The River City News/NKYsports.com Boys Basketball Top 5:
1. Covington Catholic (14-4):
Prior to the season, some felt there was only one elite team in the Ninth Region and that team was Newport Central Catholic, but the defending state champions proved they are not to be overlooked when they took out the Thoroughbreds at The Bank of Kentucky Center last Friday night, 58-48. Since that win, the Colonels have also collected victories against Ryle and Conner at home and have solidified their place at the top of the rankings.
2. Newport Central Catholic (13-3):
After being knocked from the top by Cov Cath, New Cath has taken their frustration out on smaller schools in the All A Classic Tournament, thrashing Villa Madonna and Heritage by nearly 60 points each. On Friday night, they are scheduled to face Beechwood in the semifinals of the All A which should prove to be a little stiffer competition for the Breds. New Cath still has two high-profile matchups left on their schedule when they play at Holmes and then host the top team in the state, Louisville Trinity. Both of those games are in February.
3. Holmes (15-4):
The Bulldogs were flying high after winning 11 games in a row, but their luck ran out when they were stifled by Mason County on Tuesday night. Holmes head coach Mike Listerman said that playing 14 games in 31 days wore on his players.
“We hit the wall last night,” he said on Wednesday afternoon. “The shots didn't go and the defense wasn't very good. You could say we were due for a downer and we just have to make sure we don't let that happen on Friday night.” Holmes plays top-ranked Cov Cath on Friday night at The Bank of Kentucky Center.
Wednesday, Nov 30 