letabrotherspeak

It is a non-district game but carries seeding implications in the 4A district. Scott, Holmes and Harrison County were all knotted at the top of the district with 3-1 records. Holmes beat Harrison Harrison beat Scott Scott beat Holmes. The tiebreaker goes to the number of wins by each team's non-district wins. Harrison will be the one seed by virtue of accumulating 9 wins with the above formula and have a game left to play. Both Scott and Holmes are vying to be the two seed and host next Friday night and avoid a trip to Ashland. Both Holmes and Scott's non-district opponent wins have accumulated 0 wins. Holmes only non-district win was over Holy Cross. Scott defeated Holy Cross and Dixie, who also has not won a game. So it essentially comes down to this: Holmes needs to defeat Newport and Lloyd beat Scott. Scott only needs win over Lloyd to secure the #2 seed even if Holmes were to win, because Lloyd has won 6 games and Newport has won 5 games. Since this one is being played in Erlanger, I feel that Lloyd is a slight favorite. Who would a muddy field favor? Hope someone can post updates from this game.

Looking forward to seeing the style Coach Carr will be implementing this year. Holmes lost a bunch of seniors last year and only return one kid with extensive varsity experience in Tico Pouncy. I would expect a fun style of play with a lot kids playing.

James Walker makes a huge difference for the Bulldogs. He has a really good arm and now the Calloway twins can be put out in space. They still got to find a way to muster up some sort of a run game. Tyeon Tate for Holmes had a highlight film interception in the first half. One handed grab with full extension to snuff out a potential touchdown. Harrison County's Devin Fields...6' 239 pound fullback had to be over 100 yards rushing. He is a bull.

Lloyd has a nice team but Holmes is very young at this stage. Holmes lost their starting quarterback, James Walker, in the preseason and he has not returned as of yet. This has slowed them down on offense. Holmes is playing a bunch of sophomores and freshman are seeing action, which bodes well for the future. Turnovers really hurt the Bulldogs tonight. Mason for Lloyd is a really nice running back and Lloyd has some size on the line. Really solid team.

Final score was 24-18. Holmes had the ball with a chance to tie and win but were unable to press the red zone. The game really picked up in the second half with both teams making big plays. Bezold is a load for the Mustangs. Holmes lost their senior starting quarterback after the first scrimmage game. James Walker could be lost for the season with a knee injury. Quantez Calloway is going to develop into a nice player with time and is only a sophomore. His brother Tayquan will also be a really nice player with time. Both broke off long touchdown runs. Will be fun to watch the Bulldogs grow because they are really young.

Congrats to Coach Carr...an excellent choice for Holmes. I hope people will be patient with him because they lose a boatload of seniors and they will have to restock the cupboard. I do look forward to some uptempo basketball from the Bulldogs.

I hear McClendon is the favorite down the stretch.

I would venture to say that Ruthsatz next stop is in the college ranks, if he ever decides to leave.

Small schools have no chance anymore of winning the title. Its become like a 16 seed versus a 1 seed. You had one of the largest public school's and one of the largest private schools playing for the title on Sunday. It's become the new normal. Last year we had Bowling Green win the title and shortly thereafter, news of an investigation hits BG. Add the thought of recruiting going on at the larger schools...not saying in particular that any school in the S16 this year did as much, but the chatter is out there. Many think that the fix is in and why should they spend their money to watch the product. Sweet 16 is dying. It used to account for roughly 70% of the KHSAA profit, but it is down to like a little over 50%. Wednesday through Sunday is a drain and is too expensive for one to hole up in Lex for that many days and many paying out of pocket. Redbook has really hurt what schools can provide in regards to lodging, meals and tickets. KHSAA now is really pushing corporate sponsorship. I don't think they have secured a sponsorship for the Girls Sweet 16 for next year, but I may be wrong. They would love to have St. Elizabeth host it, from the conversations that i have heard, but I think St. Elizabeth is content with staying local to NKY and they have been simply fabulous in their time and money promoting high school sports and donating in many ways to the local schools.

Corbin bodies you up and plays hard and took Estill out of their offense. It was great to see such a large crowd there to support Estill County. One of the unique things that makes the Sweet 16 such a great event. Estill's band playing that "train tune" is wicked and awesome. It does sound like an old train with the bell. Their fans love it and it was really cool to hear.

Trinity is so long and their zone is effective. I don't think the Trinity wants to run with SC. They were in control of the game and just didn't finish. I give SC a bunch of credit. They are undersized but play really hard. The lefty for them hit some big threes. Cooper Robb is a fun kid to watch. Just a really solid high school basketball player. Moreno is a moose and is only a junior. As for the last two possessions. Trinity played practically the entire game in zone and went m/m on SC's last possession. They had two fouls to give and didn't use a one. Then lose Robb popping out from the baseline for an open look was inexcusable. As for the last play, the kid was barrelling towards the basket almost out of control It looks like Moreno may have gotten away with a bump and the one kid reaches in on the shot and recoiled pretty quickly after making contact with ball or a hand. SC ran the same defense in the last few seconds against LCA and almost got burnt. LCA threw out of two doubles and the kid was wide open for a winning three. Scrubb wasn't passing and SC had 3 guys in the paint. Kick the ball out young man.

