9^th Region: Week 4

 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! This time of year we get lots of games outside the 9^th Region with teams playing in holiday tournaments. It’s also a good time to take stock of where teams are as most teams have played about 10 games and football players have settled back into basketball form.  No changes at the top – (Tier 1) Cov Cath began the week with a 20-point win over state-ranked North Oldham in the consolation game of the King of the Bluegrass and is now in sunny Florida, where they posted a 68-point win over one of the local teams in the opening round of the tournament. (Tier 2) Highlands and Holy Cross continue to show they belong in the statewide rankings as they remain undefeated. I have moved Ryle out of Tier 2 as they prove to be a tough team to rank, with wins over Sayre and Elder, but losses to Paintsville and Lloyd. Tier 3 now includes Beechwood, Lloyd, Ryle, Conner, Dixie, and Newport. I think any team from this Tier could be any other team from this Tier on any given night. I’m keeping Cooper and St. Henry in their own Tier as they continue to play difficult schedules – congratulations to both Coach Holthaus and Coach Sullivan who were able to get their first wins at their new schools and will look to build some momentum going into the New Year.

 

1.       Covington Catholic (9-1) [last week 1; preseason 1]

Cov Cath beat state-ranked North Oldham by 20 and blew out a team from Florida in their opening round matchup in Sarasota. The Colonels will play a few more games in Florida (hopefully against some better teams) before facing off against New Cath on Saturday. Through nine games, 9^th Region Player of the Year candidates Athens McGillis and Braeden Myrick are averaging 24.8 ppg and 17.1, respectively, with Donovan Bradshaw chipping in 11.9 ppg.

Mon-Tues, 12/28-30 TBA at Sarasota (FL); Sat, 1/3 New Cath at CCH

 

2.       Holy Cross (10-0) [last week 2; preseason 2]

Holy Cross improved to 10-0 on the season with a huge win over state-ranked Montgomery County on the road and a blowout win over Taylor (OH). Luke Arlinghaus has been on fire and averaged more than 30 ppg over his last few games and is now scoring 19.4 ppg. Nate Rominder (13.3), and Brady Gabbard (17.0 ppg) are also averaging double figure ppg. The Indians have another big game this week facing Evangel Christian at Bellevue and playing two Ohio teams this weekend.

Tues, 12/30 Evangel Christian at Bellevue; Fri, 1/2 Middletown (OH) at Holy Cross; Sat, 1/3 at Purcell Marian (OH)

3.       Highlands (8-0) [last week 3; preseason 3]

Highlands had two blowout wins this week. With Lorenzen back, Highlands now has 5 double-digit scorers - Finn Bouldin (16 ppg) Nathan Rickard (11.1 ppg), Owen Ebert (10.5 ppg), Vincent Listerman (11.4 ppg), and Tayden Lorenzen (11.2 ppg). Highlands plays at least one more game in Mississippi, before going on the road to play Ryle on Saturday.

Mon-Tues, 12/29-30 TBD at Freeport (MS); Sat, 1/3 at Ryl

 

4.       Beechwood (10-1) [last week 6; preseason 8]

I’ve moved the Tigers up to #4 despite seeing their undefeated season finally coming to an end on Sunday against Harlan County in Campbellsville, where they defeated a very good Pleasure Ridge Park (PRP) team and Bardstown. Beechwood also got a last second layup from Ryan Smith to beat Walton at Home on Tuesday. Beechwood sophomore Dylan Topmiller (21 ppg) continues to impress with 26 points against PRP (including going 6/6 on free throws in the final 19 seconds) and 29 against Walton. Owen McCormack (13 ppg) is also in double figures for the Tigers. Only one game this week as they stay home to face Woodward (OH) on Friday.

