The 9th Region has always had a great reputation as being an exciting competitive region. Year in and year out the likes of Highlands, Holmes, CovCath etc... strive to bring to the court a respectable team worthy of an appearance in the much prestigious Sweet 16. Year in and year out as well, the 9th Region fan is rewarded with a exciting, head-scratching, suspension filled season with quite a number of teams battling to the regional final where it's not unusual for at least 4 or 5 teams to still seriously be in the running until the very exciting end. Of course no two seasons are exactly alike and I'm sure a number of past ones can be called out as to seasons with only 1 true threat, but ordinarily I think it typically follows the script of having great parity. Sadly, however we've only taken the Sweet 16 prize once and everybody knows that Simon Kenton is no longer apart of the 9th Region. Still, our trophy case is bare and it's been quite a challenge at times to even get past the 1st round games going up against the likes of tough regions like Region 7 & 11. As a fan, I always admired how tough those regions were and wondered why Region 9 couldn't be that strong as well. Well... something's truly a brewin' and thanks to the Holmes Bulldogs who have built an incredible winning competitive program, the 9th Region is finally on the map. My hopes are that they pull the rest of the 9th Region up to such an intense level of play so as to be able to say the 9th Region in the same breath as the 7th or 11th. Look at the strides taken by a team like Boone County who held their own against Lou. Ballard in the South Laurel Hoopfest. They started the game looking like a 9th Region team and ended it knowing that that just wasn't going to be good enough. Looks to me like they grew up fast in 32 minutes. The discussion that I am aiming to generate here is to folks out there and their thoughts on the future of the 9th Region and the possibility of teams like the Holmes Bulldogs pulling the rest of the region up to a more intense level of play that will only increase our chances at the state tournament level. It's exciting to 'perhaps' (because I don't want to get ahead of myself) be sending the Holmes Bulldogs to the Sweet 16 this year with solid chances of them bringing home the ultimate prize, but I'm concerned as to what 1 dominant team in our region can do to the region as a whole. It can go both ways.It may turn into a yawner, or the rest of the region will be challenged to step up and as a result, keep the 9th Region as exciting as ever.

 

Whew...I'm long winded aren't I...???

 

Any thoughts on this topic that hopefully I haven't already addressed? Hopefully I'm stirring up a lot of thoughts on the matter because I seriously find the future of the 9th Region quite a blast to ponder. As you can well see...

 

What are you thinking?... and be nice to me and don't curse me for not knowing when to shut up.

 

Ready... Set... Go!!!....

I'll take a shot at this. Holmes is absolutely the top dog in the ninth region. We'll see in March if they're the top team in the state. If so they'll be heavy favorites to repeat next year as well.

 

Highlands will be a serious threat to them next year and if it comes down to one game and out who knows. They don't have a senior on their roster. They have two stars in Kowolonek and Grote and a improving supporting cast. Their bench is solid. They have great team chemistry the only thing thats holding them back is the style they choose to play.

 

They are a much better team when they play an uptempo style, not because they have great athletes like Holmes but because they have great team chemistry and don't mind making the extra pass to the open player. They gnaw at you defensively, and most of all they compete.

 

I know I have been giving them lots of love but I think they're going to be a team on the rise (statewide) in the very near future.

 

Final maybe a new thread??? I believe that the playing level has improved because of all the kids that are getting to play AAU.

I think the 9th is definetly on the rise. IMO this year and next year will be two of the best years that we've ever seen, talent wise.

 

It's rare to have 1 D1 player in the region, let alone 4 on the same team in Holmes.

 

Highlands is going to be tough as will Boone next year because of their junior classes. I really think these three teams along with an improving Dixie and Covcath will help the other 9th region teams get over the hump against the state's top teams.

 

Instead of playing top teams close, I think having a team like Holmes in the region will help the other teams finally get over the hump and win games like Boone lost last night to Ballard and Highlands lost to Madison Central, both top 20 teams.

 

I'd be hard pressed to believe this isn't some of the best talent we've ever had here in nky as a whole.

I think the 9th is definetly on the rise. IMO this year and next year will be two of the best years that we've ever seen, talent wise.

 

It's rare to have 1 D1 player in the region, let alone 4 on the same team in Holmes.

 

Highlands is going to be tough as will Boone next year because of their junior classes. I really think these three teams along with an improving Dixie and Covcath will help the other 9th region teams get over the hump against the state's top teams.

 

Instead of playing top teams close, I think having a team like Holmes in the region will help the other teams finally get over the hump and win games like Boone lost last night to Ballard and Highlands lost to Madison Central, both top 20 teams.

 

I'd be hard pressed to believe this isn't some of the best talent we've ever had here in nky as a whole.

 

I agree this is the best talent I have seen in NKY. The future looks bright. As good as Holmes is this year I think they will be a lot better next year. Another summer of lifting and summer ball and this team is going to be scary. They might be a top 10 team in the nation next year.

I agree this is the best talent I have seen in NKY. The future looks bright. As good as Holmes is this year I think they will be a lot better next year. Another summer of lifting and summer ball and this team is going to be scary. They might be a top 10 team in the nation next year.

