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Holmes lost everything - literally their 8 top scorers from last year. This includes a very talented Nejai Lewis that transferred to Holy Cross. Coach Pope has a big rebuild in front of him as Holmes may only really be competitive in 2 or 3 games this year.

In the first week some of the contenders in the region got roughed up and a new number 1 has risen after going 3 and 0 in their first week of play. The way the region shapes up this year a bunch of movement can be expected week to week, especially this early in the season. Rankings are below and currently the best way to look at the region may be in 4 tiers - numbers 1 through 4, numbers 5 through 9, numbers 10 through 13, and numbers 14 through 18. I think the gaps between those 4 groups are pretty significant. 1. Pulaski County - The Maroons start off the year 3 and 0 with wins over Madison Central, West Jessamine, and Danville, all quality opponents. Barek Williams scored 29 in the first game and 30 in the second. Cayden Lancaster also scored 28 against West Jessamine. As long as that scoring duo stays hot, Pulaski will be extremely difficult to beat. They have another three game week this week as they take on McCreary Central, Casey County and Danville Christian. 2. Danville Christian Academy - This may be the only time they are this all year, but here they are, courtesy of starting 2 and 0 and three preseason contenders going winless to start the year. Don Story's Warriors took down Casey County and Lynn Camp with Titus Boyd scoring a combined 34 between the first two games. With the scoring spread out the way it was, the Warriors could truly show themselves to be a complete team that is deserving of "contender" status. 3. Lincoln County - An opening loss to Lafayette exposed Lincoln County's lack of depth as Tramane Alcorn scored 24 and Colton Ralston scored 19 which combined accounted for nearly seventy percent of all Patriot points. Lincoln is going to need more help for their top 2 players if they expect to be a serious threat to win the region. They face Wayne County, Madison Southern and Evangel Christian this week. 4. Boyle County - A rough opening loss shouldn't deter too many from believing in the Rebels as they were missing key components to their roster, including transfer standout Montavin Quisenberry. It is yet unknown when they will have a full squad, but they face Southwestern, Somerset, and Clay County this week following that opening loss to Adair County. 5. West Jessamine - The Colts had a rough opening week going 0 and 3 but hung in against some stellar competition. They fell to Great Crossing, Pulaski County and Harlan. Daniel Waters is averaging 19 points per game through the first two games that were reported. They look to get onto the winning track against Trinity Christian and Bourbon County this week. 6. Wayne County - The Cardinals opened the season with a quality win on the road at Garrard County. Mason Burchett scored 24 while Kendall Phillips scored 23. Burchett & Phillips are one of the real fun duos to watch this year alongside Williams & Lancaster (Pulaski), Alcorn & Ralston (Lincoln), and the young Hager & Quisenberry of Boyle. Wayne County squares off against Lincoln County and Southwestern this week. 7. Somerset - The Briar Jumpers fell to Russell County before cruising past East Jessamine. Indred Whitaker is averaging 18.5 points per game through two contests. Ben Godby is averaging a double-double with 17 points per game and 10 rebounds per game. They face Boyle County, Rockcastle County and Rowan County this week. 8. Danville - The Ads defeated Bluegrass United (homeschool) before falling to Pulaski County. Owen Barnes, Jalen Dunn and Jarius Bryant are all averaging 15 points per game or better. It's the depth beyond them that really needs to be fleshed out. They have a very busy week as they take on Rockcastle, Casey County, Frankfort and McCreary Central over just a five day stretch. I can't really think of a better way of testing your depth than that kind of pressurized schedule. 9. McCreary County Central - Two road games leave the Raiders 1 and 1 with a win over Rockcastle and a loss to South Laurel. Kyle Stephens, as expected, is the leading scorer for McCreary after two with an average of 13.5 points per game. They have a tough week ahead with games against Pulaski County and Danville. 10. Mercer County - The Titans took one on the chin to start as they fell to Harlan County 88 to 45. Jackson Perry and Trevor Ellis both scored 11. They face Nelson County and Pendleton County this week. 11. The Golden Lions fells to Wayne County by 11. Ethan Cooper scored 30. They face Somerset Christian, Knox Central and Lexington Christian this week. 12. Casey County - A loss to DCA and a win over Southwestern starts the year for Casey County. Ethan Willoughby is averaging 26 points per game through the first two. They face Danville and Pulaski County this week. 13. Rockcastle County - The Rockets fell to McCreary Central before bouncing back with a win over Bell County. Walker Craig scored 14 in the opener. They face Danville, Somerset and Barbourville this week. 14. Southwestern - Eli Meece netted 21 points in the opening win for the Warriors over Berea. They then fell by 5 to Casey County but already things seem to be improving after a disastrous campaign last year. They face Boyle County, Wayne County and LaRue County this week. 15. Somerset Christian - Somerset Christian School fell to Lynn Camp before beating Burgin 68 to 62 in overtime. Noah Brummett scored 21 in the win. They face Garrard County, Model and Adair County this week. 16. Burgin - The Bulldogs competed with but failed to defeat Anderson County in their opener and fell to Somerset Christian School in overtime but won over Kentucky School for the Deaf and Francis Parker. They face Powell County and Berea this week. 17. East Jessamine - It was a rough year for the Jaguars last season and although they are again off to and 0 and 3 start, having teams like Scott County on their schedule should hopefully pay dividends against lesser competition later in the year. After falling to Scott County, Somerset and Harrison County this past week, they take on Frankfort Christian and Trinity Christian this week. 18. Kentucky School for the Deaf - The Colonels are back! After a multi-season layoff, KSD hit the hardwood, falling to Burgin in their season opener. They face the Pennsylvania School for the Deaf, the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf, and the New York School for the Deaf this week.

