two bad teams

I agree with you here. They are not playing great. Outside shots are not falling, some missed FT's and rare missed easy shots. Still, they have the opportunity to get back to mid-season form and make another run. They do play the best defense in the state and that has saved them.

Really respect Taylor County's schedule this year. Cincy Moeller and Wilmington, as well as another tournament featuring some out of state powerhouses. Nice job by their staff to get them involved in some good competition.

#14 Mullins for Holmes is going need to grow up a little if he is going to be all he can be for the Dawgs next year. I get coming out of the game, who likes that...but pouting and "hard slapping" his teammates for half a quarter in the biggest game of the year, unacceptable. It's not all about you, son. I respect #15 Moore for Holmes for trying to get his teammates head right and for Coach L for not budging, letting him sit and stew for a while. He eventually got back in the game. Quit making it about yourself. Play for your team.

Congratulations to Campbell County going back to back. As a CCH fan they concern me, no doubt. And CCH has obviously struggled vs. the zone against Dixie and in the 9th region tournament, but has figured out how to win. However, looking at Campbell County's schedule and who they beat along the way is less than impressive. I don't mean to disrespect these schools, so please, I am merely going on records. Campbell County is 24-9 and has played Ludlow, Calvary, Conner, Western Hills, Holy Cross, Silver Grove, Highlands, Fleming Co., Grant Co., Pendleton, Harrison, Bourbon, Scott 3X, and Newport. Yes, Newport gave CCH the biggest scare of the year, but the road to Rupp was much easier in the 10th. It has to be said that the 10th Region was down this year. Brossart lost a lot of talent, Moco lost a lot of talent. GRC was ok, Mason was Mason but somehow got upset. To be fair, I believe the 9th Region will be somewhat down next year with all the talent leaving now a lot of the great talent a year or two away. Campbell did play Dixie first game of year and won, and played CCH and lost big. With this kind of team coming back I would have thought the coaching staff would have made some calls and tried to get in more tournaments and scheduled "up" a little more. I realize they must play a lot of these games as part of District requirements, etc. For state, I see a close game throughout with CovCath's experience of last years run and also their tough schedule preparing them to win this game by 6 to 7 points. Good luck to both teams.

Cooper has the "look" of a downstate type team. Size, shooters, length, PG. I agree that they are missing something. McNeil is likely the best shooter in the region. He's automatic. The rest of the players look great but lacked consistency. One nice play here, one layup given at the other end. It has to be said that this was a disappointing loss. St. Henry just brought it and was calm even down 9. That's all Dave Faust there. He's gonna get the best out of what he is dealt. St. Henry was confident from tip to horn they were going to be in this game. Congratulations Crusaders.

Yes, I was searching for the proper words to use so when I used "broke contain" I could not think of a better way to explain. Hence the use of quotes. It was sort of an out of the ordinary 5 second call because the dribbler was driving, albeit taking his time but was moving forward. He then "broke" towards the lane but by then the call was made. Newport bench didn't really explode, it was more of shock, hands in air type of thing. Not sure if it was towards the officials or E. Snapp. Thanks for clarifying.

I was rooting for CCH and was there. However, I also did see some calls down the stretch where Newport had a legitimate gripe. (till puzzled on the two 5 second calls, but I was happy it went CCH way. I thought Snapp was driving to the hoop and "broke" contain and a new 5 second should have been re-set. Maybe Clyde or someone else with ref experience could clarify. It was helter-skelter, haphazard, crazy that last few minutes so the stripes were all over the place. Rod Snapp coached up his kids and they gave CCH a huge scare. If the kid makes the FT, its over. (2.7 seconds left). There were some bad calls but I have seen worse. I'm not one to hammer an official. In hindsight may be the best thing to happen to CCH. Face it, there are no easy games in this years regional as the first 4 games have attested.

9th Region Winner: NewCath 9th Region Runner Up: CovCath As much as Dixie, Cooper, and even Boone have come along in recent weeks, I think its NCC vs CCH playing in the finals in what I believe will be a record 9th Region single game attendance. I believe Holmes just does not have enough and will not be a factor. NCC wins that opening game by double digits, gets by Dixie and meets CCH in the finals. Same type of opening two games for CCH. (Big over Newport, then gets by Cooper). The two teams (NCC and CCH) are ranked high in the state and I look for the winner to go deep in the state tourney. Both are battle tested with tough schedules. I am predicting NCC to WIN the region, and go on to WIN STATE, capturing their first ever state basketball championship. You heard it here first. Since I have "Dual Citizenship" with NCC and CCH I would be happy with either team going down state. Whatever happens, I will be down there rooting for the 9th Region Champion, whomever it is. See you at the Hyatt bar Good luck to all teams.

Then the "Observation" is wrong. Have those that are "observing" this seen many other games this year? I would rank Schuh toward the bottom of the taunting list in the 8-9-10 regions...I have seen several players do way more....and what's worse, aren't nearly the same caliber player. Last night was nothing.

