It was a great first week of basketball in the 9^th Region. The top teams easily handled their business, new-look St. Henry and Cooper struggled, and Lloyd showed they could still be a contender with a strong week of games. I’m going to wait at least one more week to move teams around much, but Lloyd is definitely trending up (moved from 7 to 5) and I’m not sure we know too much about St. Henry or Cooper based on the quality of teams they had to play.

1.       Covington Catholic

Cov Cath showed why they are the heavy favorite in the 9^th as they dominated in their two games, including a 20-point victory at Lexington Catholic. Through two games, 9^th Region Player of the Year favorite Athens McGillis is averaging 27 ppg, while newcomer Braeden Myrick is averaging 19.5 ppg with 9 made 3-pointers. After two home games against rebuilding St. Henry and Cooper, CCH has another big road game at state-ranked Louisville Eastern.

Tues, 12/9 St. Henry at CCH; Thur, 12/11 Cooper at CCH; Fri, 12/12 at Eastern

 

2.       Holy Cross

Holy Cross went 3-0 on the week. After a blowout home win, the Indians easily handled Cooper and Conner on the road, who was without Finn Louden with an injury. We will know a lot more about how good the Indians are this week as they have road games against Ryle and Campbell County and will play Taft (OH) on Saturday in Newport.

Tues, 12/9 at Ryle; Thur, 12/11 at Campbell County; Sat, 12/13 vs. Taft (OH) at Newport

 

3.       Highlands

Highlands had two blowout victories and look every bit like the contender we expected. Only one game this week as they play Lafayette in the Billy Hicks Classic at Scott County on Wednesday.

Wed, 12/10 Lafayette at Scott County

 

4.       Ryle

Ryle only had 1 game this week, falling by 13 to a tough South Oldham team. A big week ahead for the Raiders with home games against Holy Cross and Lloyd and a matchup with Winton Woods (OH) at Newport on Saturday.

Tues, 12/9 Holy Cross at Ryle; Wed, 12/10 Lloyd at Ryle; Sat, 12/13 vs. Winton Woods (OH) at Newport

 

5.       Lloyd

The biggest mover in Week 1. The Juggs had big home wins against Pendleton County and Simon Kenton, before falling to state-ranked Ashland Blazer by 4 at Highlands on Saturday. No stats have been posted by KHSAA, but I’ve heard that 9^th Region Player of the Year candidate Blaackar averaged more than 20 ppg for the week. Lloyd will go on the road this week to play Ryle and Boone County.

Wed, 12/10 at Ryle; Sat, 12/13 at Boone County

 

6.       Conner

Conner had two good wins to start the week (over Simon Kenton and St. Henry) but struggled badly at home against Holy Cross without Finn Louden. Not sure how long Louden (he averaged 28.5 ppg through first two games) is out with injury, but this will be a different team if he misses significant time. Tough week ahead as the Cougars go on the road to face Campbell County and play Elder (OH) at Newport.

Tues, 12/9 at Campbell County; Sat, 12/13 Elder (OH) at Newport

 

7.       Dixie Heights

After a home loss to Campbell County (60-56), the Red Colonels got big wins at Walton Verona and vs. St. Joseph’s (Australia). Dixie gets NewCath at home this week and goes on the road to play Ludlow.

Tues, 12/9 NewCath at Dixie; Fri, 12/12 at Ludlow

 

8.       Beechwood

Only one game this week for the Tigers, a blowout home win against Gallatin County, who only managed 15 points in the game. This week Beechwood has two out-of-region road games against Scott and Bishop Brossart.

Wed, 12/10 at Scott; Thur, 12/11 at Brossart

 

 

9.       Newport

Only one game for the Wildcats this week, a blowout home win against Community Christian Academy. This week Newport will have Holmes on the road and will welcome Walton Verona on Saturday in the John Turner Classic.

Tues, 12/9 @Holmes; Sat, 12/13 Walton @Newport

 

10.   St. Henry

Tough week for the Crusaders. They were blown out by Highlands in the opener, then fell by 10 points to both Conner and Sayre. Things don’t get any easier this week as they head to Park Hills to face Cov Cath on Tuesday, before facing off against Newport Catholic at the Hoosier Gym (which sounds like an amazing experience).

