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| 9th Region Rankings/Notebook 1/20 |
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| 1/20/2013 - by Ryan Roberts |
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1. Holmes (20-0)
Why: The Bulldogs went 2-0 this week against 10th region teams.
1/15: Holmes 59 Mason County 50 - Holmes put three guys in double figures in the road win. Quentin Chames (16 pts), Quan Palmer (16 pts), and James Bolden (15 pts) had solid nights with Chames also having a game high 9 rebounds. Bolden only played 18 minutes in the loss but Holmes was able to show why they are the most complete team in the region top to bottom. Senior Chris Englemon also pitched in 7 points and 7 rebounds.
1/17: Holmes 60 Scott 59 - In their toughest game to date, Holmes was able to pull out the win as senior Chris Englemon knocked down 1 of 2 free throws with 3.6 left in the game to improve Holmes’ record to 20-0. It was another balanced scoring night for the Dogs as Quan Palmer put up 22, followed by 14 from James Bolden, 12 points from Chris Englemon, and a 10 point, 10 rebound performance from junior Quentin Chames.
Overall: Holmes continue s to show why they are the top team in the 9th region. It is always tough to get road wins outside of the region, but both games they overcame adversity at some point to get the win. The biggest key? Junior Quentin Chames. Coach Booher said the past three games are the best he has seen Chames play all year as he has had 2 double doubles and a 16 point, 9 rebound performance. With him playing well, Holmes becomes that much tougher to beat because they now have 5 legit scorers you have to worry about at all times,
Next: Tuesday 1/22 at Ryle, Friday 1/25 vs Beechwood (35th district seed game)
2. Covington Catholic (17-3)
Why: The Colonels went 3-1 this week.
1/14: Covcath 74 Highlands 34 - All Colonels in this one as they completely dominated from start to finish. Covcath was led by Nick Ruthsatz 16 points and also got solid production from Nick Fredrick (13 points), and Zach Tobler who finished with 10 points, 8 rebounds. At the end of the night, 12 Colonels got in the box score.
1/17: Covcath 63 Elizabethtown 53 - It was another balanced scoring night for the Colonels as Nick Ruthsatz led the way with 20 points, Nick Fredrick put up 16 points, and sophomore Bo Schuh chipped in 14 points. A 21-13 scoring advantage in the 3rd quarter ended up being the difference in the game in the Colonel win.
1/18: Covcath 72 Lafayette 70 - The Colonels were able to overcome a 27 point, 19 rebound performance from one of the best big men in the state as Nick Frederick countered by going 5/9 from outside en route to a 21 point night. Nick Ruthsatz (15 points), Nate Wichmann (14 points), and Zach Tobler (13 points) also reached double figures but the play of the game was provided by sophomore Bo Schuh who blocked a three point attempt by Lafayette with 15 seconds left to preserve the win.
1/19: Montgomery County 77 Covcath 67 - The Colonels ended their Toyota Classic run at Scott County with a tough loss. There were ejections for both teams due to a fight, but the one bright spot for the Colonels was the 15 point performance by Ben Heppler.
Overall: This was an impressive weekend for the Colonels as they picked up some big wins over E-Town and Lafayette, who is led by 6’8 Jackson Davis. Davis is one of the best big men in the state. While the fight in the Montgomery County game will overshadow the success they had at Scott Co, this week showed that Covcath is able to compete with not only anyone in the region, but also the state. Ruthsatz and Fredrick continue to be the leaders of this team.
Next: Wednesday 1/23 at Boone County, Friday 1/25 vs Withrow, OH
3. Newport Catholic (17-2)
Why: Newcath went 4-0 this week and won the 9th region All A Classic.
1/14: Newcath 79 Villa Madonna 49 - It was all Breds everything in a blowout win in the first round of the All A Classic. Michael Beuter led the way with 27 points.
1/16: Newcath 71 Bellevue 31 - Another All A Classic blowout win for the Breds as they advanced to the 9th region semi’s behind 13 points from junior Jake Schulte.
1/18: Newcath 76 St. Henry 61 - Sophomore Drew McDonald had 23 points to lead all scorers in the win over the Cru. Zach Pangallo (14), Jake Schulte(14), and Michael Beuter (12) also reached double figures as the Breds advanced to their 7th Ninth Region All A Championship game in 10 years.