Fri, 1/2 Woodward (OH) at Beechwood

 

5.       Lloyd (6-2) [last week 5; preseason 7]

The Juggs stay put in the #5 spot with impressive wins over Fern Creek, North Hardin and Ryle. 9^th Region Player of the Year candidate Blaackar is averaging 20 ppg, while sophomore Jason Kabeya and senior Isiah Golsby are contributing 11 ppg each. Lloyd has a big game Monday against Conner and stays home to play Oldham County on Friday.  

Mon, 12/29 Conner at LCA; Fri, 1/2 Oldham County at Lloyd

 

 6.       Ryle (4-5) [last week 4; preseason 4]

Ryle went 2-2, beating Elder (OH) and Lexington Sayre and losing to Paintsville and Lloyd. Senior Anthony Coppola has missed the last few games with some kind of injury, let’s hope he gets back on the court soon. Ryle has two double-digit scorers (through 7 games), AJ Davis (15 ppg) and Holden Smith (15 ppg), with Anthony Coppola chipping in 7 ppg. The Raiders continue to play tough games – this week they play Russell (who has been ranked in the state) and Highlands.

Mon, 12/29 Russell at LCA; Sat, 1/3 Highlands at Ryle

 

7.       Dixie Heights (9-2) [last week 7; preseason 6]

Dixie went 3-0 on the week, beating Fern Creek, Breathitt County, and Clay County. The Red Colonels seem to flying under the radar and quietly picking up wins against solid teams, so it wouldn’t surprise me if they start moving up in the rankings. Dixie (through 10 games) has been led by Max Rubemeyer (16 ppg), Tyson Metzger (14 ppg), and Hunter Seng (10 ppg). The Red Colonels get Larue County in the championship game of the Railroad Classic at Estill County on Monday, before playing St. Henry at home on Friday.  

Mon, 12/29 Larue County at Estill County; Sat, 1/2 St. Henry at Dixie

 

8.       Conner (6-5) [last week 8; preseason 5]

Conner now has four consecutive wins with Louden back in the lineup, including three good wins this week against Nicholas County, Bowling Green (last year state runner-up), and Russell (who has been ranked in the state). Like Dixie, the Cougars could start moving up in the rankings with quality wins. Louden is averaging 25 ppg (through 9 games, no stats posted for last two wins), while Brady Bushman (10 ppg) and Tyler Warner (12 ppg) are scoring in double figures. Another tough week ahead for the Cougars as they face Lloyd and Walton Verona.

Mon, 12/29 Lloyd at LCA; Sat, 1/3 at Walton

 

9.       Newport (5-3) [last week 9; preseason 9]

Newport went 2-2 on the week, beating Cooper (68-66) and Lebanon (OH) and losing to Simon Kenton and Evangel Christian. Junior Amontae Lowe returned from injury this week and is averaging 22 ppg, while Keegan Farrell is also in double figures at 10 ppg. Newport gets Boone County and Scott at Bellevue this week.

Mon, 12/29 Boone County at Bellevue; Tues, 12/30 Scott at Bellevue

 

10.   Cooper (2-8) [last week 11; preseason 11]

Congrats to Coach Holthaus and the Jaguars on their first wins of the season over Paintsville (who beat Ryle) and St. Mary. Cooper also narrowly lost to Newport and got blown out by a very good Henry Clay team in Ashland. It wouldn’t surprise me if the Jaguars beat a couple of the teams ranked in front of them and find themselves in Tier 3. The Jaguars are led by Julian Knuckles 13 ppg and Cole Stanton 12 ppg (through 8 games).  According to the Massey ratings, the Jaguars have played the 5^th most difficult schedule in Kentucky. Cooper’s only game this week is against Hopkinsville in Ashland.

Mon, 12/29 Hopkinsville at Ashland; 

 

11.   St. Henry (2-6) [last week 11; preseason 10]

Congrats to Coach Sullivan and the Crusaders on their first wins of the season over Ludlow and Louisville Holy Cross. St. Henry is led by sophomore Tyler Detzel (10 ppg). St. Henry faces a tough South Oldham team on Monday and goes on the road to play Dixie Friday this week.

