Baseball Nut 24

4 hours ago, BiggestFan said:

If Holy Cross wins the 9th Region they will meet in Round 1 of the State Tournament.

(and Mercy wins 6th region)

I saw that. Interesting 

Ouch 

Final from Taylor Mill. 
 

Holy Cross wins their 5th game in a row and 14th in their last 15. Senior Jacob Meyer, fresh off his record-setting night on Saturday, led the way with 47 points. He was 17/29 (1/3 from 3) and 12/14 from the FT line. Senior Javier Ward had 29 points and Matt Dreas had 11 assists.

HC 22 26 24 21 - 93

Scott 21 17 21 18 - 77

15 hours ago, Adrian Woj Burner said:

9th Region Week 11 Review

By: Adrian Woj Burner

Lots of surprises this week!

 

District Seedings

District 33 

1. Conner (3-0) 

2. Cooper (2-1)

3. Boone (1-2) 

4. Ryle (0-3)

5. Heritage Academy (0-0)

 

District 34 

1. Lloyd (5-0)

2. St. Henry (3-1)

T3. Ludlow (2-3)

T3. Dixie Heights (2-3) 

5. Villa Madonna (0-5)

 

District 35 

1. CovCath (3-0)

2. Holy Cross (2-1)

3. Beechwood (1-2)

4. Holmes (0-3)

5. Covington Latin (0-0)

 

District 36 

1. Newport (4-0)

2. Highlands (3-1)

3. NCC (2-3)

4. Dayton (1-3) 

5. Bellevue (1-4)

 

Player of The Week

I believe that this week's player of the week is pretty easy to guess in Jacob Meyer. This week, Meyer averaged 43.5 PPG, and also broke the 9th Region scoring record, passing Scotty Draud. He also leads the state in scoring at 36.4 PPG. 

 

Who is the 9th Region POY?

I believe I have seen all the top players in the 9th play. Being Ipsaro, Meyer, Israel, and Hamilton. In my opinion, Meyer is the clear-cut Player of The Year, and there is no doubt about it. I would love to hear your guys' opinions in the comments!

 

Region Rankings

 

1 -  Conner Cougars

For the first time this year, the cougars surpassed the colonels for #1! Was tempted to make the move last week, but after a beatdown on Highlands, it was no question. The Cougars looked as if they were gonna struggle after only beating Holmes, one of the worst teams in the 9th region, by only 11 points. Then a few nights later they came out and had a running clock on the Birds to start the second half. Dalton Kramer led the squad with 32 points, followed by Landen Hamilton with 27. 

Next Game(s): 2/13 at NCC   /   2/17 at Lloyd

 

2 - CovCath Colonels

The Colonels drop a spot to #2 this week for the first time all year. After going to Dixie and winning 66-34, they were beaten by Reed Sheppards Jaguars.  In this game, Evan Ipsaro led the Colonels with 22 points on 9/20 from the field. They went on to beat Clay county 70-38 later in the week. Ipsaro led the squad with 21. 

Next Game(s): 2/16 at Ryle   /   2/17 vs Madison Central

 

3 - Holy Cross Indians

 The Indians are really heating up for their district tournament after winning 13 out of their last 14. Earlier in the week, they traveled to NCC and won 95-80. Jacob Meyer led all scorers with 41 points. Then, on Saturday Meyer went on to score 46 points to break the 9th region scoring record with 3,129 points, and did so with a dunk as they rolled past Dixie Heights. In my opinion, Meyer deserves 9th Region POY, but I want to hear everyone else's opinions in the comments. 

Next Game(s): 2/14 at Scott   /   2/16 at St. Henry

 

4 - Newport Wildcats

With 2 wins this week, the Wildcats stay at #4. Earlier this week they beat Clinton-Massie (OH) 71-56. Marquez Miller led the cats with 23 & Taylen Kinney followed with 17. Then, they squeaked one out against Cooper 44-42. In a low scoring game, Kinney and Miller combined for 23 of the teams 44. This is a nice young squad I really enjoy watching.  