1/19: Newcath 61 Newport 54 - In a tight game until the end, it was the Newcath Thoroughbreds that came out on top with the 9th region all A Classic Championship. With the score tied at 51, Michael Bueter hit a big 3 to give the Breds a 3 point lead and then got a bucket on the next possession to extend the lead to 5. Bueter was named Tournament MVP. Sophomores Drew McDonald (11 points) and Zach Pangallo (10 points) also reached double figures in the win.
Overall: Since the Seibert injury, the Breds have won 5 straight. I talked to Seibert before the All A Semi’s and he said that the doctor told him he should be able to play within the next week, and possibly as early as the first round of the All A state tournament. The Breds moved up in the rankings because of how impressive they were while playing without one of their senior leaders. This could be a blessing in disguise as both Colin Dupont and Brennan Devoto stepped up in clutch situations throughout the All A tournament to give the Breds their 7th All A title in 10 years. The added depth and confidence that those two provide, along with Mac Franzen, are making Newcath’s weakness (depth) turn in to a strength.
Next: 1/22 at Highlands, 1/24 at Frankfort Convention Center in the All A State Tournament.
4. Cooper (13-4)
Why: The Jags were only in action once this week but picked up a solid district win.
1/17: Cooper 56 Boone County 53 - In a defensive battle, the Jags picked up another 33rd district win by 25 points from junior Zach McNeil. The only other Jag to reach double figures was AJ Collins with 10 points, but Spencer Holland was one off with 9. With the win, the Jags improved to 3-0 in district play.
Overall: Cooper fell one spot in the rankings this week but only because Newcath was so impressive playing without Nick Seibert. I say it every week when writing about the Jags, but it is the defense that continues to carry them. With them playing defense like this every night, they will be in any game against any team.
Next: Wednesday 1/23 at Conner, Friday 1/25 at Ryle. Both of these games are big as they have implications on who gets the #1 seed in the 33rd district tournament. With two wins, the Jags will wrap up the #1 seed. You can watch the Cooper-Ryle game Friday night live on nkysports.com.
5. Newport (13-5)
Why: The Wildcats went 3-1 this week, losing in the All A finals to Newcath.
1/14: Newport 58 Lloyd 35 - The Wildcats’ balanced scoring attack was led by Cody Pearson, who finished with a game high 16 points.
1/15: Newport 88 Ludlow 44 - It was an offensive show by the Wildcats in the blowout win over Ludlow, as 12 players got in the box score for Newport. JaSean Short led the way with 26 points, followed by 16 from brother Jaquan Short.
1/18: Newport 55 Holy Cross 54 - Newport was 8-16 from the free throw line and didn’t exactly play their best game of the year, but was still able to pick up the win behind three double digit scorers. JaSean Short (15), Michael Commodore (14), and Cody Pearson (10) reached double figures but it was the free throw by JaSean Short with 0.4 seconds left that won the game for Newport. With Newport attempting a 3 pointer at the buzzer, Holy Cross fouled which led to the game winning free throw.
1/19: Newcath 61 Newport 54 - Newport made a run late to tie the score at 51, but couldn’t get over the hump and seal the deal. Newport was once again led by JaSean Short, who had 21 points, but it was the hot shooting of Michael Commodore (15 points) from outside the kept the Wildcats close and in the game.
Overall- This was a statement week for Newport as they were a few plays away from winning the 9th Region All A Classic and knocked off a hot Holy Cross team on their way there. JaSean Short continues to put up big numbers and quietly becoming one of the better players in the region. With his brother, Jaquon, and guys like Cody Pearson and Michael Commodore consistently at or around double figures every night, Newport can only get better from here. They looked very good this week.
Next: Wednesday 1/23 v Augusta
6. Holy Cross (10-8)
Why: Holy Cross went 1-1 this week, losing in the semi’s of the All A Classic Tournament.
1/15: Holy Cross 78 Beechwood 49 - Holy Cross jumped out to a 19-0 lead and never looked back on their way to the semi’s. Tony Campbell finished with 27 points, but it was the consistent play of Christian McClendon with 16 points that led the Indians at both ends of the court.