Mon, 12/29 South Oldham at Henry County; Fri, 1/2 at Dixie

 

12.   Newport Catholic (1-6)

NewCath went 0-1 on the week, losing on the road to McNicholas. This week the Breds go against Russell County at East Jessamine on Monday and get Covington Catholic on the road on Saturday.

13.   Holmes (4-5)

Bulldogs went 0-1 on the week, falling on the road to Raceland. This week the Bulldogs get Roger Bacon (OH) and Walton Verona at Bishop Brossart.

14.   Boone Co (4-5)

Just one game this week, a win over Heritage at Bellevue. The Rebels continue play at Bellevue with games against Newport and Calvary Christian.

15.   Ludlow (5-6)

Ludlow went 1-2 this week, beating Bath County and losing to St. Henry and West Carter. The Panthers get Rowan County this week.

16.   Bellevue (4-3)

The Tigers went 1-0 on the week, blowing out Williamstown. Bellevue gets Calvary Christian, Heritage, and Augusta this week.

17.   Dayton (5-2)

No games this week. This week the Greendevils will get St. Patrick and Frankfort Christian.

18.   Heritage (1-7)

Heritage went 0-1 on the week, falling to Boone County by 5. The Eagles get Calvary Christian (2X) and Bellevue this week.

19.   Villa Madonna (2-6)

Villa went 0-2 on the week, losing to Ballard Memorial and Caldwell County. The Vikings get Fulton City and Cincinnati Country Day this week.

District 35 with 3 of the top 4.

Highlands is playing in Florida with games today and tomorrow.

2 hours ago, Voice of Reason said:

District 35 with 3 of the top 4.

That's tough, with only 2 of them being able to make the 9th Region Tournamnet that means a very good team will be left out.

3 hours ago, Knight Owl said:

9^th Region: Week 4

 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! This time of year we get lots of games outside the 9^th Region with teams playing in holiday tournaments. It’s also a good time to take stock of where teams are as most teams have played about 10 games and football players have settled back into basketball form.  No changes at the top – (Tier 1) Cov Cath began the week with a 20-point win over state-ranked North Oldham in the consolation game of the King of the Bluegrass and is now in sunny Florida, where they posted a 68-point win over one of the local teams in the opening round of the tournament. (Tier 2) Highlands and Holy Cross continue to show they belong in the statewide rankings as they remain undefeated. I have moved Ryle out of Tier 2 as they prove to be a tough team to rank, with wins over Sayre and Elder, but losses to Paintsville and Lloyd. Tier 3 now includes Beechwood, Lloyd, Ryle, Conner, Dixie, and Newport. I think any team from this Tier could be any other team from this Tier on any given night. I’m keeping Cooper and St. Henry in their own Tier as they continue to play difficult schedules – congratulations to both Coach Holthaus and Coach Sullivan who were able to get their first wins at their new schools and will look to build some momentum going into the New Year.

 

1.       Covington Catholic (9-1) [last week 1; preseason 1]

Cov Cath beat state-ranked North Oldham by 20 and blew out a team from Florida in their opening round matchup in Sarasota. The Colonels will play a few more games in Florida (hopefully against some better teams) before facing off against New Cath on Saturday. Through nine games, 9^th Region Player of the Year candidates Athens McGillis and Braeden Myrick are averaging 24.8 ppg and 17.1, respectively, with Donovan Bradshaw chipping in 11.9 ppg.

Mon-Tues, 12/28-30 TBA at Sarasota (FL); Sat, 1/3 New Cath at CCH

 

2.       Holy Cross (10-0) [last week 2; preseason 2]

Holy Cross improved to 10-0 on the season with a huge win over state-ranked Montgomery County on the road and a blowout win over Taylor (OH). Luke Arlinghaus has been on fire and averaged more than 30 ppg over his last few games and is now scoring 19.4 ppg. Nate Rominder (13.3), and Brady Gabbard (17.0 ppg) are also averaging double figure ppg. The Indians have another big game this week facing Evangel Christian at Bellevue and playing two Ohio teams this weekend.

