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At some point during the season---perhaps not the beginning because he may be playing late into the soccer season---St Henry's Zach Barnett will put himself into the middle of the list. Averaged double figures along with two graduated seniors; very good from 3-point, drawing and shooting FT's. Once Coach Faust defines the personality of this year's team, which actually may finally have some size coming up, Zach will regain the attention that some of the multi-sport players understandably lose over the summer.

Fortunate CovCath had those refs, especially in first half. Was like hockey on the baseline with the bigger team benefitting, but overall the refs seemed to be enjoying the spotlight more than they should have. Seen that more than a few times this year.

I think NKY high school sports are in very good shape, with the exception of some of the transfer stuff that goes on and the inconsistencies dealing with it. In particular, I have been very impressed with the play and conduct of the 2010 senior class in their respective sports this year. The athletes compete hard and respect each other after. We should be proud of that.

Nice form. Get your private message from the principal yet? Let me guess---D1 and still reaping the rewards.

Before the should have/have nots, does anyone know how the coaches arrive at the results?: Envelope?; Gathering of minds?; Do they vote in all divisions or just their own?, etc.? I am not second guessing but I think each sport does it differently. Pretty sure soccer is a dinner-meeting. Would only guess basketball is a ballot. Don't know about other sports. Congrats to all.

Thought Newport wore Foster out chasing Pangallo. Maybe Boone will keep Gabbard fresh and put Cotton and/or Montgomery on him. Boone has the big bodies in numbers to maybe slowdown Giesler's awesome play. This game to me the least predictable, though I will not totally count out St Henry over CCH if they pick up where they left off Friday.

I think St Henry benefited from and took advantage of playing back to back nights, but I don't consider this an upset. The Cru pushed the ball from the start and it affected Dixie's bigs within minutes. Coach Faust went small ball...for the 24th time this year. Anderson and Barnett were in rhythm and red hot. Barnett's split-chin three, straight out of the training room, was incredible. Jake Hils defensively challenged two of NKY's best guards on consecutive nights(Bryan and Hatton) and also was rock solid with the ball and a threat offensively. Seifried and Thorburn were oversized by 3-5 inches and more than a few pounds all night, and were still diving for loose balls, up 15 with 3 minutes left. Can't say enough about Louie Tobertge and Will Gulla and the quality minutes they played, especially defensively. A good portion of the second half was played with Bessler on the bench with fouls. You just felt that when he came back in the game, Dixie would not have an answer for him. Great night at St Henry. Two-seed boys and girls both winning. Good luck to Dixie in the regional tournament.

You are right. In fact, I apologize for interrupting this post with heresay about Popp. I hope it was a misunderstanding and hope to see him playing his best tonight versus Cooper and the Rebels challenge for a regional title. The more I've thought about it, it doesn't make sense, especially after the game he played against Holmes.

I mentioned I had heard from a teammate that Popp and Schultze had quit. Sometimes the lockerroom knows before the coaches and even parents. I know these kids love playing basketball. They are both very friendly, respectful, and popular kids off the court. There have been at least a few defections and attempted mutinies at Boone over the last three years, mostly surrounding this 2010 class---playing time and how they, their parents, or AAU coaches perceive Boone's coaching staff. I commend these two, in particular, for hanging in and through these dramas and I wholeheartedly wish they hadn't quit. To say they would regret it is not a threat of any sort. High school basketball is a fleeting but memorable experience. They will at least ponder someday what might have been if they had hung in there for just two more weeks, win or lose.

The 33rd is wide open. According to a Boone player, both Popp and Schultze have quit the team in the last week. That leaves them with some depth problems at guard, where there have not been quality minutes played by anyone outside of Gabbard and Montgomery. They will get by Cooper but could struggle against Connor or Ryle. Also heard a rumor that McCliesh has turftoe, which could mightily hinder Ryle's chances if true. Back to Popp and Schultze. They apparently quit over playing time issues. Unbelievable? Unbelievably selfish and disrespectful to their teammates and school. Sadly, something they will regret over time.

Not a whole lot of opportunities for Marcus: maybe 2-3 shots. Great competitor against the SH players over the years, both soccer and basketball. SH players were pretty dialed in on him all night. Part of being a good player is being the focus of a defense.

Senior Night at St Henry. Threw the cru off a little as they came out a little flatfooted and out of synch. Faust got them back on track during break. They will need to play better to get past Villa next week, especially defensively. I was impressed with HC's young team. Good luck to them. There are so many good seniors graduating from so many teams this year. Next year will be interesting.

In my opinion: There are not enough officials to spread around all the basketball that is being played year-round in this area. In some cases some very competent officials have chosen, maybe for good reasons, to ref back to back middle school games at 4pm instead of a single varsity or JV game. Or maybe have chosen to be scheduled exclusively for girls' games. No offense, ladies. I also think the "three official" rule for all district games puts a strain on scheduling. This rule should be relaxed to only district/regional tournament games and perhaps some exceptions left to the discretion of the scheduler. Scheduling officials must be a nightmare. There are many outstanding officials in NKY. I just don't know them by name or may not recognize them the next day, because they are usually not the focus of a well-officiated game. They do get paid. I consider myself an "ex-player" and will officiate, but it will be for the enjoyment of being near the game, the challenge of doing it well, and yes, some extra cash. Hearing the word "thanks" not a motivation unless I volunteer for a fundraiser.

Holmes still uninspired. Why did Rice not play after first few minutes? In my opinion, once Holmes gets to play in the bigger arena, they will finally get excited. Also think the more spacious arena will have a more negative effect on other teams who can't play as close to the rim. Holmes will win the 9th.

Campbell County at St. Henry cancelled. No makeup info