Clyde - why do you have Cov Cath ahead of both Ryle and Holy Cross - just curious? - I'm assuming you like Cov Cath against HC the 2nd time around in the first round of districts?

 

I know CCH beat Ryle very early in the year by 8 or 10 if I recall but I think Ryle has played great the last 3 weeks while CCH seems to be fading a bit?

 

I do like CCH against HC next time but only slightly.

 

I like the matchups against Ryle.

 

"Fading" might be a stretch unless you're ignoring quality of opponents.

I think Hatton is good enough to still blow by "most" guys even if you played 3 feet off him. It's not all a matter of guarding the 3 pt line.

 

I'm not trying to nail you to the wall here so don't take anything I say as a personal attack.

 

Your post backs up my point.

IMO-

 

1. Dixie

2. NCC

3. Holmes

4. Boone County

5. Ryle

6. CCH

 

I think Dixie has the best shot at making it out. Hatton is the go to guy, but to me it comes down to Pike. If Pike can stay in the game and help on defense with the likes of Giesler, Brown, and Thelen that gives Dixie a big boost. You are not going to stop Hatton he will find a way to score on you. I would not be shocked if any of these teams took the 9th region crown.

CCH is 4-7 in their last 11 games - I will agree that the level of competition during that stretch was tough but still no big wins in that stretch either - hence why I said CCH seemed to fading "a bit" IMO.

 

You seem to not want to give Dixie much credit for being the top ranked team in this area all year and also along the way playing a tough schedule.

CCH is 4-7 in their last 11 games - I will agree that the level of competition during that stretch was tough but still no big wins in that stretch either - hence why I said CCH seemed to fading "a bit" IMO.

 

You seem to not want to give Dixie much credit for being the top ranked team in this area all year and also along the way playing a tough schedule.

 

I have them #2. How is that not giving them much credit? I think NCC would beat them in a rematch.

CCH is 4-7 in their last 11 games - I will agree that the level of competition during that stretch was tough but still no big wins in that stretch either - hence why I said CCH seemed to fading "a bit" IMO.

 

You seem to not want to give Dixie much credit for being the top ranked team in this area all year and also along the way playing a tough schedule.

 

A tough schedule??? That is why so many people were not as high on them earlier in the year. I agree with that but still say they have the best starting five in Nky.

 

Dec. 1 Conner (Frosh Tripleheader 4:30) Away 6:00 & 7:30

Dec. 3 Villa (Frosh Tripleheader 4:30) Away 6:00 & 7:30

Dec. 7 Campbell Co. Away 6:00 & 7:30

Dec. 9 Newport Catholic (Frosh Tripleheader 4:45) HOME 6:00 & 7:30

Dec. 11 Bluegrass/Buckeye Classic @ NKU vs. Colerain Away 5:00

Dec. 14 Highlands HOME 6:00 & 7:30

Dec. 17 Beechwood (Frosh Tripleheader 4:30) HOME 6:00 & 7:30

Dec. 20 Kenton County Classic vs. Montgomery Co. HOME 3:30

Dec. 21-22 Kenton County Classic vs. TBA HOME TBA

Dec. 30 St. Henry (Frosh Tripleheader 4:00) Away 5:30 & 7:00

Jan. 4 Australian Team HOME 6:00 & 7:30

Jan. 7 Ludlow (Frosh Tripleheader 4:45) HOME 6:00 & 7:30

Jan. 10 Simon Kenton Away 6:00 & 7:30

Jan. 12 Scott Away 6:00 & 7:30

Jan. 14 Franklin Co. Away 6:00 & 7:30

Jan. 15 Clark County Shootout vs. Gallatin Co. Away 12:00

Jan. 19-22 Scott County Classic Tournament Away TBA

Jan.25 Lloyd (Boys/Girls DH) Away 6:00 & 7:45

Jan. 31 Holmes Away 6:00 & 7:30

Feb. 5 Holy Cross Away 6:00 & 7:30

Feb. 7 Ryle HOME 6:00 & 7:30

Feb. 10 Cov. Cath. HOME 6:00 & 7:30

An NCC/Dixie final would be a great 9th region final if that were to come about in a few weeks.

