9th Region Week 11 Review

By: Adrian Woj Burner

Lots of surprises this week!

 

District Seedings

District 33 

1. Conner (3-0) 

2. Cooper (2-1)

3. Boone (1-2) 

4. Ryle (0-3)

5. Heritage Academy (0-0)

 

District 34 

1. Lloyd (5-0)

2. St. Henry (3-1)

T3. Ludlow (2-3)

T3. Dixie Heights (2-3) 

5. Villa Madonna (0-5)

 

District 35 

1. CovCath (3-0)

2. Holy Cross (2-1)

3. Beechwood (1-2)

4. Holmes (0-3)

5. Covington Latin (0-0)

 

District 36 

1. Newport (4-0)

2. Highlands (3-1)

3. NCC (2-3)

4. Dayton (1-3) 

5. Bellevue (1-4)

 

Player of The Week

I believe that this week's player of the week is pretty easy to guess in Jacob Meyer. This week, Meyer averaged 43.5 PPG, and also broke the 9th Region scoring record, passing Scotty Draud. He also leads the state in scoring at 36.4 PPG. 

 

Who is the 9th Region POY?

I believe I have seen all the top players in the 9th play. Being Ipsaro, Meyer, Israel, and Hamilton. In my opinion, Meyer is the clear-cut Player of The Year, and there is no doubt about it. I would love to hear your guys' opinions in the comments!

 

Region Rankings

 

1 -  Conner Cougars

For the first time this year, the cougars surpassed the colonels for #1! Was tempted to make the move last week, but after a beatdown on Highlands, it was no question. The Cougars looked as if they were gonna struggle after only beating Holmes, one of the worst teams in the 9th region, by only 11 points. Then a few nights later they came out and had a running clock on the Birds to start the second half. Dalton Kramer led the squad with 32 points, followed by Landen Hamilton with 27. 

Next Game(s): 2/13 at NCC   /   2/17 at Lloyd

 

2 - CovCath Colonels

The Colonels drop a spot to #2 this week for the first time all year. After going to Dixie and winning 66-34, they were beaten by Reed Sheppards Jaguars.  In this game, Evan Ipsaro led the Colonels with 22 points on 9/20 from the field. They went on to beat Clay county 70-38 later in the week. Ipsaro led the squad with 21. 

Next Game(s): 2/16 at Ryle   /   2/17 vs Madison Central

 

3 - Holy Cross Indians

 The Indians are really heating up for their district tournament after winning 13 out of their last 14. Earlier in the week, they traveled to NCC and won 95-80. Jacob Meyer led all scorers with 41 points. Then, on Saturday Meyer went on to score 46 points to break the 9th region scoring record with 3,129 points, and did so with a dunk as they rolled past Dixie Heights. In my opinion, Meyer deserves 9th Region POY, but I want to hear everyone else's opinions in the comments. 

Next Game(s): 2/14 at Scott   /   2/16 at St. Henry

 

4 - Newport Wildcats

With 2 wins this week, the Wildcats stay at #4. Earlier this week they beat Clinton-Massie (OH) 71-56. Marquez Miller led the cats with 23 & Taylen Kinney followed with 17. Then, they squeaked one out against Cooper 44-42. In a low scoring game, Kinney and Miller combined for 23 of the teams 44. This is a nice young squad I really enjoy watching.  

Next Game(s): 2/13 at Dayton   /   2/14 vs St. Henry   /   2/17 vs Ludlow

 

5 - Highlands BlueBirds 

The Birds move up one spot this week after beating the Lloyd Juggernauts 75-68. Seth Ryan led with 25 points. However, after this game the Birds got steamrolled by Conner, with a running clock to start the 2nd half. So far this year, the Birds have struggled to defend the 3 ball. To end the week, they traveled to Breathitt County (14-9) and lost by 11. 

Next Game(s): 2/17 vs Beechwood   /   2/22 vs NCC

 

6 - Lloyd Juggernauts

After losing both of their games this week, and to the Highlands team that was 1 spot behind them, the Juggs drop to #6. They lost to a struggling Highlands team by 7, and then the reigning State Champs GRC by 16. Jeremiah Israel had 21, and 27 in these 2 games, as he is committed to NKU. The Juggs need to get in a better stride with the postseason coming up. 

Next Game(s): 2/15 vs Bishop Brossart   /   2/17 vs Conner

 

7 - St. Henry Crusaders

The Cru jumps up a spot this week after winning 2 out of 3 of their games. They started by drilling Holmes, then beating Beechwood 64-55. Jack Grayson led the Cru with 17 in this game. Then, they went on to play BGP top 25 team Great Crossings, and only lost by 2. The stats have not yet been put in for this game. 

