The Scribe
11-27-2006, 02:58 AM
Ninth Region
By Dave Pugh
Special to Bluegrasspreps.com
Mike Listerman’s Covington Catholic Colonels made their second appearance in the Sweet 16, in the last three years. Unfortunately, for the Colonels they were upset in the first round in Rupp Arena by an upstart Owensboro Apollo team that eventually made it to the finals on Saturday night.
The 2006-07 Colonels will be the favorite to return to Rupp Arena despite losing several key players from last year’s region winner, most notably PG Tim Tierney.
However, the road to Rupp will be littered with potential pitfalls, especially within their own 35th District. In arguable one of the toughest districts in the state that includes Covington Holmes, Holy Cross, and Beechwood, the Colonels will not have to look far for fierce competition.
Matter of factly, if it were not for the potentially season ending injury suffered by Holmes point guard Duran Jefferson, the Bulldogs of Holmes would be the #1 choice in the region. Lest we forget, Holy Cross will be waiting in the wings if either Cov Cath or Holmes stumbles. However, with what the Colonels have returning including the best scorer in the region in Todd Jacobs, the Colonels should prevail.
Three of the biggest games in Northern Kentucky this year will be the triumvirate of games between: Cov Cath v Holmes, Cov Cath v Holy Cross, Holy Cross v. Holmes. These three will play a huge role in gaining the #1 seed in the 35th District, which means avoiding having to play a top 3 team in the first round of the districts.
1. Covington Catholic (24-7)- Todd Jacobs the 6’0 scoring dynamo will lead the Colonel brigade this year.
Jacobs who has been a three year starter is a clutch shooter who can score in a myriad of ways. He can beat you from behind the arc, are drive it or drive and hit the pullup. One of the toughest matchups for anyone in the region.
The supporting regiments aren’t too shabby either. Gritty, gutty Brandon Brown should take over the PG chores in absence of the graduated Timmy Tierney. Along with Jacobs and Brown, 6’1 Kurt Bovard returns to add another scoring option for CCH.
The middle should be owned by 6’4 Billy Schult, who improved over the course of last season. The Colonels do not lack height, there are several underclassman who measure 6’5 or taller, including Aaron Noll, and Clay Lampl. Offense should not be an issue in Park hills this winter.
2. Holmes (19-9) - The Bulldogs started last season like gang busters and well on their way to a possible repeat of the previous year’s region title, but a mid season implosion left the Dogs to stagger to the finish line before bowing to Dixie in the first round of the region.
Early in this preseason, the Dogs were dealt a blow when PG Duran Jefferson suffered a broken leg during football season, which will effectively sideline him for most of the season if not the entire season.
However, before anyone sheds tears for David Henley’s bunch, the Dogs cupboard is not bare. Holmes will likely have the best all-around player in the region in 6’1 Austin Hill who has steadily improved his game. Athletic, long and quick and has a knack of finding creases and seams to get the ball to the rim.
Also, returning will be Greg Rice who was dismissed from the team during the latter part of last season. If Rice is focused, very few in the region can handle him in the paint.
Jumping jack Arrez Henderson, 5’11; JR will return and will not catch people by surprise. A little undersized to play in the paint area, Henderson will likely get his chance to expand his game by playing some guard spots, and handle some PG duties.
3. Holy Cross (20-7) - Coach Eric Goetz’s inaugural season netted 20 wins, but the Indians had to face Cov Cath in the opening round of district play last year.
Holy Cross will return some experience particularly in sharp shooting Jimmy Ryan and Corey Sorrell. The middle will be patrolled by 6’5 Will Stevie and 6’4 Johntai Scruggs.
The center position will likely belong to 6’6 lefty Will Eifert. Holy Cross will bring a tough disciplined team to the floor each night and have the potential to knock of some very good teams ala Lexington Catholic last year.
4. Newport Central Catholic (18-15) - Grant Brannen is the new coach on the “Hill” this year. Coach Brannen will have the services of Zach Kiernan, a 6’6 senior center, who is easily the strongest big man in the region.
