2 hours ago, Knight Owl said:

I'm working on the 9th region season preview - anybody have any news about recent transfers or other impact players moving into (or out of) the region? I think we are all aware of Newport losing their two big guys (Starks and Turner) and Irvan Nichols (to Holy Cross). Cov Cath's addition of Myrick from Mason County, and Highlands adding two talented young players (Armstrong, Wimzie). I have heard rumors of Cov Cath adding another impact player and Newport bringing in some new players.

Who did you hear Cov Cath added? 

1 hour ago, FrankNicodemus said:

I hate to hear it but I guess Tayden Lorenzen has decided to stop playing basketball to concentrate on hitting the weight room and working on football 24/7. He said as much during the KSR interview earlier in the month.

I really wish he would reconsider, he’s so much fun to watch!

Agreed. 

7 hours ago, Knight Owl said:

I'm working on the 9th region season preview - anybody have any news about recent transfers or other impact players moving into (or out of) the region? I think we are all aware of Newport losing their two big guys (Starks and Turner) and Irvan Nichols (to Holy Cross). Cov Cath's addition of Myrick from Mason County, and Highlands adding two talented young players (Armstrong, Wimzie). I have heard rumors of Cov Cath adding another impact player and Newport bringing in some new players.

No disrespect but Armstrong and Wimzie should be delegated to a freshman thread. They need to show they can consistently dominate freshman basketball and carry it over to JV before any varsity talk is 9th region preview material. I know they did well playing freshman basketball as middle schoolers last year but they have a ways to go before they pop up on opposing varsity teams scouting reports.

5 hours ago, BlueBloodedColonel said:

Who did you hear Cov Cath added? 

No underclassmen that will really have a varsity impact for a year or two except maybe B. Smith due to his size but he still has a lot of devolping in his game to do. He has decent size but not true big man size for varsity. Decent ball skills but when he really gets that part of his game together will be when he can make the biggest impact in a varsity game.

If I missed this earlier in the thread, I apologize. Does anyone have any insight into two different programs:

1.) Conner - If I remember correctly they were decently young last season weren't they? Do they have a chance to make some noise in the region?

2.) Cooper - did they lose any of their hoops players (other than Combs to Ohio) with Coach Sully getting a new gig? (other than his son, obviously)

On 10/22/2025 at 8:57 PM, Knight Owl said:

Armstrong is a very good player, but I'd have to agree with @Honey Badger and @Jack of all Trades - hard to believe he'll get varsity time with all the talent that Highlands has coming back and a really strong sophomore class. Not to mention stud 8th grader Amil Wimzie.

The future looks bright for the Birds with this current roster. A drastic difference from last year when there were NO Seniors on the roster.  I agree with all my fellow posters when it comes to Armstrong, this team will be tough for him to crack into the rotation.  On the flip side, after this Senior class graduates then absolutely as a Sophomore he could really be a good contributor. Looking forward to seeing him progress in the program.  

3 hours ago, AvidSportsJunkie856 said:

If I missed this earlier in the thread, I apologize. Does anyone have any insight into two different programs:

1.) Conner - If I remember correctly they were decently young last season weren't they? Do they have a chance to make some noise in the region?

2.) Cooper - did they lose any of their hoops players (other than Combs to Ohio) with Coach Sully getting a new gig? (other than his son, obviously)

We can offer some insight on Conner...

They have a duo of seniors that will set the tone. In Finn Louden and Brady Bushman, you have two players that have logged significant varsity experience since the early days of their HS careers.

Tyler Warner (a reclassed Junior) is a presumed starter. Warner is the younger brother of 2025 grad Landon Warner.

As seniors, Holten Raider and Logan Back will have the inside track on starting duties, but will be challenged by some talented juniors. 

Besides Warner, the junior class is lead by talented point guard Nolan Nipper, a new name to most who will challenge for a starting slot. Paired in the backcourt for considerable minutes will be talented shooters, junior guards Gabe Smith and Kayden Iames.

Junior big man, Brent Haynes, (son of Scott hall of fame, Chris Haynes) will be sorely missed until at least mid-season as he recovers from ACL surgery. 