Tues, 12/30 Evangel Christian at Bellevue; Fri, 1/2 Middletown (OH) at Holy Cross; Sat, 1/3 at Purcell Marian (OH)

3.       Highlands (8-0) [last week 3; preseason 3]

Highlands had two blowout wins this week. With Lorenzen back, Highlands now has 5 double-digit scorers - Finn Bouldin (16 ppg) Nathan Rickard (11.1 ppg), Owen Ebert (10.5 ppg), Vincent Listerman (11.4 ppg), and Tayden Lorenzen (11.2 ppg). Highlands plays at least one more game in Mississippi, before going on the road to play Ryle on Saturday.

Mon-Tues, 12/29-30 TBD at Freeport (MS); Sat, 1/3 at Ryl

 

4.       Beechwood (10-1) [last week 6; preseason 8]

I’ve moved the Tigers up to #4 despite seeing their undefeated season finally coming to an end on Sunday against Harlan County in Campbellsville, where they defeated a very good Pleasure Ridge Park (PRP) team and Bardstown. Beechwood also got a last second layup from Ryan Smith to beat Walton at Home on Tuesday. Beechwood sophomore Dylan Topmiller (21 ppg) continues to impress with 26 points against PRP (including going 6/6 on free throws in the final 19 seconds) and 29 against Walton. Owen McCormack (13 ppg) is also in double figures for the Tigers. Only one game this week as they stay home to face Woodward (OH) on Friday.

Fri, 1/2 Woodward (OH) at Beechwood

 

5.       Lloyd (6-2) [last week 5; preseason 7]

The Juggs stay put in the #5 spot with impressive wins over Fern Creek, North Hardin and Ryle. 9^th Region Player of the Year candidate Blaackar is averaging 20 ppg, while sophomore Jason Kabeya and senior Isiah Golsby are contributing 11 ppg each. Lloyd has a big game Monday against Conner and stays home to play Oldham County on Friday.  

Mon, 12/29 Conner at LCA; Fri, 1/2 Oldham County at Lloyd

 

 6.       Ryle (4-5) [last week 4; preseason 4]

Ryle went 2-2, beating Elder (OH) and Lexington Sayre and losing to Paintsville and Lloyd. Senior Anthony Coppola has missed the last few games with some kind of injury, let’s hope he gets back on the court soon. Ryle has two double-digit scorers (through 7 games), AJ Davis (15 ppg) and Holden Smith (15 ppg), with Anthony Coppola chipping in 7 ppg. The Raiders continue to play tough games – this week they play Russell (who has been ranked in the state) and Highlands.

Mon, 12/29 Russell at LCA; Sat, 1/3 Highlands at Ryle

 

7.       Dixie Heights (9-2) [last week 7; preseason 6]

Dixie went 3-0 on the week, beating Fern Creek, Breathitt County, and Clay County. The Red Colonels seem to flying under the radar and quietly picking up wins against solid teams, so it wouldn’t surprise me if they start moving up in the rankings. Dixie (through 10 games) has been led by Max Rubemeyer (16 ppg), Tyson Metzger (14 ppg), and Hunter Seng (10 ppg). The Red Colonels get Larue County in the championship game of the Railroad Classic at Estill County on Monday, before playing St. Henry at home on Friday.  

Mon, 12/29 Larue County at Estill County; Sat, 1/2 St. Henry at Dixie

 

8.       Conner (6-5) [last week 8; preseason 5]

Conner now has four consecutive wins with Louden back in the lineup, including three good wins this week against Nicholas County, Bowling Green (last year state runner-up), and Russell (who has been ranked in the state). Like Dixie, the Cougars could start moving up in the rankings with quality wins. Louden is averaging 25 ppg (through 9 games, no stats posted for last two wins), while Brady Bushman (10 ppg) and Tyler Warner (12 ppg) are scoring in double figures. Another tough week ahead for the Cougars as they face Lloyd and Walton Verona.