 

I don't know about top 10 next year, but they'll definetly be pre season top 25 nationally and could end up top 10. If they don't lose another game, they could very well end up top 10 nationally before the end of this season though.

Next year the 9th Region just may have the most talented group of teams ever. Holmes may be better next year and have a much more difficult time in the region because several other area teams are young and will be much better next year.

I'd like to think that Holmes' talent will raise the bar for other 9th schools. Look for all the play to get that much better...

I don't know about top 10 next year, but they'll definetly be pre season top 25 nationally and could end up top 10. If they don't lose another game, they could very well end up top 10 nationally before the end of this season though.

 

They will more than likely all have another good summer of AAU. Pittman and R. Johnson are already known on a national scale. I think once the scouts see J. Johnson, Arnold, and Slusher this summer it won't be no doubt they are a top 10 team. It's crazy when you think about 6'7, 6'6, 6'5, 6'4, in starting lineup and you could probably add a 6'3 to the lineup if Slusher gets the spot. Also it's a sleeper on the freshman team. They will more than likely go 9 deep next year. With no one under 6'2 seeing the floor. On a side note I think Highlands and Holmes will be in a class of there own next year in the region. I agree that 9th region play will get better over the next few years. Highlands should at least be a top 15 team in the state next year. Hopefully Cov. Cath will return to form and be a top 20 team in state.

Who's going to replace Riley at Holmes?

They will more than likely all have another good summer of AAU. Pittman and R. Johnson are already known on a national scale. I think once the scouts see J. Johnson, Arnold, and Slusher this summer it won't be no doubt they are a top 10 team. It's crazy when you think about 6'7, 6'6, 6'5, 6'4, in starting lineup and you could probably add a 6'3 to the lineup if Slusher gets the spot. Also it's a sleeper on the freshman team. They will more than likely go 9 deep next year. With no one under 6'2 seeing the floor. On a side note I think Highlands and Holmes will be in a class of there own next year in the region. I agree that 9th region play will get better over the next few years. Highlands should at least be a top 15 team in the state next year. Hopefully Cov. Cath will return to form and be a top 20 team in state.

 

 

There is a pretty talented junior class at Boone Co that should at least be mentioned in the conversation.

Who's going to replace Riley at Holmes?

 

I was thinking the exact same thing yesterday while watching their game on TV. Sure, they're still gonna be good, but how do you replace such a pure shooting threat like him? Are there any budding shooters coming up through the ranks at Holmes that we don't know about yet? :confused:

No team will challenge Holmes next year. It may not even be as close as it this year and its not close this year.

Who's going to replace Riley at Holmes?

 

Probably the Johnson brothers. Don't think Holmes will have a "true" point guard but will have a host of players who can start the offense. On a side note I think it helps the Johnson brothers out for the next level for scouts to see they can run the point.

Who's going to replace Riley at Holmes?

 

I was thinking the exact same thing yesterday while watching their game on TV. Sure, they're still gonna be good, but how do you replace such a pure shooting threat like him? Are there any budding shooters coming up through the ranks at Holmes that we don't know about yet? :confused:

 

The Johnson Brothers both will run the point next year. Like someone said in a previous post, Holmes won't have a true point guard unless Henley decides to start 5'9 Herndon, which is very unlikely.

 

I'd expect either 6'3 Slusher or freshman to be, Mcclendon to be the 5th starter. Holmes will be very deep next year. Mcclendon is the shooter that will replace Riley. Kid is only an 8th grader but already has range like Riley. He can definetly shoot the rock though. He'll be a 50% shooter from outside.

They will more than likely all have another good summer of AAU. Pittman and R. Johnson are already known on a national scale. I think once the scouts see J. Johnson, Arnold, and Slusher this summer it won't be no doubt they are a top 10 team. It's crazy when you think about 6'7, 6'6, 6'5, 6'4, in starting lineup and you could probably add a 6'3 to the lineup if Slusher gets the spot. Also it's a sleeper on the freshman team. They will more than likely go 9 deep next year. With no one under 6'2 seeing the floor. On a side note I think Highlands and Holmes will be in a class of there own next year in the region. I agree that 9th region play will get better over the next few years. Highlands should at least be a top 15 team in the state next year. Hopefully Cov. Cath will return to form and be a top 20 team in state.

 

I agree. I'd expect all of them to be bigger next year as well, so their starting lineup could potentially be 6'8, 6'7, 6'6, 6'5 (assuming they all grow atleast one inch). That's unheard of at the high school level. Holmes will definetly be tough not only in KY, but nationally as well. Henley will likely beef up the schedule a little to help prepare them for what will HOPEFULLY be a a run to repeat as state champs.

 

Highlands, Boone Co, and Covcath will all be solid next year. Highlands and Boone will likely be top 20 in the state with their talented junior classes. The 9th should have atleast 3 teams in the preseason top 20 next year. I agree though that Highlands and Holmes should be the favorites next year. Highlands doesn't lose anyone...Boone loses Mcfarland which is a big loss.