BluegrassPreps.com 9th Region - Week 3 - Review and Rankings

Week 3 in the 9th saw numerous teams partake in various holiday classics, either locally, or around the state. Only a couple of games were 9th Region relevant to allow us to see even more clearly the strengths in teams. 

1. Covington Catholic - (7-0) The Colonels record remains unblemished after 7 outings. They're establishing themselves as a team that will dominate and overwhelm especially in the 2nd half. Some teams have hung with them for awhile only to see their wheels fall off in the 4th quarter. We're also recognizing now that Evan Ipsaro is a bit of a superman. In the Holy Cross game he played sick, and threw his guts up at halftime, only to return to lead his team to victory with 28 points. I don't know about you but if I throw my guts up, I'm done. Nothing more but done done done. This past week the Colonels took care of business with a feisty Holy Cross Indians who were actually in the lead by 3 points at halftime only to lose 86-66. The Colonels also faced off with La Salle (Cincinnati) where GCL games are always a dog fight, and they prevailed in impressive fashion 88-69. The Colonels only have one game this coming week when the travel up to The Hill in Newport to face the Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds on Monday Dec. 19. 

2. Highlands - (7-0) The Bluebirds of Highlands are also the only other team in the 9th who has an unblemished schedule. The word is out that these guys can score the ball in bunches and rack up scores in the 80's, 90's, and 100's. Presently after 7 games they're averaging 89 ppg with 4 players averaging in double figures. They don't mind shooting the ball at a rapid rate. They're not a team sitting back contemplating their attack. Their attack is to aim to quickly get the ball to the basket and shoot, or drop 3's at a high rate like it ain't no thing. They're fun to watch if you like a lot of offensive production, and who doesn't? This past week saw them beat Campbell Co 101-85, an in their own Carespring Holiday Classic they beat Cincinnati Trailblazers Home School 78-53, and then Boyle Co. from the 12th Region 76-68. This coming week the Bluebirds will partake in the Mason Co. Invitational Tournament Dec 20-22, They'll face a tough 11th Region team Henry Clay to kick off the tourney. 

3. Holy Cross - (4-2) The Indians are beginning to gel with their new role players who are proving to be effective to fill out their starting 5. Players Matthew Dreas, and Jacob Smith are fitting in quite nicely to help out. This past week the Indians only had one game with region's number 1 team, the Covington Catholic Colonels. Meyer and crew held their own and were even ahead at halftime by 3, but the 2nd half proved to be their undoing when the Colonels began to turn it on. Meyer got his 33 points, his average, in this losing effort 86-66. Holy Cross has two games this week, first on Mon Dec 19 at Boone Co., then Thur Dec 22 at Roger Bacon (Cincinnati). 

4. Conner - (3-3) Getting Landen Hamilton back from injury has given the Cougars a big boost. Their team is proving to have a good assortment of talented players getting it done, but you can't deny that the experience and talent of Hamilton goes a long way. This past Friday night they beat a Caleb Brooks-less Cooper Jags, who rumor has it has an ACL injury, and if true his season is sadly over. Hate to see this, and especially with such a high spirited player that was unofficially their team leader. Conner plays Sun Dec 18 against Cincinnati College Prep Academy at Hughes, and then they'll partake in the Scott Winter Classic Dec 21-23. They'll play Shelby Co. from Region 8 to kick things off. 

5. St. Henry - (2-5) While their win/loss record doesn't express it, the Crusaders are for real, and will strongly stay the course in every match up that they're in. It's just my opinion but when it all plays out by the end of the season St. Henry will be right there in the thick of things. This past weekend they lost to St. Xavier (KY) in the Carespring Holiday Classic at Highlands 60-58 then their 2nd game in the classic with Knot Central was cancelled for whatever reason. Tues Dec 20 the Cru hosts Central Hardin from the 5th Region, and again a home game on Weds Dec 21 against Campbell Co. then Thurs Dec 22 at Villa Madonna. 