Next Game(s): 2/13 at Dayton   /   2/14 vs St. Henry   /   2/17 vs Ludlow

 

5 - Highlands BlueBirds 

The Birds move up one spot this week after beating the Lloyd Juggernauts 75-68. Seth Ryan led with 25 points. However, after this game the Birds got steamrolled by Conner, with a running clock to start the 2nd half. So far this year, the Birds have struggled to defend the 3 ball. To end the week, they traveled to Breathitt County (14-9) and lost by 11. 

Next Game(s): 2/17 vs Beechwood   /   2/22 vs NCC

 

6 - Lloyd Juggernauts

After losing both of their games this week, and to the Highlands team that was 1 spot behind them, the Juggs drop to #6. They lost to a struggling Highlands team by 7, and then the reigning State Champs GRC by 16. Jeremiah Israel had 21, and 27 in these 2 games, as he is committed to NKU. The Juggs need to get in a better stride with the postseason coming up. 

Next Game(s): 2/15 vs Bishop Brossart   /   2/17 vs Conner

 

7 - St. Henry Crusaders

The Cru jumps up a spot this week after winning 2 out of 3 of their games. They started by drilling Holmes, then beating Beechwood 64-55. Jack Grayson led the Cru with 17 in this game. Then, they went on to play BGP top 25 team Great Crossings, and only lost by 2. The stats have not yet been put in for this game. 

Next Game(s): 2/14 at Newport   /   2/16 vs Holy Cross

 

8 - Cooper Jaguars

The Jags moved down 1 spot this week. They lost a close contest with Newport 42-44 earlier in the week. Yamil Rondon led with 16. Then they went on to beat Scott County 67-38. Once again, Rondon led with 16. 

Next Game(s): 2/14 vs Dixie Heights   /   2/16 at Scott   /   2/22 vs Boone County

 

9 - Ryle Raiders

Ryle rises to #9 this week after defeating NCC by 7 early in the week. Anthony Coppola and Grady Reynolds combined for 33 in this game. However, they went on to lose their next 3 games vs Scott, Campbell County, and Fleming County. Luckily, they still move up with the teams behind them also struggling here late in the season. 

Next Game(s): 2/14 vs Bishop Brossart   /   2/16 vs CovCath 

 

10 - Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds

The Thoroughbreds are on a 5-game losing streak, and are looking to turn it around. However, their last 2 games have been tough opponents such as Madison Southern, and Covington Holy Cross. The Breds got the opportunity to play on EKU´s court in their game against Madison Southern, but lost 61-76. Luke Runyon led with 16. 

Next Game(s): 2/13 vs Conner   /   2/16 at Walton-Verona   /      2/17 at Bishop Brossart   /   2/22 at Highlands

 

11 - Beechwood Tigers

2-5 in their last 7 games, after losing PG Cash Harney ROS due to a wrist injury. 

Next Game(s): 2/15 at Campbell County   /   2/17 at Highlands

 

12 - Dixie Heights Colonels

Blown out this week by 2 of the top 3 teams in the region, CovCath and Holy Cross. Their leading scorer so far being Hudson Blank with 12.6 PPG. 

Next Game(s): 2/14 at Cooper   /   2/17 vs Boone County

 

13 - Ludlow Panthers

The Panthers go 3-0 this week after beating Carroll County, Dayton, and Bellevue. However, I cannot rank them any higher due to their weak schedule. Senior Jaxon Rice for the Panthers is averaging 30 PPG. Ludlow also won their 2023 NKAC Division 3 conference championship, and went 12-0 against conference opponents. Jaxon Rice was named MVP of the tournament. 

Next Game(s): 2/13 at Augusta   /   2/17 at Newport

 

14 - Boone County Rebels

Boone County picked up 1 of their 4 wins on the year this week against Bishop Brossart. They have heavily struggled all season. Maddox Jones is averaging 16 PPG and leading them in scoring. 

Next Game(s): 2/14 at SK   /   2/17 at Dixie Heights

 

15 - Bellevue Tigers

Bellevue made it all the way to the finals this week of the NKAC Div. 3 Tournament this week, but lost to Ludlow by 12 in the Championship. Leading the Tigers is Noah Frommeyer, averaging 17.2 PPG on the year. 

Next Game(s): 2/15 vs Holmes   /   2/16 vs Covington Latin

 

16 - Heritage Academy Eagles

Although they have some wins this year, Heritage may play the weakest schedule in the 9th. This week they drilled Covington Latin 93-39, and then lost to Bellevue in the NKAC Div. 3 Tournament. Their leading scorer is Landon Warner, who is averaging 20.2 PPG on the year. 

