From nky.com:

 

Dixie Heights is the top dog in the district until another team proves otherwise. The Colonels' first test comes Dec. 30 in the district opener at newcomer St. Henry.

 

Other subplots are sure to unfold as the season progresses. Villa Madonna gunner Blake Bryan could put up some huge scoring totals, but how will he fare against Dixie's defense at home Jan. 2? In the end, Lloyd may have a say in the postseason drama. Ludlow believes its capable of surprising.

 

"With St. Henry coming in and going to postseason seeding, and a lot of teams like us that are improved, I think it's going to be a very interesting season in our district," Ludlow coach Cory Highfield said.

 

Dixie Heights:

Key players: Sr. F Stephen Pompilio, Sr. F Mitch Boese, Jr. G James Stahl, So. G Matt Trammel, Fr. F Zeke Pike.

 

Outlook: Dixie hallmarks of success, defense and rebounding, once again will be team strengths, but coach Chevalier will be counting on new leaders after losing seven seniors from last season's district champion. Though 6-8 Luke Mace has graduated, the physical Colonels still have good size and strength across the board, and they regain the services of Boese, a 6-3 force who missed six weeks last season with a knee injury. Pompilio is the main man on offense, but Pike is an up-and-comer to watch.

 

St. Henry:

Key players: Sr. G Cameron Speed, Sr. F David Zumdick, Sr. G Joey Swikert, Jr. G Jake Hils, Jr. G Ryan Anderson.

 

Outlook: The Crusaders are counting on defense, quickness and adherence to fundamentals as a way of overcoming lack of height, as no experienced player stands taller than 6-2. "Defense has to be a strength," coach Faust said. "We have to work on pressure, and box out and rebound." Speed, who averaged 10 points per game last season, is a threat to score from anywhere and he's deadly at the free-throw line, where he shoots 80 percent. Zumdick is the leading returning rebounder, averaging 4.5 per game last season.

 

Lloyd:

Key players: Sr. F Zach Craddock, Sr. G Randy Tackett, Sr. G/F Jordan Colvin, Sr. F Curtis Oberschlake, So. C Donnie Cheatum

 

Outlook: The Juggernauts will have good size, athleticism and experience, with seven seniors in the rotation most of the time. Craddock is the leading returning scorer (10 ppg) and rebounder (4.0 rpg). Senior Scott Dunn, a Ludlow transfer, could make a big impact at guard, which would give coach Key the balance he desires.

 

Rest of teams and story:

http://nky.cincinnati.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/AB/20081126/SPT0302/811260399/

BTW, not sure if they used seeding last year or not, but looks like from reading that, they will go to seeding this year. Very interesting.

If Dixie is mentioning Pike already it doesnt bode well for their season. Pompilio is proven but is anyone else really?

If Dixie is mentioning Pike already it doesnt bode well for their season. Pompilio is proven but is anyone else really?

 

Boese is a nice player and Trammel is solid at the point.