Holy Cross needs a coach who knows the school and its place within the community. Fredrick's name has been mentioned and I think it popped up the last time it was open. From what I hear is that I don't think it is a match. Jeff Trame is a name that has been mentioned. Andre McClendon is a real possibility. Kes Murphy is another name that has been bantered about. Dave Bezold would be a excellent hire, but not sure if he leaves his role at Xavier. If Neal gets another year, I don't see him leaving Victory Parkway.

GRC falls short again. Preseaon favorites and fall again to the mighty Camels in the region. Big disappointment in Win City.

As CovCath didn't for the triangle and two? One thing you can do with the Box and 1 and face guarding that CovCath likes to use is to take the player being defended and use him as a screener because he will occupy two players and create a numbers advantage. Cooper did that and it produced 4 wide open looks including two from Runion in his money spot. Just didn't fall. Kunkel screened and slipped one and rattled out a 3 with the game tied, I believe which could have really changed things if they had gotten to the front. They got looks for shooters...wide open looks. Just didn't fall. That is what you want is open looks versus any defense and they had them. Cooper negated him in the second half by going to the spread offense and pulling him from the block on defense. They drove around him and stuck some easy buckets in their run. 35 for Cooper impressed me with his handles for a big kid. On defense the Tri and 2 allowed Cooper to keep a man near him as they ran Fredrick off baseline screens. CCH is really deep talent wise but only plays 7-8. Nowak hit an early three but Ruthsatz and Fredrick only seem to have the license to pull. Ruthsatz and CCH needed that win last night. Would have been three straight years that they were the favorite and came up short. Overall, it was a really good game. Competitive and kids laid it on the line. I just find watching Cooper play basketball refreshing. Multi-sport kids (two starters that have high end potential in other sports) that buy-in and sacrifice everything for the good of the team. That starts at the top with Coach Sullivan. They just sit down and guard and are discipline as heck. Strong close outs, plus work their rear ends off to keep dribbler in front. They share the ball on offense and don't care who gets the credit. You look at their bench and its just Coach Sully and two assistants just grinding with no theatrics or turning to the fans during the game or chest bumping...just doing work. Best of luck to CCH in representing the 9th. They have an excellent chance of bringing home the hardware. They have tough kids who are disciplined and will be very hard to beat. They have been battle tested and should perform well at Rupp. Tip of the cap to NKY fans who seemingly turn out every year for the semis or finals. Id say you would be hard pressed to find any other region that spins the turnstiles like they do at BB&T for boys region final or semi final action. Great crowd last night.

Brad Carr would be a terrific hire. When he got to Scott there was not a lot of basketball success. I believe they had only been to one region final and that was in 1989 when they won the region. Scott for years was considered a notoriously soft program upon his arrival. Scott went to 10 regions in his 12 years at Scott and all but one were in the 10th Region and went to two region finals. Scott usually played tough schedules and a district with Campbell County and Brossart it is not an easy road. What is to like about Carr going to Holmes? I would imagine he would be instrumental in developing elementary programs on up to the high school programs maybe even incorporating a Little Bulldogs program. That is something that has not ever been done before, I dont think in Covington and there needs to be some attention paid to it because the talent ebbs and flows. I believe he would incorporate a more wide open and attacking offense and defense and cater his style to talent. Whoever it is will have to invest a lot of time of developing talent up and down through the schools and be patient as the program grows. There is no quick fix especially with as many seniors that they are losing.

Holmes couldn't quite get over the hump in the second half. They made a couple of runs but couldn't get any closer than 3, I believe. They had some chances, but would turn the ball over or force a shot, miss a defensive assignment or miss a couple of free throws. Race hit a big three and got fouled to pull Holmes within three, but missed the foul shot. It was 52-49 at that point. Both teams trade baskets and Niehaus hits a quick three and its 57-51 and Holmes couldn't get any closer. Holmes didn't press much and that allowed HC to spread the floor and probe the defense, plus kill clock. Niehaus had a nice all around game and controlled the ball in crunch time. Congrats to Coach Listerman on a great career and for having a huge impact on players and students that he interacted with over the years. Best of luck to Holy Cross in the region.

OK. Just figured with that being the last home game that it was senior night.