Next Game(s): No remaining regular season games left.

 

17 - Dayton

18 - Villa Madonna

19 - Covington Latin

 

Postseason

The district tournaments are coming real soon next week! What are your guys' predictions for who makes the region tournament? Who are the teams that could sneak their way into a region title? Can anyone stop the Conner Cougars? Who is most likely to get upset? 

I would LOVE to hear your guys thoughts!

Great recap AWB well written. And I completely agree with your assessment for POY.

I didn't get a box score but to be fair they didn't shoot many last night. But I'm pretty sure they only hit one so the % had to be really low.

10 minutes ago, Runcible Owl said:

Dream big Nut. Sweet 16 dreams! 

Lol. Thought I was missing something. OK sure!

Holy Cross might meet up again with Mercy?

8 hours ago, CardinalsFan said:

What in the you know what happened to the shooting @Baseball Nut 24??  I listened for most of it and I don’t think I heard Sara Bottom’s name called one time?  This seemed like a very winnable game. 

What was the deal?

-CardinalsFan

Holy Cross was out-of-sync all night especially on the offensive end. It was not how they have been playing for most of the year and especially during their 10-game winning streak. Our defense was able to force almost 20 turnovers but were unable to convert those into any transition or easy buckets. Give Mercy credit coming into the Finn and beating us a little short-handed. Leah Macy is the real deal!

Not sure about playing time or rotations last night but maybe it was more matchup-based I don't know. I know coach has done a great job all year. He will have them ready to go for post season next week. It was a very winnable game for sure but it was one loss. They sit 23-6 after last night. Hopefully they can get back on the winning side tomorrow at Simon Kenton to close out regular season play.

You are correct that the losses were by double-digits. They had trouble early in the year closing out games and playing 4 quarters. They led Cov Cath by 3 at halftime at Cov Cath and lost by 20. They were tied with Great Crossing with 5:00 to go, again on the road and lost by 15. They led Lyon County by 3 at half at the Lex Cath Tourney and lost by 16. They led CAL by 6 at halftime and lost by 15........The only really bad loss from "start to finish" was to Conner (who has beaten Cov Cath).

But I agree on paper those losses don't look close but they if you watched the games they were much closer. Ranking them 19 instead of 12-15 isn't far off. So I agree with you on that too. Good discussion.

* Not saying RPI means "everything" but it can't mean nothing. It does measure to a certain extent strength of schedule which is at least part of your argument for not ranking them higher.

Holy Cross 20-6    RPI .629

Conner 17-6      RPI .610

N Laurel 18-10    RPI  .608

* But they have Reed Sheppard so the argument will be different I guess. I'm not saying who is better but if we are looking at how to rank teams we pick and choose what we want to look at depending on the teams.

Maybe I'm wrong and missing something. 

We will agree that these polls are 100% "subjective". Polls are more a popularity contest and the pollsters will always favor their region or area of the state. Teams downstate (Lex, Lville, etc) will always get more publicity and coverage than teams in No Ky. I think everyone knows that. 

My argument for Holy Cross is that winning 13 of 14 games and having one loss in 5 weeks (3 pt loss to a top 20 team in Evangel Christian) should be a reason to have them ranked higher that's all I was saying. You play who you have on your schedule. They have played Cov Cath, Great Crossing, Lyon County, Evangel Christian and Conner, all of whom are in the top 20 currently. They are an "A" school who scheduled a great schedule to play tougher teams down state especially over the Lex Cath Holiday tournament.

I appreciate your thought out response Dragon Fire for sure. I just disagree with your angle that only playing one "top 20" team in that span as a measuring stick to not move them higher. And their "poor" start that you mention they played those teams who at the time were - #4 Great Crossing, #3 Cov Cath, #9 Lyon Co and Conner who is in the top 20. Not like they lost to bad teams during that early stretch. Thus the "undervalued part". If they played a soft schedule the narrative would be they haven't played anyone. 🙂

I think Conner and Cov Holy Cross are both too low. I think they are both top 12-15 teams in the state IMO.

