)

 

(2-1) 

 

W- Cincinnati Trailblazers Home School 79-72

W- Bracken County 90-74

L- Lexington Catholic 99-56

 

Holy Cross moves to position 6 this week as Conner lost to last week’s Number 9 Lloyd Memorial by 5. All along I pretty much have had a hard time deciding who was Number 6 between these two teams, so that loss to Lloyd gives merit to having the Cougars trade places with the Indians at the Number 6 spot. 

Holy cross won two games this week, but hit a buzz saw in the Lexington Catholic Knight who completely dismantled the Indians from start to finish. The bright spot in that game was that sophomore Jacob Meyer earned this 1000th career point. Such a fine accomplishment for the young man!!!

 

7. Conner - (12-6)

(1-2)

 

L- Lloyd Memorial 54-59

W -Campbell County 81-75 OT

L- St. Xavier 72-69

 

The Cougars took a hit this week with two losses, and one significant loss to the Juggernauts of Lloyd dropping them from 6 to 7 in the rankings. 

This coming week the Conner will play a couple of tough games with Simon Kenton and St. Henry

 

8. Newport Central Catholic - (8-7)

 

(2-1)

 

W- Augusta 76-70

W- Bracken County 77-52

L- Beechwood 53-66

 

The Breds got a couple of nice wins in this week, but couldn’t quite match up with the Tigers of Beechwood. While they are playing somewhat at a disadvantage this season they do approach every game competitively, and then you can’t ignore Joel Ilses and his incredible shooting. 

This coming week NewCath will face Boone County, Lloyd, and Cooper. 

 

9. Lloyd Memorial - (6-8) 

 

(1-0)

 

W- Conner 59-54

 

Lloyd got a nice big signature win this week in taking down last week’s Number 6 Conner Cougars. This now gives the Juggernauts their 4th win in a row after 8 straight losses. Their diligence is beginning to pay off, and they’re beginning to hit their stride. 

This coming week will see them trying to prove once again that they are for real when they take on NewCath. 

 

10. Cooper - (5-8) 

 

(2-1) 

 

W- Ryle 37-28

W. Newport 59-41

L- Dixie 64-34

 

Cooper got a big win this week over Ryle which helped them secure the 2nd seed in the 33rd District, and awarding them the privilege of avoiding Conner in the first round of the 33rd District tournament. 

This coming week the Jags will face St. Henry, and Scott. 

 

11. Newport - (6-12) 

 

(1-1)

 

W- Boone County 55-51

L- Cooper 41-59

 

I did some re-thinking and shifted Newport from last week’s ranking of 14 up to 11 because they were able to take down a Boone County team that was starting to show better consistency. Debatable for sure because this Wildcat team is up and down, and mostly down. 

This coming week the Wildcats will face the Camels of Campbell County. 

 

12. Boone County (5-10)

 

(2-1)

 

L- Newport 51-55

W- Williamstown 62-45

W- Grant County 75-69

 

The Rebels went 2-1 this week topping it off with an impressive win over a pretty decent Grant County team. 

This coming week Boone County will face Pendleton County and Newport Central Catholic 

 

13. Ludlow - (13-7) 

 

(3-0)

 

W- Calvary Christian 66-60

W- Heritage Academy 99-72

W- Ryle 60-58 OT

 

The Panthers of Ludlow have won 5 of their last 6 games, and most notably their OT 60-58 win over the Ryle Raiders. A very nice win for Ludlow. 

This coming week will see the Panthers competing in the NKAC Classic - opponent TBA

 

14. Ryle - (8-8)

 

(1-2)

 

W- Villa Madonna 69-30

L- Cooper 28-37

L- Ludlow 58-60 OT

 

The Raiders lost a very important 33rd District seeding game against the Cooper Jaguars then turned around and lost to Ludlow in OT. 

This coming week Ryle will face Gallatin County and Simon Kenton

 

15. Holmes (3-11)

 

(0-4)

 

L- Beechwood 46-62

L- Highlands 78-89

L- Dixie Heights 47-68

L- Campbell County 64-67

 

The Bulldogs had a rough week while also losing 11 of their last 12 games. They certainly faced stiff competition this past week, and at times show strength, but they just can’t seem to get over the hump, and to learn to finish a game out and get the W. 

It doesn’t get any easier for them because this coming week will see them in 2 35th District seeding games against Covington Catholic and Holy Cross. If they can manage to beat Holy Cross then it would be a 3 way tie for the 2nd seed, and a chance to possibly avoid CovCath in the first round, but I will admit that this year I’m not sure how they would handle a 3 way tie. It could be a blind draw, and I’ve heard that it possibly could be decided by R.P.I. 

Maybe someone out there knows the answer to this. 

 

16. Villa Madonna (6-13)

 

(3-1) 

 

L- Ryle 30-69

W- Dayton 69-52

W- Bellevue 68-59

W- St. Patrick 71-33

 

The Villa Madonna Vikings had a productive week going 3-1, and also getting an upset win over the Dayton Green Devils in commanding fashion winning by 17. 

This coming week The Vikings will compete in the NKAC Classic with their opponent TBA. 

 

17. Dayton - (7-11)

 

(2-2)

 

While getting a couple of wins this week the Green Devils took one on the chin in their 17 point loss to the Villa Madonna Vikings, having them slip a spot in the rankings. 

