two bad teams

Looks pretty solid. "I can't complain, but sometimes I still do...." MoCo should move up a few spots. FYI: Teams 1-4 and #9 are on the top side of the state bracket Teams 5-8 and #10 are on the bottom side. Anything can happen but it's a great draw for the 9th. Let the top 4 beat each other up. Winning the 9th region will *potentially* be harder than winning three games at state. (NOT counting the final vs. a Ballard/Scott Co. etc.) Let's take NCC for example. (your could switch them out for CCH or Holmes) NCC potentially could face, in order: Holmes, CovCath, Dixie. or CovCath, Dixie, Holmes. vs. a State run over (Jackson Co/Clay--13th), then PRP (tough, but not any more so than CCH or Holmes) and then Wayne Co./KCC/Cordia/PCC/WC Take advantage of it. It's one of the better draws in years.

Sorry guys, I just don't see how Dixie is deeper. CovCath's 9 and 10 are pretty nice players as well, with a nice JV team that hasn't hardly seen Varsity minutes. It's just tough to get minutes. If the talent at Dixie is so good, and they have a D1 confirmed talent in Hatton, where are the results against the better teams? Let's not throw all this on the coach. I see some nice players at Dixie, but not anything too special or better than the pipelines at NCC, CCH and Holmes.

1. Ruthsatz-Scoring, dishing, leading. Senior. 2. McDonald--Yes a Junior, but just Because he has height around him he gets penalized? He's the best big man in the 9th region. Rebounds ARE an important part of the game. Yes, NCC is stacked but it starts with Drew. I just think he is having a great year AND leading his team. His importance will show in the regional. guys are hanging on him and he fights on. Still like him at #2 vs. Ruthsatz though. 3. Bolden--needs no hype. simply can take over. 4. Hatton---Admire the career no doubt, but his games vs. the regions top two left a little to be desired this year. Had single digits until late into the 4th quarter. So, does Dixie have a supporting cast? or not? If so, then he is NOT a one man team. Opinion seems to be split on whether he has help or not. I know he has scored a bushel of baskets but I just like the others better this year. IMO. Great year for the 9th. I expect a deep run at state for whomever goes. PS--is there a most improved award? If so, it goes to Mark Schult. (its not my original idea, I think Clyde said it first but I totally concur) He came out like a house of fire vs. Dixie. Bombing a three and hitting the glass. Seems like he knows there are other options around him but has the confidence to fire it up. I love it. I do not know him personally but love the advancement of his game. Is it true that his first 3 ever was the game winner vs. NCC last year? Because he was not afraid to launch Friday night. Looked like he had been shooting them from deep all his career. Love when Seniors open up their game and play with confidence....nice job.

Mclendon's T was automatic, he dropped a loud " _-Bomb". That said, it was definitely out of frustration for not saving the ball and not directed to the official. Still, it was immediately called and the right call. Now, does Lawnboy handle the prizes for predicting both scores closer than anyone on this thread? I predicted two identical scores of 72-60. Was off by 7 total points in the first game and 3 in the second (or close, its early and I don't feel like checking) . My advice is free if you guys need any other predictions....LOL. Something about a blind squirrel finding and acorn once in a while....... In all seriousness, this is a stellar year for the 9th Region top and Dixie and Holmes are simply a cut below. Both obviously feature potential game changing players that can take over a game, but NCC and CCH are just too much. All four teams have scheduled nicely and I really believe the 9th region winner plays for STATE on Sunday 3/24. Yes, CCH or NCC will play (Ballard/scott County, Moco? ) for the state championship. I have not wavered on what Holmes has lost. You don't simply replace a Coston, Palmer, and Engelmon. The first two were money when getting the dish out from Bolden last year. Engelmon was one of the best rebounders in the state. Pipeline may be filling up at Holmes but they are not near last years team. I have heard about Dixie's supporting cast and have seen glimpses, but it's not enough and Hatton had an off night. Maybe the future is bright, but it seems brighter at NCC and CCH. (A lot of talent in play and coming up for both teams) CCH and NCC are clearly ahead of the other two as the scores suggest. I hope the region draw is fitting for a championship game and not a semi meeting between the two.

Wooa. Easy DP. Reeee-lax. I am looking ahead at this teams ability at WINNING STATE. Yes, State. If the colonels would have played one of Ohio's top teams tough AND battled that size, then I can see them playing on Sunday 3/24 for State. PS--I will say the same thing for NCC vs. Trinity. Both teams have proven themselves but Moeller because of size would be a "proving ground". I stand by that statement 100%. Of course they are both nice teams, but I am thinking BIG things for the 9th region winner based on the bracket. Ergo, a test vs. Moeller and Trinity (whom NCC plays on 2/18)would further their chances in my opinion. Chill.

