Big Red

Great Kid, Congrats!

As far as POY, Disken has played his best games vs toughest competition amd the biggest spots (cooper, Moeller, Florida tournament, Lex Cath at Thimas More) I havent seen Harding, so can not comment.

Sidney Moss did whatever she wanted, whenever she wanted as well, but different type of player. Walz is probably the best comparison. I'm not sure anyone was as highly recruited as Scherr is.

"Bradshaw-NDA plays up a grade level for Kentucky Storm elite. Feldman-NDA, Lawson-Dixie, Webb-Simon Kenton, Jonhson-Ryle all play AAU for Kentucky Premier under Scott Schwartz. All compete at a high level. NKY looks to have relevance for years to come in Kentucky basketball." Kylie Aytes-NDA and Brynn Thelen-NDA, also play on that same team for Scott Schwartz. NDA freshmen class is loaded.

Congrats Courtney!

I watched all 3 games on the youtube link. CCH is playing much better "team" ball on both sides. Their team defense and rebounding is much more intense. They are protecting and sharing the ball to create more quality shots vs. very athletic teams. Much improved.

"New coach, new philosophy and new players with basketball focus!!" Concise and completely accurate assessment by Shooter. I would add that in addition to the 4 starting freshmen, there are more than a handful of other talented freshmen leading both the JV and Freshmen teams. It is a class full of long athletes that can play.

And check out Michael Mayer's block on the 2 pt conversion. To your point about 2nd half adjustments, they utilized Mayer as lead blocker more in 2nd half and it paid off. Kudo's to the HHS linebackers who took on Mayer for some big collisions at the line, that was a tough assignment.

Grant Disken is a top 5 player in NKY. People just don't know it yet.

"Who will run the point with Kaiser moving to Ryle?" I would think Schaefer would get the chance. He's always been solid at the point.

Grant Disken will be the point and outside threat. It will be Disken and a bunch of athletic "bigs" for the most part. Behind Disken, there will competition between 3 Jr guards, and Sophomore point guard Murphy (Kez's son). It will also be interesting to see how CCH defends 3 and 4 guard lineups. I know Thelen can step out and guard the perimeter. Not so sure about the others.

I'm surprised it got to the third page to see Grant Disken mentioned. He is easily the new name to know not just in NKY, but in the state. He is an explosive athlete and will be as fun as anyone to watch this year in NKY.

To answer a question above, NDA was without one of if not their top player, Mya Decker. This would make 4 out of 5 years NDA went into Regional finals / state tourney without their top player or two. That is not said to suggest it would have made a difference in the game. Highlands has as much firepower as anyone in the state.

I said it pre-season, the winner of Highlands vs. NDA, and SK have a good chance to bring the state title to NKY. I haven't seen the draw, but I hope they are not on same side. Good luck to both.

"I have heard a lot about the CCH LB's, but not much about the Dline. Who are their studs up front?" For some reason, my reply quote button doesn't work right. My apologies. John Lawrie may have been hurt in the last game, he is solid D lineman. From the games I have seen and listened to, Grant Hemmer stands out to me on CCH D-line. He's big, fast, and very disruptive. I think he has played Off tackle with Lucas Jones out, which may take away some of his defensive energy. Hopeful of the return of Jones, Schreiber, and Lawrie soon to see them at full strength.

To add a little color to the shots, goals, and defense - The first goal was a counter attack long ball after a corner. NDA CB's are tall and athletic, one took the corner kick and 2 other defenders went up into the box. Dixie smartly countered with a quick long ball and Dixie player executed brilliantly one on one. One goal was simply a goalie misplay own goal, it wasn't at all contested. The last goal was at the very end with Notre pushed way up desparate to score, a long ball over the defense one v one w goalie. A play that NDA coach got a red card bc he was screaming off sides. I have no idea if it was offsides or not.

Adding that this sets up a rematch of SK vs NDA tomorrow night in Lexington. NDA suffered a few injuries and will likely be without a few key starters.

Yet another KY high school game between top teams that goes into PK's. I do not have any details on game flow.

Posting a few important scores from Lexington. I'm told NDA out shot Tates Creek 14-3, and NDA had the possession edge throughout. Tates Creek got a late breakaway that they executed to tie the game. NDA won in PK's, there was no Overtime play.

Yes, it's like futures bet to win the NFL or college national title. You can look at the roster and the path to get there and make an hypothesis on the projection. I don't think it is that difficult to see what they have going on there. I know enough about all the high level club talent, their coach, their goalie, their past few performances in region / state, and their path to make an educated prediction. It is not a slight to any other team in their region. They are legit and have what it takes to make a run. Of course, pending injuries.

I was told by several folks it was a well-played, physical, and intense game. Both teams left it all out there. SK has a real shot to win state this year. They will dominate region 10, and then you don't know how easy or difficult their draw will be. They have the talent and goalie to make a run. The 9th region is very competitive this year, which has been for a few years! Congrats and good luck to both teams.

It sounds like we are in for a very good year at the top of 5a. I am also hearing that Highlands is a great spot at QB with talent around a few stud QBs. If SW is as stout on Def as stated, it would be an awesome rematch w CCH. I think CCH returns the best O line the school has had along with a monster TE and two Huge WR's (6'6 and 6'5 as I understand it). My guess is they will look different with more a running QB, and maul teams and control clock. That type of offense vs. SW would be fun to watch. As fun as that would, it doesn't sound like either is a lock to get past BG and Highlands. Good stuff!

DA is FC Cincy Development Academy, associated with the newly formed US Development Academy League that is run by US Soccer Association. Yes, if you play DA, you do not play high school. Highlands has a SR forward that is committed to UC playing DA. NDA has a Soph forward that is also playing DA.

"Michael Mayer from Covington Catholic probably has the most impressive offer list to date including Alabama, LSU, Ohio State, and Notre Dame among others." Not trying to start a debate, however, this may be a little understated. I don't recall a KY player that has the list that Michael Mayor currently has. Maybe Kurt Barber or Shawn Alexander?

"I heard there aren't many girls who returned from last years team is that true?" True. Next year, Ryle has everyone back. So does Conner and Holy Cross. The incoming class of Freshmen at NDA is best basketball class they have had in a long time. This is a group of legitimate high end AAU type of players. The sophomore group is a very athletic group. The team will be young and as someone stated above very fun to watch over the next few years.