Of note, is sophomore transfer Juan Rondon (younger brother of Yamil Rondon) who we will watch with interest. 

Predicted Depth: Finn Louden (6-0 CG), Brady Bushman (6-1 CG), Tyler Warner (6-1 SF), Holten Raider (6-3 SF), Nolan Nipper (5-11 PG), Logan Back (6-1 SF), Gabe Smith (5-11 CG), Kayden Iames (6-1 CG), Cooper Bloom (6-2 PF)

Key Injury: Brent Haynes (6-6 C)

Conner will be undersized against the region's best. Defense, pace of play, and three-point accuracy will be critical to their success. 

 

4 hours ago, NKYPreps said:

We can offer some insight on Conner...

They have a duo of seniors that will set the tone. In Finn Louden and Brady Bushman, you have two players that have logged significant varsity experience since the early days of their HS careers.

Tyler Warner (a reclassed Junior) is a presumed starter. Warner is the younger brother of 2025 grad Landon Warner.

As seniors, Holten Raider and Logan Back will have the inside track on starting duties, but will be challenged by some talented juniors. 

Besides Warner, the junior class is lead by talented point guard Nolan Nipper, a new name to most who will challenge for a starting slot. Paired in the backcourt for considerable minutes will be talented shooters, junior guards Gabe Smith and Kayden Iames.

Junior big man, Brent Haynes, (son of Scott hall of fame, Chris Haynes) will be sorely missed until at least mid-season as he recovers from ACL surgery. 

Of note, is sophomore transfer Juan Rondon (younger brother of Yamil Rondon) who we will watch with interest. 

Predicted Depth: Finn Louden (6-0 CG), Brady Bushman (6-1 CG), Tyler Warner (6-1 SF), Holten Raider (6-3 SF), Nolan Nipper (5-11 PG), Logan Back (6-1 SF), Gabe Smith (5-11 CG), Kayden Iames (6-1 CG), Cooper Bloom (6-2 PF)

Key Injury: Brent Haynes (6-6 C)

Conner will be undersized against the region's best. Defense, pace of play, and three-point accuracy will be critical to their success. 

 

Great rundown!

Thanks for the info.

 

How does Cooper look with the new coach? What should we expect from them?

Is the gap between #1 CovCath and #2 Holy Cross or Ryle (in my opinion) as large as it has ever been between the top two?  Feels like a WIDE gap between CovCath and everyone else.  

I'm not sure if Lorenzen is playing basketball or not, but If I'm not mistaken Highlands will return their entire starting 5 and will easily be a top 5 team in my opinion. As far as the "gap" between top teams after Cov. Cath time will tell it's October. A lot can happen between now and March. I do agree that Holy Cross will be really good. Ryle will have to replace 23 ppg Landon Lorms. Looking forward to the new season!

As of now, Tayden is not playing basketball which is very unfortunate because he is fun to watch play.  Highlands still has a good nucleus coming back and some younger guys that may make a name for themselves this season.  On a side note, congrats to Vinny Listerman on his commitment to Thomas More University.

Unfortunate that Tayden isn't playing hoops I agree but I also understand it. Congratulations to Vinny Listerman on his commitment!

On 10/27/2025 at 1:52 PM, The Double Deuce said:

Is the gap between #1 CovCath and #2 Holy Cross or Ryle (in my opinion) as large as it has ever been between the top two?  Feels like a WIDE gap between CovCath and everyone else.  

#2 Holy Cross or Ryle? I'm mentally impaired.

10 hours ago, Honey Badger said:

#2 Holy Cross or Ryle? I'm mentally impaired.

I think HC would be #2 for me, and Ryle #3, although I haven't given it a ton of thought yet.  Maybe Highlands and Lloyd next.  

 

My bigger point was I think the gap between #1 and anyone else hasn't been bigger in recent memory.  Hope I'm wrong. 

14 hours ago, The Double Deuce said:

I think HC would be #2 for me, and Ryle #3, although I haven't given it a ton of thought yet.  Maybe Highlands and Lloyd next.  

 

My bigger point was I think the gap between #1 and anyone else hasn't been bigger in recent memory.  Hope I'm wrong. 

No doubt about the gap you nailed that.