Kind of a downer. Would have liked to see how CCH stacked up vs. the height/bulk of Moeller. Would have been a nice proving ground for CCH.

CCH by 12. Too much depth and across the board scoring. I can see a lot of significant bench minutes due to several games in several days and the large floor. I see CovCath rounding back into form of a few weeks ago and winning this one by double digits. Hatton will get his but CCH gets the "W".

Hatton is really good. Draud was Spectacular. The battle with Jack Jennings of Holmes is/was one of the greatest dual performances in Kentucky HS basketball history. 69 points vs 68. A back and forth Donnybrook that left everyone speechless. (Farmer vs. Houston comes to mind as well) I have seen them both and have no bias. It's Draud.

The 9th region winner could have to beat two top 10 teams just to make the tournament, and another two (PRP and Wayne Co (or KCC/PCC)) to make the finals. If they make it, it will be well deserved. Yes, but NCC has already beaten PRP (1-1 vs them) so could go either way, and they have beaten KCC and now Cordia twice. I think the bottom half of the bracket is MUCH easier to advance to the finals (that's a good thing) vs. the top half with Ballard/Trinity, Hoptown, Scott Co. or Lafayette, and even Moco or Brossart. That's crazy loaded up there. and CovCath has shown through their tough schedule that they can play with anyone. I also never count out the Dawgs but I think they are a little light this year, but nothing would surprise me. Not saying it's easy, but a 9th Region team will play for the Championship.

The 9th region has got to be liking this draw. Anyone can beat anyone but to be opposite of Trinity/Ballard, Hoptown, Scott Co., Lafayette is nice. I like the 9th Region representative to get to the finals.

I have no problem with Freshman teams in all sports keeping a lot of players on the roster. The parents and players at both CCH and NCC (and other schools who do this) both know the teams are going to be large in basketball. They DO have the option of not trying out. This was also the case in Soccer and of course no-cut Football. Many players know they may not get in the games but get to see what it takes to play, the practice and training required to get on the field, and just the being on team means a lot to some kids. Couple that with the fact that kids grow and maybe a Summer of work and practice may make a difference. If after Freshman year they decide its not worth it then they may dedicate their time to other activities. The schools don't mind it because they do collect $125.00 or thereabouts to play the sport. Don't think that's not a factor. Now, I do have issue with kids not getting during blowout games or guaranteed lopsided affairs. I think the coaches need to get them in when they can.

Nice win for the Colonels. I have to say at the Campbell Co. game Bo Schuh got some bad calls against him. He does go for blocks but it was a fairly rugged game and it seems the stripes tend to penalize lankier, longer player at times, especially if the block is violent. I'm not one to get on refs, every game has its fair share of "wha?" calls but some of these calls had me scratching my head. Still, seems like CovCath is rounding out a nice 8 to possibly 9 man rotation. Now, I did not see last nights game so I will take MTGL and Clydes opinion on that game.

I like NCC by 5. Say 65-60. They have played all Summer against great talent in open gyms and while I have MUCH respect for Renner and the Ballard program, it seems this NewCath team poised to make the rest of the state take serious notice. They go out and get it tonight. PS--Great Great scheduling by NCC, CovCath, Holmes and Dixie this year. Yes, less home games but really big time tests for all of these programs. Nice job coaches and AD's at these schools.

Last week CovCath won their first ever match in a victory over Walnut Hills. (They then lost to Anderson the same night, but technically goes down as winning their first ever Varsity match participated in! (Hey, who's counting). Sophomore Daniel Branch (St. Joe Cold Spring) with the first ever pin in CovCath history. The CovCath bench erupted when the official finally gave the tap. The rest of the kids battled hard and CCH had some other pins as well. Must give respect to both Anderson and Walnut Hills. Both teams, coaches, and fans classy in victory and defeat. JV Colonals face Ryle tonight with a big weekend ahead for both Varsity and JV.

Nice opener for the Stangs. Brossart wins the 10th this year.

Dixie looked woefully out of shape. The hot pace was mid to late season form from the start. Dixie was one shot and done for the whole first half as NCC dominated the boards. Hatton could not get away from either Moeves brother and this may be due to injury, out of shape, or no real threat to dish to. He showed frustration in the third quarter vs. the in your face defense presented my Moeves and the stripes had to step in. His points were largely at garbage time. At one point he shouted to a team-mate "shoot the _____ ball". I predicted a 14 point win so I was mildly surprised it hovered around 30 points the entire second half. Dixie has a cast of complimentary players and may have just ran into a buzzsaw but I do not see them getting good enough to knock off either NCC or Holmes. I see them a distant 4th or 5th. If NCC makes a few more free throws it could have been 40. There was basically no scoring in the last 4:00 mins of the game. However, It's the first game so everyone has the right to improve, so we'll see. Not to be funny, but I really like Dixie's warm-ups. The candy striped warm-ups similar to IU with a touch of grey are fantastic. Good luck to both teams moving forward.