Next Game(s): 2/14 at Newport   /   2/16 vs Holy Cross

 

8 - Cooper Jaguars

The Jags moved down 1 spot this week. They lost a close contest with Newport 42-44 earlier in the week. Yamil Rondon led with 16. Then they went on to beat Scott County 67-38. Once again, Rondon led with 16. 

Next Game(s): 2/14 vs Dixie Heights   /   2/16 at Scott   /   2/22 vs Boone County

 

9 - Ryle Raiders

Ryle rises to #9 this week after defeating NCC by 7 early in the week. Anthony Coppola and Grady Reynolds combined for 33 in this game. However, they went on to lose their next 3 games vs Scott, Campbell County, and Fleming County. Luckily, they still move up with the teams behind them also struggling here late in the season. 

Next Game(s): 2/14 vs Bishop Brossart   /   2/16 vs CovCath 

 

10 - Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds

The Thoroughbreds are on a 5-game losing streak, and are looking to turn it around. However, their last 2 games have been tough opponents such as Madison Southern, and Covington Holy Cross. The Breds got the opportunity to play on EKU´s court in their game against Madison Southern, but lost 61-76. Luke Runyon led with 16. 

Next Game(s): 2/13 vs Conner   /   2/16 at Walton-Verona   /      2/17 at Bishop Brossart   /   2/22 at Highlands

 

11 - Beechwood Tigers

2-5 in their last 7 games, after losing PG Cash Harney ROS due to a wrist injury. 

Next Game(s): 2/15 at Campbell County   /   2/17 at Highlands

 

12 - Dixie Heights Colonels

Blown out this week by 2 of the top 3 teams in the region, CovCath and Holy Cross. Their leading scorer so far being Hudson Blank with 12.6 PPG. 

Next Game(s): 2/14 at Cooper   /   2/17 vs Boone County

 

13 - Ludlow Panthers

The Panthers go 3-0 this week after beating Carroll County, Dayton, and Bellevue. However, I cannot rank them any higher due to their weak schedule. Senior Jaxon Rice for the Panthers is averaging 30 PPG. Ludlow also won their 2023 NKAC Division 3 conference championship, and went 12-0 against conference opponents. Jaxon Rice was named MVP of the tournament. 

Next Game(s): 2/13 at Augusta   /   2/17 at Newport

 

14 - Boone County Rebels

Boone County picked up 1 of their 4 wins on the year this week against Bishop Brossart. They have heavily struggled all season. Maddox Jones is averaging 16 PPG and leading them in scoring. 

Next Game(s): 2/14 at SK   /   2/17 at Dixie Heights

 

15 - Bellevue Tigers

Bellevue made it all the way to the finals this week of the NKAC Div. 3 Tournament this week, but lost to Ludlow by 12 in the Championship. Leading the Tigers is Noah Frommeyer, averaging 17.2 PPG on the year. 

Next Game(s): 2/15 vs Holmes   /   2/16 vs Covington Latin

 

16 - Heritage Academy Eagles

Although they have some wins this year, Heritage may play the weakest schedule in the 9th. This week they drilled Covington Latin 93-39, and then lost to Bellevue in the NKAC Div. 3 Tournament. Their leading scorer is Landon Warner, who is averaging 20.2 PPG on the year. 

Next Game(s): No remaining regular season games left.

 

17 - Dayton

18 - Villa Madonna

19 - Covington Latin

 

Postseason

The district tournaments are coming real soon next week! What are your guys' predictions for who makes the region tournament? Who are the teams that could sneak their way into a region title? Can anyone stop the Conner Cougars? Who is most likely to get upset? 

I would LOVE to hear your guys thoughts!

Sorry for the late post, got extremely busy today and didn't have time to finish it up!

Great job @Adrian Woj Burner!  And I may be a bit biased, but I certainly agree with you POY assessment. Meyer has had pressure on him all season to perform at a ridiculously high level every game and he never disappoints. He is absolutely the hands down favorite for 9th region POY. 

-CardinalsFan

Can't disagree with anything you have in at this point.  Yes, Meyer for POY.  Should be an easy discussion and that is no disrespect to Ipsaro, but what Meyer has done this year and last for that matter is just mind boggling.  I think the bigger discussion and better question should be Meyer for Mr. Basketball.  I know Reed is going to UK and is a McDonald's All-American, but if you remove those forces, I would take Meyer.  