Tues, 12/9 at CCH; Sat, 12/13 NCC at Hoosier Gym

 

 

11.   Cooper

Tough week for the Jaguars as well. New coach Justin Holthaus was welcomed with a 30-point home loss to a very good DuPont Manual team, a 20-point home loss to regional contender Holy Cross, and 58-point loss at #1 ranked (KY) St. Xavier.  Looks like another tough week ahead, the Jaguars go to Park Hills to play Cov Cath on Thursday and then head to Louisville to play DeSales on Saturday.

12.   Newport Catholic

NewCath fell to Walton Verona (68-55) and Scott (60-46) in their two games this week. Busy week of travel ahead for NCC as they go to Dixie on Tuesday, Oldenburg Academy (IN) on Friday, and the Hoosier Gym on Saturday to play small-school rival St. Henry.

13.   Holmes

This week the Bulldogs beat a struggling Gallatin County (65-50) in Covington and lost to Pendleton County at Great Crossing. The week ahead will see Holmes will face a tough home game against Newport, before going to the road to Villa and Mason County.

14.   Boone Co

The Rebels had a nice opening week, notching wins against Ludlow (66-64 in OT), Bellevue (61-51), and Menifee County (67-43). We will find out how much Boone as improved this week as they face off at home against Scott and Lloyd.

15.   Bellevue

The Tigers struggled in the opening week, falling to Boone and Gallatin County (who lost by 60 to Beechwood). Bellevue gets Heritage and Williamstown this week.

16.   Heritage

Heritage went 1-1 on the week, getting a home win against Eminence before losing at Bourbon County. The Eagles get Bellevue and Calvary Christian this week.

17.   Ludlow

Ludlow went 2-1 in the first week, getting wins over Oyler (OH) and Carroll County and losing to Boone in OT.  This week the Panthers get home games against St. Bernard (OH) and Dixie before going on the road to face Fleming County at Mason County.

18.   Villa Madonna

Villa went 1-1 on the week, getting blown out at Bishop Brossart (75-40) before getting a road win at Williamstown (50-31). The Vikings get Williamstown again this week and will host Holmes in Villa Hills.

19.   Dayton

Dayton got two wins in week 1, beating Robertson County (58-50) at home and Williamstown (56-36) on the road. This week the Greendevils will hit the road to play Calvary Christian, Trimble County, and Trinity Christian.

Just a heads up, Highlands plays at least 3 games this week in Georgetown.

2 hours ago, Knight Owl said:

It was a great first week of basketball in the 9^th Region. The top teams easily handled their business, new-look St. Henry and Cooper struggled, and Lloyd showed they could still be a contender with a strong week of games. I’m going to wait at least one more week to move teams around much, but Lloyd is definitely trending up (moved from 7 to 5) and I’m not sure we know too much about St. Henry or Cooper based on the quality of teams they had to play.

1.       Covington Catholic

Cov Cath showed why they are the heavy favorite in the 9^th as they dominated in their two games, including a 20-point victory at Lexington Catholic. Through two games, 9^th Region Player of the Year favorite Athens McGillis is averaging 27 ppg, while newcomer Braeden Myrick is averaging 19.5 ppg with 9 made 3-pointers. After two home games against rebuilding St. Henry and Cooper, CCH has another big road game at state-ranked Louisville Eastern.

Tues, 12/9 St. Henry at CCH; Thur, 12/11 Cooper at CCH; Fri, 12/12 at Eastern

 

2.       Holy Cross

Holy Cross went 3-0 on the week. After a blowout home win, the Indians easily handled Cooper and Conner on the road, who was without Finn Louden with an injury. We will know a lot more about how good the Indians are this week as they have road games against Ryle and Campbell County and will play Taft (OH) on Saturday in Newport.

Tues, 12/9 at Ryle; Thur, 12/11 at Campbell County; Sat, 12/13 vs. Taft (OH) at Newport

 

3.       Highlands

Highlands had two blowout victories and look every bit like the contender we expected. Only one game this week as they play Lafayette in the Billy Hicks Classic at Scott County on Wednesday.

Wed, 12/10 Lafayette at Scott County

 

4.       Ryle

Ryle only had 1 game this week, falling by 13 to a tough South Oldham team. A big week ahead for the Raiders with home games against Holy Cross and Lloyd and a matchup with Winton Woods (OH) at Newport on Saturday.

