JJD

Apologies for not having the '92 regular season score completely correct. However, I'll still maintain that the Highlands win in the playoffs that year was an upset. Hats off to the Birds for game planning and finding a way. That was a heck of a CCH team that they beat - I still believe the best the school has ever fielded. In the context of "best teams to not win a title", the '90 CCH team was darn good, but not as deep as the '92 team.

Covington Catholic 1990 and 1992. The 1990 team was #1 overall, per Dave Cantrall for a good portion of the season. Lost to a big school OH team early in the year and lost in OT @ Bell Co in the playoffs, after a tough holding call and a 50/50 call on the goal line on 4th down - both in OT. If you're a CCH fan, it looks like the RB scored to set-up a game tying extra point attempt. If you're a Bell fan, he was stopped short. CCH '92 - only CCH team to go undefeated in a regular season, including a win over Moeller. This was the best team CCH has ever had, with apologies to the state title teams. Upset by Highlands in playoffs, after beating them 42-7(ish) in regular season at Highlands.

Evan Molitor - Lloyd

AJ Mayer - Catcher - Cov Cath

I may not be entirely correct, but CCH's historically assigned district includes Catholic grade schools from Ft. Wright, Ft. Mitchell, Edgewood/Crestview Hills, Crescent Springs/Villa Hills and I believe Ludlow too. I know the starting five are all from parishes within CCH's historically assigned district.

In the grand scheme of things, it doesn't matter. Just raising the question for conversation.

Good opinions, thanks for the comments. I will never disparage another young man directly in favor of another. But, I believe Nick Ruthsatz belongs on that list.

Love it - 16 pts/17 boards - that young man was a beast! Glad to hear Gary Ball is still around too!

Fair enough - let's be clear - not suggesting he should be Mr. Basketball. But, in a region with three top 10 teams, I think a nomination as finalist was in order. It's not like he became great in Feb. He was fantastic from the "get-go".

I know hindsight is 20/20, but, who was tougher in Rupp this weekend? His "body of work" during the season should have been enough. At least at the top, the 9th Region was as tough as it gets this year. Therefore, IMO, the 9th Region POY should be a Mr. Basketball Finalist. Thoughts?

I haven't researched, but, did any other region have 3 or more top 10 teams in the state?

You need to be able to defend to play D1

This is a lazy comment.

I was proud of that Holmes team and I'm proud of this CCH team. Way to go 9th Region! Do it again in '15!

Martini was amazing today. Hats off to that young man.

That young man is a tremendous player. He was fun to watch.

That young man can play!

Perhaps - but it may be due to the fact that football requires more players to win. In hoops, one star can make all the difference.

One other thought... To all of the Private school haters - Covington Catholic's win today was their first state title in basketball and only their second appearance in the state title game (first since 1967). They have made 9 trips to the Sweet 16 in 97 years - an average of once/decade (or so)! This year, we had two private schools in the Sweet 16. I saw some outstanding basketball from the public schools. A missed shot here, a foul called there, could have been a different result. P.S. - legitimate question - Don't you think public schools recruit? If not, you are delusional. It happens in every classification, all across our great Commonwealth. Keep the All A - leave the Sweet 16 alone. Again - KY's high school basketball tournament is special - please keep it that way!

Well said Old Kentuckian!

DanvilleFan hits the nail on the head. Regarding FB, KY does NOT have the population to justify six state champions. Moreover, the playoff system is broken. Look at the scores of 1st/2nd round games. Too many people upset because Jonny didn't get a trophy. Turning to basketball - KY is special, the Sweet 16 is an unbelievable experience. Part of what makes it great is the fact that it allows kids to dream big! KHSAA - PLEASE don't take the magic away - it is truly the greatest show in hoops!

Well done NCC! Way to rep the 9th!

Tough call. Common opponent - Lafayatte - NCC lost by 2 to Lafayette @ King o' BG and Trinity beat Lafayette by 4 @ King o' BG and beat them by 11 last week. Tough to win a week night game on the road, but, I love NCC's toughness. Rocks by 1, but hats off to NCC for scheduling a fantastic late season test.

Highlands - Scott Draud

Dixie - Brandon Hatton