Great write up Woj!

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15 hours ago, Adrian Woj Burner said:

9th Region Week 11 Review

By: Adrian Woj Burner

Lots of surprises this week!

 

District Seedings

District 33 

1. Conner (3-0) 

2. Cooper (2-1)

3. Boone (1-2) 

4. Ryle (0-3)

5. Heritage Academy (0-0)

 

District 34 

1. Lloyd (5-0)

2. St. Henry (3-1)

T3. Ludlow (2-3)

T3. Dixie Heights (2-3) 

5. Villa Madonna (0-5)

 

District 35 

1. CovCath (3-0)

2. Holy Cross (2-1)

3. Beechwood (1-2)

4. Holmes (0-3)

5. Covington Latin (0-0)

 

District 36 

1. Newport (4-0)

2. Highlands (3-1)

3. NCC (2-3)

4. Dayton (1-3) 

5. Bellevue (1-4)

 

Player of The Week

I believe that this week's player of the week is pretty easy to guess in Jacob Meyer. This week, Meyer averaged 43.5 PPG, and also broke the 9th Region scoring record, passing Scotty Draud. He also leads the state in scoring at 36.4 PPG. 

 

Who is the 9th Region POY?

I believe I have seen all the top players in the 9th play. Being Ipsaro, Meyer, Israel, and Hamilton. In my opinion, Meyer is the clear-cut Player of The Year, and there is no doubt about it. I would love to hear your guys' opinions in the comments!

 

Region Rankings

 

1 -  Conner Cougars

For the first time this year, the cougars surpassed the colonels for #1! Was tempted to make the move last week, but after a beatdown on Highlands, it was no question. The Cougars looked as if they were gonna struggle after only beating Holmes, one of the worst teams in the 9th region, by only 11 points. Then a few nights later they came out and had a running clock on the Birds to start the second half. Dalton Kramer led the squad with 32 points, followed by Landen Hamilton with 27. 

Next Game(s): 2/13 at NCC   /   2/17 at Lloyd

 

2 - CovCath Colonels

The Colonels drop a spot to #2 this week for the first time all year. After going to Dixie and winning 66-34, they were beaten by Reed Sheppards Jaguars.  In this game, Evan Ipsaro led the Colonels with 22 points on 9/20 from the field. They went on to beat Clay county 70-38 later in the week. Ipsaro led the squad with 21. 

Next Game(s): 2/16 at Ryle   /   2/17 vs Madison Central

 

3 - Holy Cross Indians

 The Indians are really heating up for their district tournament after winning 13 out of their last 14. Earlier in the week, they traveled to NCC and won 95-80. Jacob Meyer led all scorers with 41 points. Then, on Saturday Meyer went on to score 46 points to break the 9th region scoring record with 3,129 points, and did so with a dunk as they rolled past Dixie Heights. In my opinion, Meyer deserves 9th Region POY, but I want to hear everyone else's opinions in the comments. 

Next Game(s): 2/14 at Scott   /   2/16 at St. Henry

 

4 - Newport Wildcats

With 2 wins this week, the Wildcats stay at #4. Earlier this week they beat Clinton-Massie (OH) 71-56. Marquez Miller led the cats with 23 & Taylen Kinney followed with 17. Then, they squeaked one out against Cooper 44-42. In a low scoring game, Kinney and Miller combined for 23 of the teams 44. This is a nice young squad I really enjoy watching.  

Next Game(s): 2/13 at Dayton   /   2/14 vs St. Henry   /   2/17 vs Ludlow

 

5 - Highlands BlueBirds 

The Birds move up one spot this week after beating the Lloyd Juggernauts 75-68. Seth Ryan led with 25 points. However, after this game the Birds got steamrolled by Conner, with a running clock to start the 2nd half. So far this year, the Birds have struggled to defend the 3 ball. To end the week, they traveled to Breathitt County (14-9) and lost by 11. 

Next Game(s): 2/17 vs Beechwood   /   2/22 vs NCC

 

6 - Lloyd Juggernauts

After losing both of their games this week, and to the Highlands team that was 1 spot behind them, the Juggs drop to #6. They lost to a struggling Highlands team by 7, and then the reigning State Champs GRC by 16. Jeremiah Israel had 21, and 27 in these 2 games, as he is committed to NKU. The Juggs need to get in a better stride with the postseason coming up. 