However, depending on how deep the football Breds go in the playoffs, Brannen may not have Kiernan at the start of the season. Phil Horan and Michael Hasson will have to replace an experienced backcourt of graduated last season.
5. Highlands (23-8) - Willie Schlarman’s bunch made a nice recovery last season and had a 20 win season, but many of those players who led the Bird resugence have graduated. The top returning Bird will be guard Nic Simpson.
Highlands will possess some size in the paint in 6’8 Scott Wise and 6’6 Wes Kruse.
6. St. Henry (13-14) - Dave Faust hopes to make a run in the open 33rd District this year and he can count on one of the better players in the region in Brandon Lenhof to lead the charge.
Lenhof is a solid player who at 6’0 can handle the ball, shoot it and distribute it. Ben Kuebbing will be counted on to anchor the paint for the Crusaders, who will be the favorites in the 33rd.
7. Dixie Heights (13-17) - The Colonels suffered a rash of injuries last season which resulted in some tough losses. However, Ken Chevelier’s Colonels recovered nicely and made their way to the region semi-finals.
The backcourt will be handled by guards TJ Richardson and Kevin Lubrano. The Colonels will have 6’8, JR, Luke Mace in the middle. The Colonels will be heavy favorites to win the 34th.
8. Ryle (12-17)- Allan Mullins takes over the reign in Union. 6’5 Nick Nelson will be the only returning starter to have averaged double figures. 6’4 Jeff Hatfield will be alongside Nelson in the frontcourt. Ryle should give St. Henry a run for the 33rd.
9. Boone County (10-17)- 5’10 Chris Bray will return to give the Rebels some spark and scoring from the backcourt. Point guard Ben Ryan also returns. If some of the inside talent develops the Rebels could surprise.
10. Conner (9-20)- The Cougars will not lack for height this year. 6’6 Nick Brashear and 6’6 Ryan Chell should do just fine in the frontcourt, it is the backcourt that will decide whether or not the Cougars can retain their district champion status.
District Roundup- other schools not in the top 10
33rd District
Heritage Academy (7-19)- Daniel Moss will be the got to guy for the Eagles this year.
34th District
Ludlow (13-14)- Cory Highfield may have the second best team in the district behind Dixie. Jarret Rouse should be firing it up behind the three-point line this year. While Andrew Zeigler will patrol the paint.
Villa Madonna (11-15)- Evan Pemberton will lead the Blue Lightning this year. VM may be a year away from making any noise in the 34th District.
Lloyd (6-19)- 6’4 Tommy Ruesbusch and Charles Johnson will be the top returning Juggernauts this year, for first year coach Mike Key.
35th District
Beechwood (19-7)- Mike Herald had a very impressive run last year and nearly upended Holmes in the first round. However, the Tigers lost one of the region’s best players in Michael Romes. Matt Smith and Brandon Smith along with others are going ot have to pick up the scoring slack if they are to repeat last year’s performance.
36th District
Bellevue (15-12)- Forward Scott Haynes will led the Tigers which will have a tough time duplicating last year’s record.
Newport (12-12)- Three sport athlete JJ Hesch will man the PG duties from the Wildcats who have suffered great graduating losses. Ozzy McIntosh will have to play well in the paint for the Wildcats, if they are to have any success this season.
Dayton (4-21)- Nathan Diltz is the tallest of the Green Devils standing at 6’2. He will need help but the Green Devils return a large number of seniors to this year’s team.
Top Players
Austin Hill (Holmes)- getting mid level D-1 interest. His stock has gone through the roof this summer. Athletic, strong and long.
Todd Jacobs (Cov Cath)- can score and score some more; Clutch.
Greg Rice (Holmes)- If he is focused, he can do it all in the paint out to 15 feet.
Zach Kiernan (NCC)- Strong and pretty mobile for a big fellow. Will play football at Louisville.
Arrez Henderson (Holmes)- Quite possibly the most exciting high flyer in the region and stands under 6 feet.
Brandon Lenhof (St. Henry)- A very solid high school guard, can shoot, handle, and distribute.
Jimmy Ryan (Holy Cross)- Sweet shooting lefty.