Tues, 12/9 Holy Cross at Ryle; Wed, 12/10 Lloyd at Ryle; Sat, 12/13 vs. Winton Woods (OH) at Newport

 

5.       Lloyd

The biggest mover in Week 1. The Juggs had big home wins against Pendleton County and Simon Kenton, before falling to state-ranked Ashland Blazer by 4 at Highlands on Saturday. No stats have been posted by KHSAA, but I’ve heard that 9^th Region Player of the Year candidate Blaackar averaged more than 20 ppg for the week. Lloyd will go on the road this week to play Ryle and Boone County.

Wed, 12/10 at Ryle; Sat, 12/13 at Boone County

 

6.       Conner

Conner had two good wins to start the week (over Simon Kenton and St. Henry) but struggled badly at home against Holy Cross without Finn Louden. Not sure how long Louden (he averaged 28.5 ppg through first two games) is out with injury, but this will be a different team if he misses significant time. Tough week ahead as the Cougars go on the road to face Campbell County and play Elder (OH) at Newport.

Tues, 12/9 at Campbell County; Sat, 12/13 Elder (OH) at Newport

 

7.       Dixie Heights

After a home loss to Campbell County (60-56), the Red Colonels got big wins at Walton Verona and vs. St. Joseph’s (Australia). Dixie gets NewCath at home this week and goes on the road to play Ludlow.

Tues, 12/9 NewCath at Dixie; Fri, 12/12 at Ludlow

 

8.       Beechwood

Only one game this week for the Tigers, a blowout home win against Gallatin County, who only managed 15 points in the game. This week Beechwood has two out-of-region road games against Scott and Bishop Brossart.

Wed, 12/10 at Scott; Thur, 12/11 at Brossart

 

 

9.       Newport

Only one game for the Wildcats this week, a blowout home win against Community Christian Academy. This week Newport will have Holmes on the road and will welcome Walton Verona on Saturday in the John Turner Classic.

Tues, 12/9 @Holmes; Sat, 12/13 Walton @Newport

 

10.   St. Henry

Tough week for the Crusaders. They were blown out by Highlands in the opener, then fell by 10 points to both Conner and Sayre. Things don’t get any easier this week as they head to Park Hills to face Cov Cath on Tuesday, before facing off against Newport Catholic at the Hoosier Gym (which sounds like an amazing experience).

Tues, 12/9 at CCH; Sat, 12/13 NCC at Hoosier Gym

 

 

11.   Cooper

Tough week for the Jaguars as well. New coach Justin Holthaus was welcomed with a 30-point home loss to a very good DuPont Manual team, a 20-point home loss to regional contender Holy Cross, and 58-point loss at #1 ranked (KY) St. Xavier.  Looks like another tough week ahead, the Jaguars go to Park Hills to play Cov Cath on Thursday and then head to Louisville to play DeSales on Saturday.

12.   Newport Catholic

NewCath fell to Walton Verona (68-55) and Scott (60-46) in their two games this week. Busy week of travel ahead for NCC as they go to Dixie on Tuesday, Oldenburg Academy (IN) on Friday, and the Hoosier Gym on Saturday to play small-school rival St. Henry.

13.   Holmes

This week the Bulldogs beat a struggling Gallatin County (65-50) in Covington and lost to Pendleton County at Great Crossing. The week ahead will see Holmes will face a tough home game against Newport, before going to the road to Villa and Mason County.

14.   Boone Co

The Rebels had a nice opening week, notching wins against Ludlow (66-64 in OT), Bellevue (61-51), and Menifee County (67-43). We will find out how much Boone as improved this week as they face off at home against Scott and Lloyd.

15.   Bellevue

The Tigers struggled in the opening week, falling to Boone and Gallatin County (who lost by 60 to Beechwood). Bellevue gets Heritage and Williamstown this week.

16.   Heritage

Heritage went 1-1 on the week, getting a home win against Eminence before losing at Bourbon County. The Eagles get Bellevue and Calvary Christian this week.

17.   Ludlow

Ludlow went 2-1 in the first week, getting wins over Oyler (OH) and Carroll County and losing to Boone in OT.  This week the Panthers get home games against St. Bernard (OH) and Dixie before going on the road to face Fleming County at Mason County.

18.   Villa Madonna

Villa went 1-1 on the week, getting blown out at Bishop Brossart (75-40) before getting a road win at Williamstown (50-31). The Vikings get Williamstown again this week and will host Holmes in Villa Hills.

