Don't_Hate_the_Playa

Not much to back it up. 300 wins in 15 years. Holy Cross is the only 9th Region team to win a state title. Hardly like HHS is the only 9th region team to fall short on that metric. How many HHS girls have gone D-I over the last 15 years? 5? 10? 15? More? Or less? Hard to argue that Richey is under-performing in the talent factory that is Fort Thomas. Here is what I SEE when I watch Highlands: - Players that consistently play to their skill potential - Players that consistently play to their athletic level - Players (1-9) that compete for 32 minutes at a very high level - Multiple offenses - both against "man" and zone defenses - Multiple defenses - including press variations - Great motion and selflessness on offense - Very sound on-ball/off-ball fundamentals on defense Here is what really strikes me about Richey - when her team NEEDS a basket she doesn't just give the ball to her best player with instructions to "make a play" - she draws something up that gets a good scorer a great look. Her ATO plays are exceptionally effective (Levandusky's are good, too). I've watched enough 9th region basketball to see just about every variation of the dribble drive offense (including against zones) know to man. Highlands is IMO consistently better schematically than the other teams in the region - like watching a college team. I don't think this team will be exceptionally talented - no Held, Scherr, - but I think they have the pieces to be successful. And the coaches to put those pieces together and put the team as a whole in a position to compete every game.

Ruh-roh...

Highlands - IMO - is one of if not the best coached team in NKy. And they are talented - assuming Macke will be back on the team which should provide a real boost. I thought she was very, very good last year as a frosh at HC. I think the competition this year in the 9th region will be fierce - a lot of talent and experience across these teams. Whoever emerges from this region will be a worthy representative at the state tournament.

There is no such thing as an objective opinion. That said, here is mine: - Trinity is the most talented team in the state - Trinity is playing at home - Trinity will be looking to make a statement - this game and through their playoff run - Trinity is a match-up nightmare for 99% of the teams in the state, but especially challenging for CC, who struggles on the perimeter both offensively and defensively, and gives up a lot of yardage in the middle of the field - It remains to be seen whether CC plays with any confidence. They had real motivational challenges in Independence. They will have a lot more time to think on the way down to Louisville This is another shutout for Trinity. The clock could be running early 2nd quarter.

If HHS wins he is vindicated and everyone moves on to the next game. If not...

Will be the halftime score.

Moeller would be a big step up for Eviston - a real challenge with huge upside. GCL and top tier D-I Ohio vs. 5A Kentucky? Not even close. If LaSalle opens up it's a similar opportunity even though they are D-II. If the guy wants to take the next step at the HS coaching level this would be it. Oh - and I think Moe could find a little $ to make it worth his time. It's also possible this job attracts more qualified, appealing candidates...

That is a terrific lineup of games.

When was the last time a "________ Country Day School" won a state football championship?

Cryptic.

Walter fits with the model rotation Mack wants to play. The fact that he is a local kid is a bonus. He's a young senior - I think this will be (by far) his most productive year of HS ball and it could be he has more of an impact at XU. I am confident his best basketball is ahead of him.

No. Not as of today. Weather could be factor - ironically would need to be an event of biblical proportions. Injuries could also have an impact - God forbid that should happen.

It's Walton Verona's year, folks. Miles will be dominant and the team has all the pieces necessary to score and defend. I think we will be watching WV at Rupp come spring time.

Cov Cath is very talented on both sides of the ball. Campbell County is a good team, but in the same league as the top 4-5 teams in NKy.

I would also add that Beechwood is a terrific place to watch a game and their concession stand is restaurant-quality. Two great reasons to make the trip!

IF Beechwood loses it will only make them more focused and hungrier heading into the playoffs. IF Beechwood wins they will still be focused and hungry enough to win out. Beechwood WILL win. It's this time of year when health is as important as the game outcome - I hope there are no injuries that affect line-ups heading into the playoffs.

CCH is a marquee program - they don't need coaches acting like adolescents. Compete and win. The math for the 9th region follows pretty simple logic - Ruthsatz and Sullivan are two of the best development/game coaches and program builders in the state. Both CCH and Cooper have established cultures that attract talent and drive players to be and give their best. You watch either program and you consistently see skills, on-court leadership, desire, and cohesiveness superior to their opponent - especially the programs in the 9th region. CCH and Cooper have very talented teams - but it's the leadership and culture of their respective programs that set them apart. I will go so far as to pick Cooper to win the 33rd even if they had inferior talent to Boone, Ryle, and Conner. That's the power of Sullivan's coaching and the program's culture. Neither would let the team lose.

It’s Walton Verona’s year.

This will be beyond ugly - after the spanking SK put on CC I have to wonder if CC will actually come to play.

Yep - a much better team than NCC.

Stay classy Highlands...and try to adapt to your current situation. It's how everybody else in NKY felt when the Birds were hanging 50-60/game on teams.

Otte has a re-build on his hands for sure. He needs to build a program - develop his freshman class, build relationships with the middle school players and parents, and influence the middle school coaches to teach his concepts and system. No reason Conner can't be as good as Cooper if they can keep their talent at home and Otte invests in his program as Sullivan has at Cooper.

Awesome

Cooper out-played, out-coached, and out-charactered Conner. On one side of the field - coaches working their tails off, kids competing and making plays, and a team that was invested in winning the game. On the other side of the field - a leadership vacuum and kids who seemed to be more interested in getting on with the evening festivities than actually winning the game. Cooper deserved this victory - they are better.

Did Chisholm have the pick 6 too? Someone is going to update Wikipedia to show Chisholm as the principal of SK.