If I had to guess, I'd say one of the following six names: - Liam Coen - Marc Lubick - Chad Morris - Rob Calabrese - Brennan Marion - Dan Mullen

An Ashland product who has been on the bench for 8 years paired with Coach Thomas as a steady hand when it comes to matters on how to run a program - I think that is pretty fantastic recipe for success, all challenges considered.

Another basketball season is almost upon us in what continues to be one of, if not the most, competitive regions in the state. That phrase can be hammered on even more when you talk about districts as district as the 45th features the past two regional champions in Boyle County and Lincoln County and legitimately 4 teams that have what it takes to make the regional title game when you include Danville and Danville Christian Academy. The district also features some of the best individual talent in the region, including the hands-down best returner in the region in Lincoln County's Tramane Alcorn. Outside the 45th we also have perennial contenders West Jessamine and Pulaski County as well as a handful of insurgent teams such as Somerset, Wayne County, McCreary County and Mercer County. Without further ado, let's jump in to the preseason rankings: 1. Lincoln County - Though Jaxon and Evan Smith are both gone as well as Clayton Davis, the Patriot front court returns in its entirety and the back court is buoyed by the leadership of Tramane Alcorn. Alcorn was the leading scorer last year for Lincoln and the runner-up in rebounds per game. He is by all accounts the best all around performer returning in the region. He is complemented by long-range shooting extraordinaire Colton Ralston and Will Bishop in the post. Jackson Sims and Connor Davis round out the returning core for the Patriots. 2. Boyle County - Powerhouse Luke Imfeld is gone as well as Hagan Webb. However, with one of the bigger transfers in the region, Montavian Quisenberry joins the Rebels after a stellar start to his career at Garrard County. Kason Meyers and Jakei Tarter will complement the new addition but the Rebels will have to find depth out of some newcomers as the also lost Owen Barnes to rival Danville. 3. West Jessamine - Damon Kelley's Colts might be the most well-rounded team in the region. They return their four top scorers from last year in Daniel Waters, Drew Marshall, Gavin Salva, and Brett Bush, all of whom are now seniors. Their schedule is an absolute who's-who of Central Kentucky as they play the best the 11th and 12th have to offer as well as holiday tournaments at Lexington Christian and Lexington Catholic. 4. Pulaski County - Zach Travis and Gavin Stevens, the dynamic duo from Pulaski's 30-3 21/22 campaign, are gone. Cayden Lancaster must now step up and take control of this team and with his versatility that should be a challenge he's ready to meet. Carson Fraley, now a freshman, will command the point and Jace Frye should prove to be a dangerous target if teams over-focus on Lancaster. 5. Danville Christian - The reigning All A regional champs proved last year they can compete in one of the toughest districts in the state. Powered by sophomore standout Titus Boyd, DCA will look to recreate some of the magic from last year and extend their run into the regional tournament. 6. Somerset - Juniors Indrid Whitaker and Ben Godby lead a Briarjumpers squad that loses just one player to graduation. They are probably a year out from a big regional run, but look for this team to be much improved from last year. 7. Danville - Owen Barnes, Jarius Bryant and Jalen Dunn look to achieve more consistency this year as the 21/22 Admirals struggled to string together wins. They have a soft December schedule before they launch into heavier competition in January. 8. McCreary County Central - It's the Kyle Stephens show as the Raiders lost their next three leading scorers to graduation. Whether or not he can take the intense focus opposing defenses will give him is yet to be seen but the ability is certainly there. 9. Wayne County - Never count out Coach Woods and the Cardinals. Mason Burchett, Kendall Phillips, and Antajuan Dumphord all return from last year and the possibility of a district title is definitely in play. 10. Mercer County - Evan Hart and Trevor Ellis lead the Titans into a 22/23 campaign that features a harder schedule from last year and sets them up to again compete for the 46th district title though they will still have to contend with the Colts of West Jessamine. 11. Garrard County - Though Quisenberry is gone, Ethan Cooper remains and has Mason Sulla in the post to bring some versatility to the Golden Lion offense. 12. Casey County - Ethan Willoughby should continue to make a splash scoring wise for Casey. 13. Rockcastle County - It will be a total rebuild for the Rockets, but they are in good hands with Coach Cash and look to Skyler Durham and Broedy Dunaway to be the core of this year's group. 14. East Jessamine - Hayden Frazier is the leading scorer amongst returners for the Jaguars and looks to bring them back to a competitive level. 15. Southwestern - Winless in the region last year, the Warriors look to Eli Meece to spark some success this year. 16. Somerset Christian - Noah Brummett and Braydon Moore return for the Cougars who continue to look to establish themselves among the smaller schools in the region. 17. Burgin - Todd Claunch takes the helm for the Burgin Bulldogs and looks to improve on their 3 wins from last year.