19.   Dayton

Dayton got two wins in week 1, beating Robertson County (58-50) at home and Williamstown (56-36) on the road. This week the Greendevils will hit the road to play Calvary Christian, Trimble County, and Trinity Christian.

As always, great job! @Knight Owl

13 hours ago, Knight Owl said:

No stats have been posted by KHSAA, but I’ve heard that 9^th Region Player of the Year candidate Blaackar averaged more than 20 ppg for the week.

Blaackar's got some running mates. Going to be totally different names in the box scores than the last couple years. Some names might suprise some people.

Any word on whether or not # 34 is joining the Birds hoopsters?

If he comes back, that puts a decent amount of pressure of CovCath.

3 hours ago, Jack of all Trades said:

Any word on whether or not # 34 is joining the Birds hoopsters?

I'd say give it until districts.

1 hour ago, Breds82 said:

If he comes back, that puts a decent amount of pressure of CovCath.

Sense he wanted to focus in on football, I'd give him atleast 12 weeks from his last football game. That times up about perfectly with district tournaments. He would be in tip top shape I guarantee that and he is a gamer, he would still be an instant impact. He could give basketball a good 3-4 weeks of his time and be right back to focusing on football. This is all just wishful thinking on my part.

Just saw 34 leaving the gym.

15 hours ago, Honey Badger said:

Sense he wanted to focus in on football, I'd give him atleast 12 weeks from his last football game. That times up about perfectly with district tournaments. He would be in tip top shape I guarantee that and he is a gamer, he would still be an instant impact. He could give basketball a good 3-4 weeks of his time and be right back to focusing on football. This is all just wishful thinking on my part.

IMO, a coach should never let a player, no matter how talented, just show up around tournament time and play. Sets a horrible precedent. I hope Tayden plays, and from what I have heard, it sounds like he has now chosen to play. But if he is not all in now, I won't put words in KL's mouth, but I highly doubt he will let Tayden join the team whenever he feels like it. 

26 minutes ago, AC Slater said:

IMO, a coach should never let a player, no matter how talented, just show up around tournament time and play. Sets a horrible precedent. I hope Tayden plays, and from what I have heard, it sounds like he has now chosen to play. But if he is not all in now, I won't put words in KL's mouth, but I highly doubt he will let Tayden join the team whenever he feels like it. 

I would normally agree but I think he has enough respect amongst his peers and coaches that they know what type of person he is and it is not an ordinary situation. There could/should be a plan in place. Just because he has been seen leaving a gym doesn’t mean he will be on the hardwood this week, or the next, or the week after that but it could be part of a process. They would be crazy to tell a young man like him sorry but no thanks.

17 hours ago, Breds82 said:

If he comes back, that puts a decent amount of pressure of CovCath.

Zero pressure on the colonels. They will win the region sleep walking this year. Great athlete and good hooper, but he doesn't change the dynamic the slightest. 

Yeah and the suggestion that this kid should/could sit out until tournament time and play is actual ludicrous. He isn't a D1 hooper, that's not Brandon Hatton or James Bolden walking through that door. Even then that's a no no, what are we actually doing here guys? Some really need to sit back and read what they're saying at times. Like mentioned above what's that telling other kids and parents? What's that setting up for you program going forward? If he can't commit to play for you by mid/end December I wouldn't want to incorporate anybody into my roster that close to meaningful games. 

25 minutes ago, Honey Badger said:

I would normally agree but I think he has enough respect amongst his peers and coaches that they know what type of person he is and it is not an ordinary situation. There could/should be a plan in place. Just because he has been seen leaving a gym doesn’t mean he will be on the hardwood this week, or the next, or the week after that but it could be part of a process. They would be crazy to tell a young man like him sorry but no thanks.

I am as big a fan of Tayden as the next guy, especially his character and who he has grown into as a young man, but I think you may be vastly overestimating his potential impact on the basketball court for the Birds this year. 

2 minutes ago, AC Slater said:

I am as big a fan of Tayden as the next guy, especially his character and who he has grown into as a young man, but I think you may be vastly overestimating his potential impact on the basketball court for the Birds this year. 

Vastly. The Mayer brothers were both better hoppers than lorenzen and things like this were never suggested.