Game was a lot closer than the final score indicated. SK was hurt by two stretches in the game. Late first quarter into early second quarter when they had a couple of turnovers in succession that led to transition baskets to allow CCH to get up double figures. Then late third when they had a couple more turnovers and a blocked shot or two that took a 7 point game out to about 15. On defense CCH just mauls you. You have to be strong with the basketball and strong away from the ball while trying to get movement. Freedom of movement is limited versus CCH. If refs call it loose, then CCH has a real advantage. Fredrick was able to tail Niece and was allowed to keep two hands on him at times while tailing through screens. The Mayer boys are loads particularly the younger one. Just flat out strong. Fredrick looks like the POY in the 9th. Oozes confidence and plays really hard. Ruthsatz has improved as much as any player in the area from their sophomore year to their senior year, in quite some time. Really like his game and doesn't get too high or too low. CCH just punishes you off of quick change. Turn it over and they are making quick buckets. Blocked shot or rushed drives, they are sprinting the other way. SK played hard and for the most part matched CCH's physicality. They didn't back down and attacked the basket and didn't seem that intimidated by the size in the post that CCH possesses. The Niece kid is going to one to really watch and develop over his time at SK. I surprised by the attendance tonight, I didn't get their until about 10 minutes til tip and there were plenty of seats available. I figured that senior night for this crew and a solid opponent with good fan support would have the place near capacity. Pretty far from it. SK if they continue to their upward tick will have a shot in the 8th Region.

Bulldogs get the win on a night dedicated to Coach Listerman's retirement. A very nice showing of family, friends, former assistants and players for tonight's game, whom Coach Listerman thanked in the pregame with a prepared letter read over the PA. Following the game, Coach Listerman addressed the crowd personally and you can truly tell how heartfelt and thankful he was for the support. In true Coach L form, he chose to have tonight be his celebration and not take anything away from his seniors who have senior night next Tuesday. As for the game, Holmes jumped out to an early lead and led by as many as 13, but the Crusaders chipped away and actually tied the game with roughly 2 minutes left. Holmes was able to get a couple of good ahead baskets and the Cru went cold down the stretch. Gaither led Holmes with 27 points, most of them coming from behind the arc. Not sure who the leading scorer was for St. Henry but Wyatt Vieth is going to be a really nice player. Dave Faust has some talented kids coming up through the pipeline.

The 9th Region Tournament is going to be really good. I see potentially 5 different teams that can win the region. Highlands Holmes Conner Ryle Holy Cross

I believe it becomes a blind draw with a 3 way tie. That is how it was determined last year. Holmes is hosting the district this year. It is CovCath's year to host but are moving it to Holmes. Beechwood had the momentum in the first quarter and looked to be in good shape. The big kid who hit the stick back got into foul trouble early and that hurt Beechwood and Holmes chipped away. LJ Miller did a really nice job chasing Draud tonight and didn't give him a lot of space. Miller also hit two big shots. He hit about a 30 footer at the horn at halftime to cut the lead to two. He also hit one from beyond halfcourt at the horn at the end of the 3rd quarter to push the lead from 8 to 11. In the 4th Holmes was able to spread the floor, split traps and drive to the basket or dump off for layups. Beechwood made one last push and Brannen hit a couple deep bombs to trim the lead to a 2 possession game, and got a steal and left a 3 just short or the lead would have been 2 points with under 20 seconds to go. Tough spot for a district game for Beechwood. Sandwiched between the All A Region Title and the opener of the All A State Tournament.

Altercation among adults after the game for MC?

Hilarious thread. Are people expecting CCH to run the table and win state? There are other good teams out there that play high school basketball. They happened to play a couple of them this week. The only thing that I see that could be an issue for CCH and some will disagree is that they may lack a second dependable ball handler. Some will say Frederick is capable, but he can be bothered by quicker smaller players in the open court. Just my assessment. Just might want to temper the expectations a bit. Only Cooper is going to give them fits in the 9th Region

Ryle looked really good tonight. They jumped out to a big lead and held on to it for a comfortable victory. The Lady Raiders owned the board and got into transition and drove the ball very well and their pitch and catch game was on target. Holmes made a boatload of unforced turnovers and just didn't play very well. Laila Johnson was the one bright spot for the Lady Dogs. She played really good defense on Scherr, who I think only finished with roughly 8 points but did a nice job of finding open teammates all night long. I was looking at Ryle's roster. Holy smokes they are going to be good for a while. The 8th grader Austin Johnson is a nice player and they play a bevy of sophomores and a couple of freshman. Schwartz who is a junior is very solid. The Lady Dogs will bounce back...got to hit the boards and not make careless turnovers.

Holmes led by as many as 17 and for the most part they lead rather comfortably most of the game. A really entertaining game. Burries can play. Drives hard, crafty little Euro-Step and no conscious. Holmes got sloppy with the ball in the 4th quarter and took some tough shots. Newport banged in some threes and put some pressure on Holmes. Didn't catch the name, but #2, I believe, nails a 3 after two missed free throws to tie the game in the waning seconds. Newport is really good in transition, but they really struggle on the glass or at least did tonight. Confidence booster for Holmes to get the win against the hoop rivals.