6. Newport - (6-2) The Wildcats are beginning to gel with tons of talent, and they even got another talented boost in junior Jabari Covington joining the team. They're quick and relentless as they play in a flurry being ball thieves on the attack. They've got something to say, and they're building a team that aim strongly to be right in the mix by season's end. This past week they shocked by impressively handling Lloyd 55-38, beating Dixie 55-33, then Ryle 54-44. This coming week they'll be playing in the Swauger Holiday Classic at Bellevue Dec 21-23 where on the 21st they'll face off with the Holmes Bulldogs. 

7. Cooper - (3-4) It's a huge loss for the Jags to have lost their highly spirited team leader big guy Caleb Brooks to injury, and it's undeniable that it's going to affect the Jags' season. They're still tough as nails with a feisty lock down defense that will pick your pocket time and again making teams pay close attention to their ball handling skills. Sophomore Yamil Rondon is proving to be quite a force for the jags and the guy who stirs their drink as a fast and furious point guard. These Jags won't be laying down, and now they must adjust and figure out how to stay relevant. This past week they lost to Simon Kenton 32-30 (They really need to find some offence). Then they lost to a talented Conner Cougars 55-42. This coming week they'll be playing in the Legacy Dribble Drive Challenge at South Laurel in the 13th Region Dec 20-22 where they kick off the classic on Dec 20 against Knox Central from the 13th Region. 

8. Lloyd - (3-2) We really don't know what to make of Lloyd so far. It's completely possible that they'll pull it all together by season's end, but right now they're a bit up and down. They began the week by losing to Newport 55-38 in a game most expected to be much closer. They no doubt have talent with NKU commit Jeremiah Israel, and big guy sophomore EJ Walker who has too many offers to count. Sophomore Isaiah Sebastian is a very talented guard, and sophomore Elijah Collins has proved that he can effectively knock down the 3. It's now about making those pieces work for them. They beat Belmont of Dayton, Oh 64-47. On Weds Dec 21 they'll play in the Lee's Famous Recipe Holiday Classic at Madison Southern in the 11th Region. They will face 12th Region's Pulaski Co. 

9. Newport Central Catholic - (5-3) The Thoroughbreds are proving to be a highly spirited focused team, and really this is not a surprise from Newport Central Catholic as they traditionally always bring a competitive team to the fold. This past week they lost to Hughes (Cincinnati) 89-74, then beat Holmes 70-48. Life this week won't be easy as they will host Covington Catholic on Mon Dec 19 up on The Hill. They also will face Williamstown at the Swauger Holiday Classic at Bellevue on Weds Dec 21. 

10. Beechwood (3-4) Beechwood had a rough start to the season, but seem to be beginning to find themselves. They competed this weekend in the Stockyard Bank and Trust Challenge at Rowan Co. in the 16th Region, and came away to two wins, first against Shelby Valley from the 15th Region 49-47, then Lewis Co. from the 16th Region 57-47. They will compete in the Swaguar Holiday Classic at Bellevue Dec 21-23 and will kick things off by facing Ryle on Wed Dec 21. 

 

11. Boone County - (1-5)

12. Ryle - (2-4)

13. Dixie - (1-4)

14. Ludlow - (6-2)

15. Holmes - (0-7)

16. Heritage Academy - (7-1)

17. Dayton - (1-7) 

18. Bellevue - (3-3)

19. Villa Madonna - (2-6)

20. Covington Latin - (0-7) 

 

Special Team Spotlight 

In case anyone hasn't noticed, The Heritage Academy Eagles have begun their season at 7-1. Their only loss was to Ludlow 69-57. They are comprised of mostly freshman and sophomores, with their lead scorer being sophomore Landon Warner who is averaging 20 ppg, just as he did last season as a freshman. They beat Dayton by 22, 85-63, and dismantled Bellevue 76-35.  There's excitement being generated at Heritage this season, as they also think of the next couple of seasons as these guys gain even more experience. Definitely a team to keep an eye on this season as well as the next couple of years. 