Next Game(s): 2/15 vs Bishop Brossart   /   2/17 vs Conner

 

7 - St. Henry Crusaders

The Cru jumps up a spot this week after winning 2 out of 3 of their games. They started by drilling Holmes, then beating Beechwood 64-55. Jack Grayson led the Cru with 17 in this game. Then, they went on to play BGP top 25 team Great Crossings, and only lost by 2. The stats have not yet been put in for this game. 

Next Game(s): 2/14 at Newport   /   2/16 vs Holy Cross

 

8 - Cooper Jaguars

The Jags moved down 1 spot this week. They lost a close contest with Newport 42-44 earlier in the week. Yamil Rondon led with 16. Then they went on to beat Scott County 67-38. Once again, Rondon led with 16. 

Next Game(s): 2/14 vs Dixie Heights   /   2/16 at Scott   /   2/22 vs Boone County

 

9 - Ryle Raiders

Ryle rises to #9 this week after defeating NCC by 7 early in the week. Anthony Coppola and Grady Reynolds combined for 33 in this game. However, they went on to lose their next 3 games vs Scott, Campbell County, and Fleming County. Luckily, they still move up with the teams behind them also struggling here late in the season. 

Next Game(s): 2/14 vs Bishop Brossart   /   2/16 vs CovCath 

 

10 - Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds

The Thoroughbreds are on a 5-game losing streak, and are looking to turn it around. However, their last 2 games have been tough opponents such as Madison Southern, and Covington Holy Cross. The Breds got the opportunity to play on EKU´s court in their game against Madison Southern, but lost 61-76. Luke Runyon led with 16. 

Next Game(s): 2/13 vs Conner   /   2/16 at Walton-Verona   /      2/17 at Bishop Brossart   /   2/22 at Highlands

 

11 - Beechwood Tigers

2-5 in their last 7 games, after losing PG Cash Harney ROS due to a wrist injury. 

Next Game(s): 2/15 at Campbell County   /   2/17 at Highlands

 

12 - Dixie Heights Colonels

Blown out this week by 2 of the top 3 teams in the region, CovCath and Holy Cross. Their leading scorer so far being Hudson Blank with 12.6 PPG. 

Next Game(s): 2/14 at Cooper   /   2/17 vs Boone County

 

13 - Ludlow Panthers

The Panthers go 3-0 this week after beating Carroll County, Dayton, and Bellevue. However, I cannot rank them any higher due to their weak schedule. Senior Jaxon Rice for the Panthers is averaging 30 PPG. Ludlow also won their 2023 NKAC Division 3 conference championship, and went 12-0 against conference opponents. Jaxon Rice was named MVP of the tournament. 

Next Game(s): 2/13 at Augusta   /   2/17 at Newport

 

14 - Boone County Rebels

Boone County picked up 1 of their 4 wins on the year this week against Bishop Brossart. They have heavily struggled all season. Maddox Jones is averaging 16 PPG and leading them in scoring. 

Next Game(s): 2/14 at SK   /   2/17 at Dixie Heights

 

15 - Bellevue Tigers

Bellevue made it all the way to the finals this week of the NKAC Div. 3 Tournament this week, but lost to Ludlow by 12 in the Championship. Leading the Tigers is Noah Frommeyer, averaging 17.2 PPG on the year. 

Next Game(s): 2/15 vs Holmes   /   2/16 vs Covington Latin

 

16 - Heritage Academy Eagles

Although they have some wins this year, Heritage may play the weakest schedule in the 9th. This week they drilled Covington Latin 93-39, and then lost to Bellevue in the NKAC Div. 3 Tournament. Their leading scorer is Landon Warner, who is averaging 20.2 PPG on the year. 

Next Game(s): No remaining regular season games left.

 

17 - Dayton

18 - Villa Madonna

19 - Covington Latin

 

Postseason

The district tournaments are coming real soon next week! What are your guys' predictions for who makes the region tournament? Who are the teams that could sneak their way into a region title? Can anyone stop the Conner Cougars? Who is most likely to get upset? 

I would LOVE to hear your guys thoughts!

Great recap AWB well written. And I completely agree with your assessment for POY.

I'm on record as saying if I was a college coach, I'd rather have Evan Ipsaro, but I don't think you can make a great argument against Jacob winning 9th Region POY.  

40 minutes ago, The Double Deuce said:

I'm on record as saying if I was a college coach, I'd rather have Evan Ipsaro, but I don't think you can make a great argument against Jacob winning 9th Region POY.  

I would guess that depends on which college.  Both guys have a lot to offer at the college level.