@LethalPG, can you post the top ten players please? I would imagine Lincoln County could have 3 of the top 6. With that said, who is going to take the place of Jaxon Smith as the leader on the court. They have a large amount of talent and scoring coming back, but my biggest two questions are: 1) Will they have the leadership at the point to balance that offense as well as it has been the past three years? 2) Will defenses be able to key on Ralston without Evan Smith also in the lineup presenting a second three-point threat?

Renewed discussion has been ignited in Northern Kentucky with the cancelling of Bellevue's football season. I'll be honest and say that although I think mergers should happen with greater frequency and we need an overall reduction of schools and school districts, I really don't see it happening in urban and suburban areas anytime soon, Bellevue and Dayton included. And I still chalk that up to the competitive jobs lost, at least as the primary factor. A superintendent is going to fight like all get out to prevent a merger if they think it will cost them their job, not too mention all the support staff below.

They will get the Beechwood vs Conner game in. It kicks off in 3 hours. Storms roll in around 1. So quite possible the other two don’t happen.

NDA Simon Kenton Highlands Conner FC Cincinnati

Mayfield CovCath Corbin Simon Kenton Trinity

Highlands NDA St. Henry Holy Cross San Diego Wave

Trinity CovCath Middlesboro Eastern NCC

Conner/NDA tie Campbell Highlands Campbell Xavier

Carmel Manual Ryle Highlands Hazard

1) Cal is not wrong but he phrased his point terribly and he knows it and has publicly acknowledged it. 2) Stoops angry reacted and has not publicly made overtures to heal this, but that is entirely human. His actions made this worse. 3) Those first two things are incredibly human and healable. 4) Mitch Barnhart's press conference was just chock full of stupid mistakes and it sounds like his entire handling of the situation has been horrible. If anyone comes out of this with longterm, lingering negative consequences, I think it will be him.