Kurt Bovard (Cov Cath)- Can do a little of everything, savvy.
Chris Bray (Boone County)- Solid little guard who can score.
Corey Sorrell (Holy Cross)- Can really shoot the ball from behind the arc.
By Dave Pugh
Special to Bluegrasspreps.com
Mike Listerman’s Covington Catholic Colonels made their second appearance in the Sweet 16, in the last three years. Unfortunately, for the Colonels they were upset in the first round in Rupp Arena by an upstart Owensboro Apollo team that eventually made it to the finals on Saturday night.
The 2006-07 Colonels will be the favorite to return to Rupp Arena despite losing several key players from last year’s region winner, most notably PG Tim Tierney.
However, the road to Rupp will be littered with potential pitfalls, especially within their own 35th District. In arguable one of the toughest districts in the state that includes Covington Holmes, Holy Cross, and Beechwood, the Colonels will not have to look far for fierce competition.
Matter of factly, if it were not for the potentially season ending injury suffered by Holmes point guard Duran Jefferson, the Bulldogs of Holmes would be the #1 choice in the region. Lest we forget, Holy Cross will be waiting in the wings if either Cov Cath or Holmes stumbles. However, with what the Colonels have returning including the best scorer in the region in Todd Jacobs, the Colonels should prevail.
Three of the biggest games in Northern Kentucky this year will be the triumvirate of games between: Cov Cath v Holmes, Cov Cath v Holy Cross, Holy Cross v. Holmes. These three will play a huge role in gaining the #1 seed in the 35th District, which means avoiding having to play a top 3 team in the first round of the districts.
1. Covington Catholic (24-7)- Todd Jacobs the 6’0 scoring dynamo will lead the Colonel brigade this year.
Jacobs who has been a three year starter is a clutch shooter who can score in a myriad of ways. He can beat you from behind the arc, are drive it or drive and hit the pullup. One of the toughest matchups for anyone in the region.
The supporting regiments aren’t too shabby either. Gritty, gutty Brandon Brown should take over the PG chores in absence of the graduated Timmy Tierney. Along with Jacobs and Brown, 6’1 Kurt Bovard returns to add another scoring option for CCH.
The middle should be owned by 6’4 Billy Schult, who improved over the course of last season. The Colonels do not lack height, there are several underclassman who measure 6’5 or taller, including Aaron Noll, and Clay Lampl. Offense should not be an issue in Park hills this winter.
2. Holmes (19-9) - The Bulldogs started last season like gang busters and well on their way to a possible repeat of the previous year’s region title, but a mid season implosion left the Dogs to stagger to the finish line before bowing to Dixie in the first round of the region.
Early in this preseason, the Dogs were dealt a blow when PG Duran Jefferson suffered a broken leg during football season, which will effectively sideline him for most of the season if not the entire season.
However, before anyone sheds tears for David Henley’s bunch, the Dogs cupboard is not bare. Holmes will likely have the best all-around player in the region in 6’1 Austin Hill who has steadily improved his game. Athletic, long and quick and has a knack of finding creases and seams to get the ball to the rim.
Also, returning will be Greg Rice who was dismissed from the team during the latter part of last season. If Rice is focused, very few in the region can handle him in the paint.
Jumping jack Arrez Henderson, 5’11; JR will return and will not catch people by surprise. A little undersized to play in the paint area, Henderson will likely get his chance to expand his game by playing some guard spots, and handle some PG duties.
3. Holy Cross (20-7) - Coach Eric Goetz’s inaugural season netted 20 wins, but the Indians had to face Cov Cath in the opening round of district play last year.
Holy Cross will return some experience particularly in sharp shooting Jimmy Ryan and Corey Sorrell. The middle will be patrolled by 6’5 Will Stevie and 6’4 Johntai Scruggs.
The center position will likely belong to 6’6 lefty Will Eifert. Holy Cross will bring a tough disciplined team to the floor each night and have the potential to knock of some very good teams ala Lexington Catholic last year.
4. Newport Central Catholic (18-15) - Grant Brannen is the new coach on the “Hill” this year. Coach Brannen will have the services of Zach Kiernan, a 6’6 senior center, who is easily the strongest big man in the region.