 

I think Boone Co could make some noise too.

Here's are my odds after seeing all teams likely to contend:

 

4-1 Dixie - They've proven they can beat almost any NKY team. The teams they lost to (i.e. Holmes) are not bad matchups for them. They have great guard play with a senior point guard in Trammel and an outstanding shooting guard who can end scoring slumps. They can rebound with NCC and Boone and they have a decent bench that has improved throughout the year.

 

6-1 NCC/Boone - These teams create the biggest matchup problems. They both have inexperienced, young point guards, but they have several scoring options including a big guy who can score at will. Both teams play good team defense, they handle the press well and rebound well at both ends of the court.

 

8-1 Holmes - This team goes two ways - a. high energy and good shooting or b. slow, methodical and trouble putting the ball in the basket. They struggle with matchups agains Boone, NCC and Ryle, who handled the press well and had the size to disrupt the Holmes offense.

 

10-1 Ryle/CCH - Both teams have good scoring big men, play solid half court defense and can create offense with their defense. They both lack solid guard play and don't score as well from the perimeter. There are matchups that favor these teams, but it will take a solid three games to get out of the region.

 

15-1 Holy Cross/Conner/Highlands - Not enough

 

50-1 The rest of the field (Lloyd, St. Henry, Cooper, Beechwood........)

I find the "larger floor" theory interesting. Unless you mean he has more room to shoot the 3 then I'm not sure I buy that theory.

 

If I want to play man against him but I'm concerned about his ability to get by my guard then I just simply tell them to not start guarding until about 21 feet. Why does the extra 5 feet in the front court have an impact?

 

More running involved. More opportunity for transition baskets. 5 extra feet (x) 2 each trip up and down the court is likely weigh more heavily on the big men.

IMO-

 

1. Dixie

2. NCC

3. Holmes

4. Boone County

5. Ryle

6. CCH

 

I think Dixie has the best shot at making it out. Hatton is the go to guy, but to me it comes down to Pike. If Pike can stay in the game and help on defense with the likes of Giesler, Brown, and Thelen that gives Dixie a big boost. You are not going to stop Hatton he will find a way to score on you. I would not be shocked if any of these teams took the 9th region crown.

:thumb: Plus, championship calibre athletes at NCC is a reason they are one of the top 2 picks IMO.. I think there is a carryover from sport to sport.

Honestly, this region can be won by about 6-8 teams maybe even more, it really all depends who is playing hot come tourney time. This year no one should overlook anyone in the first round of Districts, because they way this year has been going, you just never know.

Are there any sleepers that could make a run???? Highlands, Lloyd, Conner, St. Henry???

Are there any sleepers that could make a run???? Highlands, Lloyd, Conner, St. Henry???

 

The only legit sleeper I would consider would be Conner.

1. NCC

2. Holmes

3. Dixie

4. Boone

5. Ryle

6. CCH

 

I've seen them all and there is no prohibitive favorite, as probably most of you have. I believe Geisler, IMO the POY in the 9th, will make the big difference; when in doubt go with the team with the best player. I am making these as if all teams played at their very best. Holmes warrants 2nd due to Gray, Hayes, and Rice when on top of their game are extremely difficult. Pike is the key for Dixie, if he plays well they can win it, same with Brown at Boone. We could debate this thing until the cows come home and every team could make a case. That's why this is going to be a fun one.

CCH is 4-7 in their last 11 games - I will agree that the level of competition during that stretch was tough but still no big wins in that stretch either - hence why I said CCH seemed to fading "a bit" IMO.

 

You seem to not want to give Dixie much credit for being the top ranked team in this area all year and also along the way playing a tough schedule.

 

Don't look now, but CovCath just got that signature win against a NKy team.