Really? If anything over the past few years Bo has either: 1. Correctly had the call on him because he is aggressive or, 2. Had some interesting phantom calls on him. I don't see where he is "untouchable". He has sat out numerous minutes due to this. I can remember SEVERAL games where he was called for a phantom ridiculous light or no touch foul. (Last year at Campbell County was atrocious). As far as Schuh guarding players shorter than him? Perhaps sometimes to keep him out of foul trouble, but keep in mind that with all the players going through CCH in the last 4 years Bo Schuh has never really had a true big man to play off of. I loved Mark Schult's hustle and attitude as well as Romes this year, but both are 6'2". Bo is/was asked along with those two to do the dirty work and guarded many big men throughout his career despite not having a true big man's body. He's more of an athletic 3. Last year's State tournament he was guarding 7' Raekwon Long of Scott County (and won that battle) and numerous battles with the other teams Bigs throughout his High School career. I will agree that he is aggressive boxing out (as taught) and in the post because he needs to be. I DO NOT agree about taunting at all. He won't back down but he's not one to start it. I haven't seen it. He has had many dunks, block shots, stick backs, and dimes, and he just runs back down the court to do his job.

Thanks Fudd. That is what I was looking for.

I don't completely disagree with that sentiment but "typically" a coach is going to start his best 5. Notice I said "typically". I realize there are cases when subs finish out the game due to what is working that particular night. Maybe I should have phrased it "who is getting the majority of playing time at JV level". I am just wondering if the team Soph dominated, some Freshman getting time, any Juniors, etc.

Haven't been to a CCH JV game since early on and was wondering who the current (maybe last 6-8 games) starting 5 and maybe first 2 or 3 off the bench have been? Anyone?

As a side note, I know Louisville is hosting the NCAA tournament that Thur/Fri Sat/Sun but I doubt that would affect the finalized dates of the Sweet Sixteen.

Perfect. Thanks. KHSAA says March 18-22 for Boys state. (Tentative) but the Lexington Hotels are charging as if those dates are firm.

Just trying to plan ahead and I have looked on KHSAA, Riherds, BOKC site, NKysports.com and could not find it. Probably user error but I could use the info. I am sure it's out there and I missed it but what days (exact days and dates) are the opening rounds, semi's and finals of the 9th Region Boys at BOKC? Is it the week immediately before state or is there a week in between? State tourney is March 18-22 Thank you.

1. I have no idea if coach Ruthsatz will leave but I have heard some rumors. (Asst. at Xavier being one of them) 2. His 8th grade son is a nice player and has the right to improve but no way does he start JV at CCH next year. They are pretty stacked as is at that position. 3. Tony Bacigalupo would fit right in at this program and he can handle the role. He put in his time as a head coach and is the #1 asst. now. Sure he doesn't have the resume that a Booher had from Shelby Valley or even Coach R. coming from St. Anthony's but Tony can handle the gig.

Congratulations Colonels. Great story. Love how the team and coach give the fan base the props right after the game. Spectacular. It may have been said earlier but Parker Keller #14 did a GREAT job defending Gilbert in the 4th quarter and other times during the game after CVH fouled out. Everyone was expecting Gilbert to explode in the 4th quarter but it just didn't happen. Bo Schuh #11 didn't have the points but he is asked to do an awful lot and battles hard underneath. He had some key rebounds down the stretch and played great D. The 9th Region was the toughest in the state this year. The stats bear it out. CCH wins state and beat 10th region champ Campbell County as well in regular season. NCC beats Trinity on road, PRP, KCC, Brossart and others. Holmes beats some nice teams including CCH Dixie did ok as well. Way to go CCH and 9th Region. I spent five days down there and the people down at the Hyatt bar definitely know about the 9th region with the big time scheduling that has happened of late. Believe me. They give full credit where its due.

Ernie Liggett Sr. is as fine a "baseball man" as there ever was. Great hire. Obviously he was around the program a lot when his grandson's played recently and I'm sure he is proud to wear the uniform and dish out his expertise....

Opening Round 1 Hopkinsville 1 Trinity 1 Scott Co. 1 Johnson Central 1 Wayne Co. 1 KCC 1 PRP 1 CovCath Quarterfinals 2 Trinity 2 Scott Co. 2 Wayne Co. 2 CovCath Semi-Finals 3 Trinity 3 CovCath 2014 KHSAA State Champion 5 Trinity Tiebreaker=119 points.

Regarding Hop-town, I respect the lofty record (30-2), Not losing to a team in Ky., the athletes, and pedigree (have been to state quite a few times)......but.....that schedule strength makes me pause...U Heights 3 times? Who is their best win? Lafayette I suppose. The middle of their schedule is pretty average to weak. I am sure someone will find a great team on here I missed, but I am not seeing one. I don't see that they are as battle tested as some other teams who have really "scheduled up".

Can Bardstown hang with PRP? Possibly spring the upset?

I'm guessing but I think it might have to do with NCAA games. If UK were to play at that time, perhaps they would consider moving the time. That is just a SWAG.....

CovCath wins state. They will, in order: Beat Clay by 12 Beat PRP by 4 Beat KCC by 4 Beat Trinity by 3 CovCath can play at any speed. If you want to run, they have team speed and the shooters for the kick-out 3's If you want to play slow down and pound it, they are a bit undersized but play strong interior D and the guards do not allow an easy entry pass (See games vs. Cincy St. X, NCC) They have enough to win it all.

Then let me be the first to rank next year's top 4 1. NCC (Size, Size, and PG) 2. CCH (Schuh, CVH, and big pipeline) 3. Holmes (they'll find a way and still have Bolden) 4. Dixie (may put it together without Hatton, no disrespect, but you have seen this a million times at HS and college level, superstar leaves, and rest of team bonds)