I am spinning this off from the NKY Top Ten thread. The issue being brought up there was that NKY is overrated when it comes to football and that EKY is the dominant region, at least outside Louisville. The time frame used in that thread was 20 years. Reviewing the past 5 years, here is the breakdown for state titles: Louisville - 7 Danville/Boyle/Somerset - 5 WKY (Used the broad definition and just went west of Louisville) - 5 EKY (did not give EKY Somerset but gave them Ashland) - 7 NKY - 6 Lexington/Georgetown - 0 My takeaways: 1) Total titles is just one way to stack things up. It doesn't reflect things like Frederick Douglass having 3 finals' appearances. 2) Titles are spread out across the state with only Lexington being left behind (but if you lumped it in with Danville/Boyle and called it Central Kentucky, it wouldn't be). 3) I just cannot see from this metric how NKY is overrated nor how there is some big gap between any of the areas, let alone EKY and NKY.

Highlands Newport Central Catholic Ryle Cooper Arguments also for Dixie, Conner, Boone, Holy Cross, Ludlow, Campbell, and maybe a few others, though either less recent or less consistent than the ones above. I would say it's not that it's overrated, it's that there is nowhere outside of Louisville that has the number of schools that NKY has and each has its fervent fanbase. I don't think it is fair to call NKY "a sub par geographical region" either. It's a crowded area with a lot of competition and passionate fans.

This is posted on the school site. This means that all four of the 37th district schools will have a new girls head coach.

This is now posted on the school district's website. Any news behind why it is opening up at such a late date?

I'll answer my own: 1. I actually think the Ruthsatz party is set to come to an end in the near future. Now, they can have sustained success obviously with a new coach, but I think they have a max of 3 more in a row. 2. I think Holmes or Beechwood is next. 3. I think Holmes will ride one more year in the basement, though they will compete with Beechwood. 4. I think Beechwood is 3rd or 4th the next two years but if we have seen anything from Coach Goetz, it is that he has shortened the cycle of talent in basketball and raised their low and high points in the cycle. It used to be Beechwood would be BAD for 2 or 3 years, okay for 1 or 2 years, and good for 1 or 2 years. Now, their bottom seems to be okay and they may achieve greatness every 5 or 6 years. 5. I think there are some consecutive fourth place finishes in the post-Meyer future.

So spinning off from the Holmes thread, the 35th district has been owned by Covington Catholic in recent history. They hold the district title for the past three years, the Beechwood Tigers being the champion before this current run. Beechwood would be runner up in 2020. Holy Cross was the runner up in 2021 and 2022. Holmes has been a non-factor in the post season during the last four years. So some questions: 1) When does CovCath's current district title streak end? 2) Who is the next non-CovCath team to win the district? 3) Will Holmes rise out of the basement with Coach Perkins now at the helm? 4) Will Beechwood be able to make up for their recent losses due to graduation? 5) Will Holy Cross continue the upward trajectory it is set on in the Meyer era or will they tumble to the basement upon his graduation?

Agreed. You can't really call it a stepping stone job yet when none of the recent previous coaches have gone anywhere else to coach. They have done nothing but hire veteran coaches for the last two decades, Perkins included. That status may be in the future if they cannot return to consistent winning ways, but that day isn't here quite yet.

Raymond Joshua has been named coach. His coaching resume includes time with premier soccer clubs such as Cincinnati Classic, MTC, Warren, and Lakota Soccer Clubs. Additionally, he has coached and trained at several Greater Cincinnati High Schools including Mount Notre Dame, St. Ursula Academy, Indian Hill, and St. Henry.

I just don't want to see them fall behind the two newcomers, Somerset Christian (who is officially not yet a region school) & Danville Christian. They didn't play Somerset Christian last year but got ran twice by DCA. On the good side, they were able to stay on the court okay with East Jessamine last year, they fell on the road to Wayne County by single digits (in what is widely known as the toughest court to play on in the region), and they should return Jacob Qualls (though they lose John Boursaw to graduation).

Coach Troy Lee Thomas announced on social media that he will be returning back home to take care of his ailing mother. He leaves behind a Burgin team that, despite the large number in the loss column during his tenure, has actually improved and, if fostered in the right direction, may continue to creep towards competitiveness with the smaller schools in the region.