Big Red

Birds comfortably

One quick thought on defending your #3 Dixie ranking is that they are putting the ball in the net vs. good competition. For now, that's as good of a differentiator as I can see.

I'm not sure why these questions pertain to the football program. I don't see what has changed. The basketball program definitely has changed. I'm sure people have varied opinions on it. At the end of the day, the stands are always packed, it is an awesome venue, and they seem focused on continuing to elevate the status of this program. If a kid plays basketball and wants to play in high school, you have to make a decision on your opportunity to play at CCH vs. another school. I don't see how that is different from kids choosing Trinity vs. St. X in Louisville, or St. X vs. Moeller in Cincinnati. Is there animosity from other schools? Animosity might be a strong word. Again, in terms of football, people love to hate on CCH and Highlands, but that hasn't changed. In terms of basketball, I'd say there is a recent elevated "angst" toward the program.

Some added results that may provide a bit of context as more games get played and teams have common opponents: Lex Cath - Win over Dixie 3-2, L to Sacred Heart 0-1, L to South Oldham 2-4 South Oldham - 3 solid wins over Lex Cath, SK, and Paul Dunbar (who beat Dixie), and only loss to NDA Assumption - W over Ryle 1-0, L to Highlands 2-4 Conner - 2 wins, 4 ties (Dixie, St. Henry, Brossart, and Oldham County), no losses. Play Sacred Heart next! Dixie - 2-2-1 - Close losses to Lex Cath and Paul Dunbar. Seems like they are scoring, but also getting scored on a bit. Ryle - two defensive struggles vs. NDA and Assumption. Results look good but worth noting that they have a top goalie, however do not threaten much on offense. Also worth noting, NDA's game vs. Mercy McAuley was interesting in that it was played on a small grass field, and as mentioned it was incredibly hot. Difficult game to referee, with several yellow cards to players and coaches. Nothing dirty, just VERY physical game. Both teams constantly substituting due to the heat. Thinking some results from this weekend might be heat impacted.

Agree, Ryle NDA was a fun atmosphere. Ryle defended very well and frustrated the panda attack. I heard it was the first "night game" with their new lights ever hosted at NDA. Good game and cool night.

NDA took care of business 3-0. Ruthsatz had 2 goals, Spivey with the the 3rd. Only two things disappointed in this game, a lightning delay and the officiating. South Oldham is a very good team with legitimate offensive talent. I heard one striker is committed to Louisville, so expect they will score a lot this year. The Panda back line and midfield are both very good, and anticipate every pass. Hopefully the Pandas came out healthy. Their coaching staff and fans were not at all happy with the officiating of this one.

Looking forward to the Pandas at S. Oldham game. S. Oldham has scored 11 goals in 2 games vs. West Jess and Simon Kenton. Should be an interesting matchup.

WOW!!!!

I would add that it's safe to say that if Macie Feldmann focused on soccer, she would be on the list as well. She will play college basketball. Ellie Greenwell, JR, is likely to play D1 as well. Greenwell looks as good as anyone I've seen so far this year.

Natalie Bain, NDA center back just committed to Xavier. She has been a great player for several years, and clearly belongs on this list.

I took away a "glass more than half full" view of the Jags effort last night. Yes, NDA dominated possession, and created a ton of attacking opportunities, however, The Jags defense showed speed, toughness, and defended aggressively throughout. A highschool defense can only defend for so long, and NDA brought their A game last night. They may not see anything that resembles that speed and skill the rest of the year. The Jags have a big,fast striker, who looked dangerous when she had a few chances. They have a skilled attacking mid, solid defense, and they played with speed and physicality. NDA just had more of it. NDA played a VERY fast pace last night, it could've been 8 or 10 goals, but they ran with them in a way not sure other teams can. I think The Jags will be solid going forward.

Good idea. I'll contribute my 2 cents. No issue with your list, but Ryle and St. Henry might deserve a little more love. Ryle has the Griffin twins (goalie and striker), two of the top players in NKY at important positions. The striker is committed to Xavier and goalie is rock solid. I don't know anything else about their roster, but, It's Ryle, they should field a solid group of athletes around 2 high level players. St. Henry tied Sacred Heart down at Bluegrass games, and their defense held up fairly well in scrimmage vs. NDA. Those two preseason efforts deserve some props, and give them confidence to build on going forward. New coach might have kids playing tough and confident! NCC plays both Ryle and St. Henry this week, those could be interesting games. I'm hearing some kids/Seniors are opting to play for or prioritize playing for their Kings Hammer Fall ECNL team due to not getting college coach exposure during the Covid lockdowns. The Gerak twins not playing for Dixie would be a big loss. I'm not sure what other teams would be impacted.

From what I saw of the Highlands vs. ND game: ND also had 23 (ish) kids that all played throughout both halves. I wouldn't call it as defined as 20 min Team A and Team B, but it was 20 plus kids going in and out, many playing different positions. My initial assumption was that more than Gessner and Jade were missing because physically it did look "different". Maybe it was just me, but ND was noticeably much bigger, stronger, and faster across the board. The last few years that was obviously not the case. ND looked good throughout the field, but their back line is physically very impressive. 2 Center Back's are big, fast, and physically strong, and 2 outside backs that are fast, strong, aggressive, and very active pushing up into the offensive side. It looked like the younger kids that came in were equally skilled. Both teams looked dangerous on set plays. ND had many more opportunities.

Was Seton that good? When the 1's were in was it more even? Typically alot of subbing in preseason scrimmage. Obviously seems odd, as I don't think HHS surrendered 7 goals all last year.

Is there a link for best times in the state this year?

Congrats Lacey!

Looks like Ryle has a few stud 9th and 10th graders as well. This could be a really fun rivalry over the next few years of teams with top state talent, only a few miles apart.

Thank you BBall Fan

Get your popcorn ready! Do we know if there is any or what level of attendance will be allowed at Region tournament? I think the matchups of these teams is something to be appreciated live vs. streamed on TV. Most teams struggle with CCH size, but CCH doesn't have that Sr floor leader like in years past. Vinson is a one man wrecking crew. Beechwood and St. Henry are Senior led teams with alot of talent. Of all years, I want to see these games live!

Congrats Madelyn!

3000 points is a big deal. It's odd that I'm more intrigued by the lack of commentary vs. the accomplishment itself. 🤔

Congrats Brian.

I'm agreement with all of this thread. Highlands did have a good coach and it showed on the field. I know its safe to say that other teams actually had "coach envy," and would advise not to look a gift horse in the mouth. Kudos to NDA's AD for taking this hire seriously, and landing on Suli. The staff he announced is impressive, will be welcomed, and appreciated.

Bill Lorenz is a Highlands guy and might be an interesting candidate. He used to be a part of NKSA coaching leadership, and I think his daughters have graduated by now.

I saw this team play at least 5 times over the last 2 years. They looked like a very well coached team that always played hard. I have no connection or detail on any of the "drama" mentioned, but it makes sense to me that Alex is moving to the collegiate level. I would think the view of the "younger talent" parents would be disappointed.