Conner has won 11 of their last 13 games and Holy Cross has lost ONCE since Jan 3rd and won 13 of their last 14. Never seem to move up. 9th region teams are always undervalued (outside of Cov Cath just a fact).

49 minutes ago, Runcible Owl said:

Glad to hear it, and that you're supporting the game and teams in person. I think the same thing will be said when Mercy comes up to play Covington Holy Cross tonight at "The Finn." 

I won't be able to make it, so I'm hoping @Baseball Nut 24 and the good folks at Holy Cross Radio will be covering the game.

We will covering the game on HC Radio.

13 minutes ago, kyag said:

Best shooting night of the year for Conner. Highlands just let them have open 3 after open 3. Conner at one point in the 1st half was 12 of 15 from 3. Crazy. 
 

Conner is playing well. Statement win vs Mason County last week and a warning to the 9th that on any given night Conner can light you up. 
 

 

I recall them making 11/15 from 3 in the first half at Holy Cross in early January. They can get crazy hot from long range.

😲

Any win in Alexandria is a good win. Tough place to go and win.

1 hour ago, rjal said:

And the night Jake most likely break the 9th region record correct?

Correct. We will be on the air on Holy Cross Radio.

15 minutes ago, CardinalsFan said:

Sucks that the game is at the same time as Sr. Night in Latonia for Varsity. 

-CardinalsFan

Yeah really bad timing. We also have a big school fund raising event that night as well.

Should be 2 great semifinal games on Saturday. I think Holy Cross's lone loss came to Highlands in Ft. Thomas over a month ago.

Frantic pace tonight up on “The Hill”. Holy Cross led by as many as 23 in the 2nd half. They have now won 12 of their last 13 games and are 19-6 on the season. There were several college scouts in attendance.

Senior Jacob Meyer led all scorers with 41 points, 4 assists and 6 steals. He needs 15 points to tie and 16 to become the new 9th region scoring leader. Next game is Saturday at home on senior night vs Dixie. Game time is 6:00 pm.

Meyer wasn’t the only Holy Cross player with a big night. Senior center Sam Gibson recorded a triple-double with 13 points, 14 rebounds and 10 Blocks. Senior Javier Ward added 28 points. Sophomore Will McElheney started in place of Jacob Smith (ill) and had a season-high 11 points.

The Breds were led by senior Coby Kramer with 28 points. Sophomore Ian Mann added 20. 

HC 23 20 32 20 - 95

NCC 19 17 20 24 - 80

Well done DD!

Holy Cross (15-1) beat Newport.

Pretty sure they play Beechwood on Wednesday at 6:15 pm.

8 hours ago, SnottieDrippen said:

Lol two schools 20 minutes apart, driving 3+ hours to play on a non-regulation court. Enjoy the bus ride fellas!

I honestly could care less who they are playing. I’m driving up and doing Radio for both games and will enjoy the experience of calling games in that gym. What does it matter that they are close in proximity? Heard this from a few people but can’t figure out why that matters.

It’s an hour and 45 minutes from my house (not 3+ hours) and I live in Taylor Mill. I drove nearly the same distance to Richmond last week for the All “A” state. Lol

Final from Latonia. Holy Cross improves to 17-6 on the year.

Holy Cross senior guard Javier Ward went over 1,000 career points tonight ending up with 29. Senior Jacob Meyer records a triple double with 38 points (6/8 from 3), 11 rebs and 10 assists. He was 2/3 from the FT line.

Beechwood was led by senior Cam Boyd with 26 points.

The Indians travel to Hoosier Gym in Knightsville, IN tomorrow to take on Walton Verona at 6:00 pm. HC Radio will be there to cover the game starting at 5:45 pm.

http://vcloud.blueframetech.com/holycross/widget?I'd=145

Arlinghaus - Has his team 21-5 up to this point and played a great schedule. They have wins over McCracken Co (#2 in state at the time), Notre Dame, Conner, Meade Co, Ashland, Pikeville and Bethlehem. Just won the All "A" State Title. 

Holthaus - Been the #1 team in the 9th all year and will take a special effort from someone in the 9th to knock them off at NKU. They have 3 losses, all outside the 9th region.

Richey - Team has gotten better and better as the season has gone on. Nice Sophomore group led by Marissa Green.