NC wins by 14. I think Dixie will be an ok team this year but will not challenge for the region title. Can they make the final four of the region? of course, but that means only beating one average team to get there, so don't get swept up in that. If they beat NC, Holmes, or CovCath, during the regular season I will be more swayed towards their chances. IMO the Top 5: 1. NCC 2. Holmes 3. CovCath 4. Dixie 5. St. Henry 5A. Boone

The inaugural season of CovCath Wrestling begins in earnest with a scrimmage on Saturday 11/16. Although I have only met Coach Dave Johnson a few times, I cannot say enough about coach and his staff and what they are contributing in the building of this program. As you can expect, Dave is taking a group wrestlers, short on experience, but big on heart and building this thing the right way. He has instilled the rules and guidelines for the program that is much more than just the techniques of wrestling. These include attention to schoolwork, respect for others, proper nutrition, workouts, and diligent practice in a wrestling room recently put together. Covcath will wear their blue singlet most of the time but will also have a special occasion white singlet with Colonel logo. You have to earn the "Right to wear White". And who do the fledgling Colonels open their wrestling history with? None other than the mighty Moeller Crusaders. (and scrimmage Elder the week after that). Dave Johnson is aiming high for this program, yet all the while paying homage and respect to the wrestling powerhouses of the area such as Campbell County, SK, Ryle, Cooper, and Conner to name a few, as well as the Ohio powers as well (Moeller, Elder, Norwood, etc.). I am not sure he could schedule every powerhouse, but looking at the Varsity and JV schedule it reminds me of the old Fresno State football coach Pat Hill, who often had to go on the road to get games vs. Pac 12 competition. Pat Hill's rallying cry: "Anybody, Anytime, Anywhere". Will this team and program take some lumps over the few years? Of course they will. Building anything from the ground up is tough. Will they kids be better off for it both in terms of wrestling ability and as young men? No doubt in my mind. Good luck Coach and go Colonels.

Thanks. Unless it's changed recently, I believe in D1 you are allowed 9.9 Full scholarships. That is to be divided amongst a full roster of 20-25 players. Similar to baseball and other sports, that 9.9 can be broken down into percentages. i.e. most valuable/best player may get a full ride while those towards the end may get partial or just a few $$ towards tuition.

Yes, that was my mistake in the thread as I knew that there were several local girls playing. I was trying to find out if any boys were playing D1. Still, hard to believe no N.Ky boys are playing D1. Yes, look at any roster of 20-25 players and you will likely find 6-10 foreign born players who likely have been playing this sport exclusively since an early age or perhaps were at one of the major academies overseas and matriculated to the U.S.

Are there currently any players from N.Ky playing soccer at the D1 level. (I'll expand this to the past 6 or 7 years.) I know Austin Juniette from NCC played for NKU as a Freshman and is now at Thomas More. I went to the NKU vs. UK game a few weeks ago and saw a few Ky. players on each roster (If I remember they were Louisville schools).

I know you are asking what each school system does and I don't have the answers to that, but IMHO personally think it is a completely stupid idea to practice. Most kids have been going strong since the dead period ended and it also puts a burden on families traveling for the weekend, etc. There is so much going on this weekend, just let the kids (and parents) relax on Monday night and you will have a much more productive practice Tues-Thurs, or prior to your next game. Never liked it for any sport at any HS level.

Contrary to some posts on here, I see no angle or malice at all. The writer even got quotes from Dale. Yes, agree he could have done more homework on getting some other schools budget/input but anymore what I look for is an interesting and different article, which this was. I don't really think this makes Highlands look bad? Good fundraising efforts make you look bad? huh? Save the same old tired stories for someone else.

The shots reallywere approximately 35-40 yards out and typically I would agree that a keeper should not get beat on that. He might have been shielded but the shots were absolute missiles with some bend. Keep in mind playing on a fast track (turf) seems to speed everything up (speed things up in general, balls did not skip on these two shots). I thought both teams looked really good and the atmosphere was great. #5 and #19 for HHS are big and tough. #12 is all hustle and defends. For NCC #14 Tolle is a stud. Marked by two all night he still made some "Premier League" moves around the box. #11 Seth Freppon plays all out. Since this is a new Soccer only thread, can someone throw out a N.Ky Top 10? I am hearing Boone Co. and CovCath 1-2, who else?

Wow. Shocker. In general, what kind of difference in $$ are we talking about. Just averages.