Mon, 12/29 Lloyd at LCA; Sat, 1/3 at Walton

 

9.       Newport (5-3) [last week 9; preseason 9]

Newport went 2-2 on the week, beating Cooper (68-66) and Lebanon (OH) and losing to Simon Kenton and Evangel Christian. Junior Amontae Lowe returned from injury this week and is averaging 22 ppg, while Keegan Farrell is also in double figures at 10 ppg. Newport gets Boone County and Scott at Bellevue this week.

Mon, 12/29 Boone County at Bellevue; Tues, 12/30 Scott at Bellevue

 

10.   Cooper (2-8) [last week 11; preseason 11]

Congrats to Coach Holthaus and the Jaguars on their first wins of the season over Paintsville (who beat Ryle) and St. Mary. Cooper also narrowly lost to Newport and got blown out by a very good Henry Clay team in Ashland. It wouldn’t surprise me if the Jaguars beat a couple of the teams ranked in front of them and find themselves in Tier 3. The Jaguars are led by Julian Knuckles 13 ppg and Cole Stanton 12 ppg (through 8 games).  According to the Massey ratings, the Jaguars have played the 5^th most difficult schedule in Kentucky. Cooper’s only game this week is against Hopkinsville in Ashland.

Mon, 12/29 Hopkinsville at Ashland; 

 

11.   St. Henry (2-6) [last week 11; preseason 10]

Congrats to Coach Sullivan and the Crusaders on their first wins of the season over Ludlow and Louisville Holy Cross. St. Henry is led by sophomore Tyler Detzel (10 ppg). St. Henry faces a tough South Oldham team on Monday and goes on the road to play Dixie Friday this week.

Mon, 12/29 South Oldham at Henry County; Fri, 1/2 at Dixie

 

12.   Newport Catholic (1-6)

NewCath went 0-1 on the week, losing on the road to McNicholas. This week the Breds go against Russell County at East Jessamine on Monday and get Covington Catholic on the road on Saturday.

13.   Holmes (4-5)

Bulldogs went 0-1 on the week, falling on the road to Raceland. This week the Bulldogs get Roger Bacon (OH) and Walton Verona at Bishop Brossart.

14.   Boone Co (4-5)

Just one game this week, a win over Heritage at Bellevue. The Rebels continue play at Bellevue with games against Newport and Calvary Christian.

15.   Ludlow (5-6)

Ludlow went 1-2 this week, beating Bath County and losing to St. Henry and West Carter. The Panthers get Rowan County this week.

16.   Bellevue (4-3)

The Tigers went 1-0 on the week, blowing out Williamstown. Bellevue gets Calvary Christian, Heritage, and Augusta this week.

17.   Dayton (5-2)

No games this week. This week the Greendevils will get St. Patrick and Frankfort Christian.

18.   Heritage (1-7)

Heritage went 0-1 on the week, falling to Boone County by 5. The Eagles get Calvary Christian (2X) and Bellevue this week.

19.   Villa Madonna (2-6)

Villa went 0-2 on the week, losing to Ballard Memorial and Caldwell County. The Vikings get Fulton City and Cincinnati Country Day this week.

Great stuff as always. I think this was perfectly put for what the records say about these teams. 

Beechwood has a tough 4 games out of their next 6. I have been riding high with the Tigers and I hope they did not peak too early. They have found a way to win some close games lately and that will need to be a trend through January. Topmiller will need to keep filling it up and avg around 26 through January.

I think the gap between Holy Cross and Highlands is miniscule. Things will not get easier for Th' Cross over the next week or so and this is exactly what Ric signed them up for. Lloyd has a date in Latonia coming up soon where the Indians will be looking to serve up the Juggs a L to prove that they are a true #2. Lloyd seems to be playing some of their best ball of the year and should be looking forward to a showing that proves to themselves they belong in Tier 2. 

Ryle also has a tough stretch coming up that they definitely cannot afford to be missing players for.

