With the talk about the surprise teams from around the state, I thought I'd start a thread about the 9th region.

 

I think the 9th region as a whole is stronger this year than last. Last year, Covcath was the only team to finish with single digit losses. This year there are 5 teams who currently have single digit losses and will most likely finish the season that way. Here is a look at last year compared to this year:

 

Highlands- 10-19 last year, 17-8 this year

Holmes- 25-10 last year, 25-2 this year

Boone Co- 18-12 last year, 21-6 this year

Beechwood- 17-12 last year, 18-8 this year (undefeated in conference play for first time ever)

 

CCH (18-7) and Newcath (15-9) also have single digit losses this year as well.

 

Other nice surprises:

 

Villa Madonna who was 5-19 last year is 14-11 this year and most likely going to make their first ever region tournament appearance.

 

Also Ludlow, although not a major improvement was 6-21 last year and is currently 9-12.

With the talk about the surprise teams from around the state, I thought I'd start a thread about the 9th region.

 

I think the 9th region as a whole is stronger this year than last. Last year, Covcath was the only team to finish with single digit losses. This year there are 5 teams who currently have single digit losses and will most likely finish the season that way. Here is a look at last year compared to this year:

 

Highlands- 10-19 last year, 17-8 this year

Holmes- 25-10 last year, 25-2 this year

Boone Co- 18-12 last year, 21-6 this year

Beechwood- 17-12 last year, 18-8 this year (undefeated in conference play for first time ever)

 

CCH (18-7) and Newcath (15-9) also have single digit losses this year as well.

 

Other nice surprises:

 

Villa Madonna who was 5-19 last year is 14-11 this year and most likely going to make their first ever region tournament appearance.

 

Also Ludlow, although not a major improvement was 6-21 last year and is currently 9-12.

 

 

In terms of depth of teams that could win it, I agree this year is stronger. In terms of better teams at the top, last year's top two were better than this year's top two.

 

IMO the Ninth had a great run of many many good teams in players from 97 to 04, but has been in a bit of a down cycle since. Part of that is because of the KHSAA realignment after 05, and earlier. Add Simon Kenton, Scott, and Brossart for example to last year's regional.