Bump.

Highlands at CCH in mid-January is going to have a Rupp feel for sure.  Wow.  
 

Highlands schedule does not yet stack up to CCH’s so I’ll be curious how Highlands handles the speed, quickness, decisiveness, and physicality of CCH’s defense, rebounding and transition game.

CCH is getting beyond quality minutes from about 9 players at this point making it a very focused and united attack. So this could be a very special match in a month.  I currently have CCH winning it by 12 or more on their Home Floor.

This game will come during an interesting stretch for CCH as they will face Conner, Holmes, Highlands, Lloyd, North Laurel, Cooper, and Ashland over about a 3 week period.  That stretch will set the tone for the 9th region and the State headed into tourney time for sure.

Go Colonels!

I’d move Newport up to 4. Taylen Kinney and Covington could arguably be the best backcourt in the region. 

4 minutes ago, Hollywood23 said:

I’d move Newport up to 4. Taylen Kinney and Covington could arguably be the best backcourt in the region. 

in front of the 2 at holy cross and the 2 at covcath?  Soon, but not this year.

It might be a little premature but the potential is through the roof with that Newport team. Notice I did say arguably that means they are in the conversation not necessarily the best.

5 minutes ago, Hollywood23 said:

It might be a little premature but the potential is through the roof with that Newport team. Notice I did say arguably that means they are in the conversation not necessarily the best.

I think it is a tad premature…..baby steps.  Newport showed they are better than Lloyd who has a great backcourt.  They just cannot yet be placed in front of are even in the conversation with CCH, Holy Cross, and Highlands.  
 

As they take them on and outplay them, then that conversation can start….the potential is there…..but those 3 backcourts are on a different level right now.

Newport is setting up something for the next few years for sure with how young they are.

4 minutes ago, Cov_Cath_Hwy said:

I think it is a tad premature…..baby steps.  Newport showed they are better than Lloyd who has a great backcourt.  They just cannot yet be placed in front of are even in the conversation with CCH, Holy Cross, and Highlands.  
 

As they take them on and outplay them, then that conversation can start….the potential is there…..but those 3 backcourts are on a different level right now.

Newport is setting up something for the next few years for sure with how young they are.

Who is the backcourt at Lloyd?  

4 minutes ago, Instride said:

Who is the backcourt at Lloyd?  

NKU commit Jeremiah Israel and Sophomore Isaiah Sebastian.

5 minutes ago, Cov_Cath_Hwy said:

NKU commit Jeremiah Israel and Sophomore Isaiah Sebastian.

Thank you.

I think this year the 9th region backcourts collectively are as strong as I can remember in last 10 years.

Cov Cath, Highlands, Holy Cross, Conner, Lloyd, Newport, NCC all extremely guard heavy and very talented! 
 

I believe this is what makes the 9th so compelling! With the unfortunate injury to Caleb Brooks there are really no dominant bigs left in the 9th!
 

The 9th region will likely come down to who has the best back court play at the end of season and what teams complementary parts step up! 
 

Should be some exciting battles on the way to the 9th region tournament! 
 

 

12 minutes ago, UCME said:

I think this year the 9th region backcourts collectively are as strong as I can remember in last 10 years.

Cov Cath, Highlands, Holy Cross, Conner, Lloyd, Newport, NCC all extremely guard heavy and very talented! 
 

I believe this is what makes the 9th so compelling! With the unfortunate injury to Caleb Brooks there are really no dominant bigs left in the 9th!
 

The 9th region will likely come down to who has the best back court play at the end of season and what teams complementary parts step up! 
 

Should be some exciting battles on the way to the 9th region tournament! 
 

 

About as well said as possible here.  I feel so bad for Brooks and wish Him the best.  What a year He could have had…..Uber talented.

I forgot about Conner….their backcourt gets after it.

9th region is strong and the 9th region Tourney could be one of the highlights of the State this year no doubt.