Conner should be looking to go on a good run now that they're back healthy and make a push for the top of Tier 3.

I love what Dixie has going on and I think what they are motivated for is to bring a district title back to Edgewood.

Did Cov Cath recieve the 2026 9th Region Championship trophy yet?

 

1 hour ago, Honey Badger said:

Great stuff as always. I think this was perfectly put for what the records say about these teams. 

Beechwood has a tough 4 games out of their next 6. I have been riding high with the Tigers and I hope they did not peak too early. They have found a way to win some close games lately and that will need to be a trend through January. Topmiller will need to keep filling it up and avg around 26 through January.

I think the gap between Holy Cross and Highlands is miniscule. Things will not get easier for Th' Cross over the next week or so and this is exactly what Ric signed them up for. Lloyd has a date in Latonia coming up soon where the Indians will be looking to serve up the Juggs a L to prove that they are a true #2. Lloyd seems to be playing some of their best ball of the year and should be looking forward to a showing that proves to themselves they belong in Tier 2. 

Ryle also has a tough stretch coming up that they definitely cannot afford to be missing players for.

Conner should be looking to go on a good run now that they're back healthy and make a push for the top of Tier 3.

I love what Dixie has going on and I think what they are motivated for is to bring a district title back to Edgewood.

Did Cov Cath recieve the 2026 9th Region Championship trophy yet?

 

Cov Cath, Highalnds, and Beechwood are all very good teams. Anything can happen in the Region Tourney. 1 bad night and the season is done. All 3 you will see in the tournament. 

I hope that Highlands and Cov Cath are on opposite sides of the bracket to possibly meet in the Finals. Lloyd is also a quality squad. 

What makes Highlands interesting to me is that their head coach is a former Blue Colonel and heck of a former player. 

Heck of a coach as well. 

3 hours ago, BlueBloodedColonel said:

Cov Cath, Highalnds, and Beechwood are all very good teams. Anything can happen in the Region Tourney. 1 bad night and the season is done. All 3 you will see in the tournament.

That would leave Holy Cross on the outside looking in if correct. Right?

 

8 hours ago, Voice of Reason said:

District 35 with 3 of the top 4.

 

33 minutes ago, Honey Badger said:

That would leave Holy Cross on the outside looking in if correct. Right?

? ? Holy Cross at Beechwood: Friday, Feb 6 ~ Must See TV.

1 hour ago, Honey Badger said:

That would leave Holy Cross on the outside looking in if correct. Right?

 

 

I forgot about those mighty Indians. They are a good squad as well. I need a box of popcorn and a seat at that game! It will be a dandy. 

16 minutes ago, BlueBloodedColonel said:

I forgot about those mighty Indians. They are a good squad as well. I need a box of popcorn and a seat at that game! It will be a dandy. 

Beechwood will need to be at their best to beat Holy Cross, especially how well Arlinghaus and Gabbard are playing. They will likely match up in the All A Regional in a couple of weeks.

The shakeup in Tier 3 continues - Lloyd avenges an earlier season loss with a win over Ryle on Sunday, then falls to Conner by 15 today. Both Finn Louden and Anthony Blaackar putting up big numbers.

15 minutes ago, Knight Owl said:

Beechwood will need to be at their best to beat Holy Cross, especially how well Arlinghaus and Gabbard are playing. They will likely match up in the All A Regional in a couple of weeks.

There should be a few good matchups between these teams to come. The All A is nice and all but district tournaments is all that really matters, I think. One of the 2 will not be making the 9th Region Tournament. Beechwood will need to catch the Indians on an off night in late February.

4 minutes ago, Knight Owl said:

The shakeup in Tier 3 continues - Lloyd avenges an earlier season loss with a win over Ryle on Sunday, then falls to Conner by 15 today. Both Finn Louden and Anthony Blaackar putting up big numbers.

That makes it hard to tell whose who. Lloyd plays Conner again and I still don't know if the result of that one will tell us much.