This coming week Dayton will compete in the NKAC Classic with their opponent TBA.

 

18. Bellevue - (2-15)

 

(0-2)

 

L- Villa Madonna 59-68

L- Dayton - 77-66

 

Bellevue continues to struggle

This coming week the Tiger will compete in the NKAC Classic with their opponent TBA

 

19. Heritage Academy (2-10)

 

L- Dayton 44-65

L- Ludlow 72-99

L- Portland Christain 54-88

 

The Eagles are having a bit of trouble getting off the ground this season. 

This coming week Heritage has no games scheduled. 

 

20. Covington Latin (0-7)

 

The Trojans didn’t play this week having their games cancelled due to COVID. 

This coming week Covington Latin will face Whitefield Academy. 

 

[mcpapa]

Now you’ve gone and done it.  

[colonel-fan]

Very good year for the 9th. Looking forward to the Beechwood - Dixie game this week.

[B-Ball-fan]

I failed to post that Holy Cross has games this week with Highlands, Bishop Brossart, and Holmes. 

[Believe It]

The 9th region is fantastic this year.  The 3 final four and championship games really deserve some quality production presentation either streaming or local TV.  What's up Joe Danneman?  Think you could get 19 to buy in?  I would love to watch you do those games...big fan of what you do with the highlights. Does anyone know what is planned?

[BigRob]

Beechwood's lost to Gallatin County didn't effect their ranking huh? That was a terrible loss. I'd have Dixie in front of them, but this week will tell. 

[B-Ball-fan]

9 minutes ago, BigRob said:

Beechwood's lost to Gallatin County didn't effect their ranking huh? That was a terrible loss. I'd have Dixie in front of them, but this week will tell. 

Fair point, and the good news is that we get to find out who truly deserves that 4 spot this coming Friday, March 5th when the Tigers take on the Red Colonels @ Dixie. I really like this Dixie team, and I know who I’ll be rooting for in this game, and I expect it to be a dandy. 

[BigRob]

41 minutes ago, B-Ball-fan said:

Fair point, and the good news is that we get to find out who truly deserves that 4 spot this coming Friday, March 5th when the Tigers take on the Red Colonels @ Dixie. I really like this Dixie team, and I know who I’ll be rooting for in this game, and I expect it to be a dandy. 

I wish the Holy Cross/ Dixie game didn't get cancelled because that would have made it a little more interesting too. 

[The Double Deuce]

23 hours ago, mcpapa said:

Now you’ve gone and done it.  

Those underdogs from Park Hills are going to try and upset their way to another 9th Region title.  😇

[Runcible Owl]

On 2/28/2021 at 1:41 PM, mcpapa said:

Now you’ve gone and done it.  

@B-Ball-fan

[mcpapa]

27 minutes ago, Runcible Owl said:

@B-Ball-fan

Just when I start to have niggling doubts, there’s an R.O. sighting. 

I for one will sleep easier tonight.   

[Runcible Owl]

On 2/28/2021 at 8:40 PM, Believe It said:

The 9th region is fantastic this year.  The 3 final four and championship games really deserve some quality production presentation either streaming or local TV.  What's up Joe Danneman?  Think you could get 19 to buy in?  I would love to watch you do those games...big fan of what you do with the highlights. Does anyone know what is planned?

The Cov Cath broadcast crew has been asked to do it from what I heard/saw on the Ashland game. They have a nice two camera setup and experienced technical crew. Picture quality is good and the on screen chyron includes the game clock in addition to the scoring. If they could just do something about Fritschner and Sheilds. 😉

They did not mention pricing/package options. TBD? I know the KHSAA gets a cut. Let's hope the price is reasonable.

 

[colonel-fan]

31 minutes ago, Runcible Owl said:

The Cov Cath broadcast crew has been asked to do it from what I heard/saw on the Ashland game. They have a nice two camera setup and experienced technical crew. Picture quality is good and the on screen chyron includes the game clock in addition to the scoring. If they could just do something about Fritschner and Sheilds. 😉

They did not mention pricing/package options. TBD? I know the KHSAA gets a cut. Let's hope the price is reasonable.

 

Fritschner does a solid job on play by play. 

[Runcible Owl]

37 minutes ago, Runcible Owl said:

The Cov Cath broadcast crew has been asked to do it from what I heard/saw on the Ashland game. They have a nice two camera setup and experienced technical crew. Picture quality is good and the on screen chyron includes the game clock in addition to the scoring. If they could just do something about Fritschner and Sheilds. 😉

They did not mention pricing/package options. TBD? I know the KHSAA gets a cut. Let's hope the price is reasonable.

 I insert <extra sarcasm emoji> here.

5 minutes ago, colonel-fan said:

Fritschner does a solid job on play by play. 

Agree. Have liked him on the Xavier U streams too.

[Believe It]

1 hour ago, Runcible Owl said:

The Cov Cath broadcast crew has been asked to do it from what I heard/saw on the Ashland game. They have a nice two camera setup and experienced technical crew. Picture quality is good and the on screen chyron includes the game clock in addition to the scoring. If they could just do something about Fritschner and Sheilds. 😉

They did not mention pricing/package options. TBD? I know the KHSAA gets a cut. Let's hope the price is reasonable.

 

That is great news.  Those guys do a great job...looking forward to it!