1/18: Newport 55 Holy Cross 54 - In a tough game that they led throughout, the Indians couldn’t finish despite having multiple opportunities at the end to win the game. A foul with 0.4 seconds left on the clock led to the game winning free throw that beat the Indians. Tony Campbell finished with 24 and 12, while Christian McClendon chipped in 10. Travis Gabbard was also a spark with 9 points, all coming from behind the arc.
Overall: The biggest thing for Holy Cross right now is they need to learn how to finish games. Time after time this year they have jumped out to leads early on and allowed teams to get back in the game and either lose the game or win closer than it should be. If Coach Goetz squad can get more consistency and develop some depth, Holy Cross could take a step in the right direction.
Next: Wednesday 1/23 at Frankfort
7. Dixie Heights (11-9)
Why: The Colonels went 0-3 this week and have now lost 5 of their last 6.
1/16: Montgomery Co 67 Dixie 52- Dixie suffered another top 20 loss in a game where the score doesn’t indicate how truly close it was, as the Colonels led by 6 late in the third quarter. Brandon Hatton led Dixie with 21 points.
1/18: Scott Co 62 Dixie Heights 37
1/19: Elizabethtown 53 Dixie Heights 49- Another tough loss for the Colonels as they simply couldn’t make plays down the stretch to get the win. Brandon Hatton and Adam Daria led Dixie with 22 and 14 points respectively.
Overall- This is one of the toughest stretched of games a northern Kentucky team has seen to date as Dixie played two top 10 team and a solid E-Town team. Dixie’s schedule has been brutal to date, but outside of the Scott County game, they have been in every game in the second half. Still, Dixie will need other guys to step up outside of Hatton if they want to get over that hump and beat the better teams.
Next: Tuesday 1/22 at Lloyd (34th District Game), Friday 1/25 at Simon Kenton
8. Conner (8-8)
Why: The Cougars went 2-0 this week.
1/15: Conner 78 Pendleton Co 61 - It was a balanced scoring night for the Cougars as Landon Lamblez led the way with 19 points, followed by Drew Barker, Sam Riddle, and Sam Hemmerich with 17, 13, and 12 points respectively.
1/18: Conner 74 Ryle 48 - In probably their most complete game of the year, Conner put it on 33rd district rival Ryle by 25. Sam Hemmerich led the way with 25 points, while Andrew Way and Will Ruholt both chipped in 10 points apiece.
Overall: Ask Jim Hicks and he will tell you this is probably the best he has seen his team play to date. Conner has talent in the front court with Barker, Hemmerich, and Padgett, but will need to consistently get solid production from their back court if they want to continue to be successful.
Next: Wednesday 1/23 v Cooper, Friday 1/25 at Boone County. This is a big week for the Cougars as they can improve their seed in the district with a win against either team.
9. Ryle (8-9)
Why: Ryle lost big in their only game.
1/18: Conner 74 Ryle 48 - Mark Fussennegger had 20 for the Raiders and Drew Mays finished with 10 points, but it was all Conner as the Raiders dropped to 2-2 in the 33rd district standings.
Overall- Ryle continues to go down hill as they have now lost 8 of their last 11 games.
Next: Tuesday 1/22 vs Holmes, Friday 1/25 vs Cooper (33rd district seed game) and our Republic Bank Game of the Week.
10. Boone County (11-9)
Why: The Rebels went 1-2 this week.
1/14: Scott 81 Boone Co 59 - Hunter Hixenbaugh led Boone with 16 points, with Brenden Stanley putting up 15, but it wasn’t enough as Scott took it to the Rebels.
1/17: Cooper 56 Boone Co 43- Boone trailed 26-13 at the half, a 13 point deficit, which ended up being the difference. Brenden Stanley once again led Boone with 13 points, while Brannen McDonald and Matt Melzer both chipped in 9 points.
1/19: Boone County 54 Highlands 42 - The Rebels used a 19-9 4th quarter to pull away from the Birds and get the win. Sophomore Brenden Stanley led the way with 21 points, while Mayberry added 13, and Melzer chipped in 11.
Next: 1/23 v Covcath, 1/25 v Conner (33rd District Seed Game)
Top Games this Week:
Friday 1/25
Cooper at Ryle (33rd District Game- Live on nkysports.com)
Conner at Boone Co (33rd District Game)
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