However, depending on how deep the football Breds go in the playoffs, Brannen may not have Kiernan at the start of the season. Phil Horan and Michael Hasson will have to replace an experienced backcourt of graduated last season.
5. Highlands (23-8) - Willie Schlarman’s bunch made a nice recovery last season and had a 20 win season, but many of those players who led the Bird resugence have graduated. The top returning Bird will be guard Nic Simpson.
Highlands will possess some size in the paint in 6’8 Scott Wise and 6’6 Wes Kruse.
6. St. Henry (13-14) - Dave Faust hopes to make a run in the open 33rd District this year and he can count on one of the better players in the region in Brandon Lenhof to lead the charge.
Lenhof is a solid player who at 6’0 can handle the ball, shoot it and distribute it. Ben Kuebbing will be counted on to anchor the paint for the Crusaders, who will be the favorites in the 33rd.
7. Dixie Heights (13-17) - The Colonels suffered a rash of injuries last season which resulted in some tough losses. However, Ken Chevelier’s Colonels recovered nicely and made their way to the region semi-finals.
The backcourt will be handled by guards TJ Richardson and Kevin Lubrano. The Colonels will have 6’8, JR, Luke Mace in the middle. The Colonels will be heavy favorites to win the 34th.
8. Ryle (12-17)- Allan Mullins takes over the reign in Union. 6’5 Nick Nelson will be the only returning starter to have averaged double figures. 6’4 Jeff Hatfield will be alongside Nelson in the frontcourt. Ryle should give St. Henry a run for the 33rd.
9. Boone County (10-17)- 5’10 Chris Bray will return to give the Rebels some spark and scoring from the backcourt. Point guard Ben Ryan also returns. If some of the inside talent develops the Rebels could surprise.
10. Conner (9-20)- The Cougars will not lack for height this year. 6’6 Nick Brashear and 6’6 Ryan Chell should do just fine in the frontcourt, it is the backcourt that will decide whether or not the Cougars can retain their district champion status.
District Roundup- other schools not in the top 10
33rd District
Heritage Academy (7-19)- Daniel Moss will be the got to guy for the Eagles this year.
34th District
Ludlow (13-14)- Cory Highfield may have the second best team in the district behind Dixie. Jarret Rouse should be firing it up behind the three-point line this year. While Andrew Zeigler will patrol the paint.
Villa Madonna (11-15)- Evan Pemberton will lead the Blue Lightning this year. VM may be a year away from making any noise in the 34th District.
Lloyd (6-19)- 6’4 Tommy Ruesbusch and Charles Johnson will be the top returning Juggernauts this year, for first year coach Mike Key.
35th District
Beechwood (19-7)- Mike Herald had a very impressive run last year and nearly upended Holmes in the first round. However, the Tigers lost one of the region’s best players in Michael Romes. Matt Smith and Brandon Smith along with others are going ot have to pick up the scoring slack if they are to repeat last year’s performance.
36th District
Bellevue (15-12)- Forward Scott Haynes will led the Tigers which will have a tough time duplicating last year’s record.
Newport (12-12)- Three sport athlete JJ Hesch will man the PG duties from the Wildcats who have suffered great graduating losses. Ozzy McIntosh will have to play well in the paint for the Wildcats, if they are to have any success this season.
Dayton (4-21)- Nathan Diltz is the tallest of the Green Devils standing at 6’2. He will need help but the Green Devils return a large number of seniors to this year’s team.
Top Players
Austin Hill (Holmes)- getting mid level D-1 interest. His stock has gone through the roof this summer. Athletic, strong and long.
Todd Jacobs (Cov Cath)- can score and score some more; Clutch.
Greg Rice (Holmes)- If he is focused, he can do it all in the paint out to 15 feet.
Zach Kiernan (NCC)- Strong and pretty mobile for a big fellow. Will play football at Louisville.
Arrez Henderson (Holmes)- Quite possibly the most exciting high flyer in the region and stands under 6 feet.
Brandon Lenhof (St. Henry)- A very solid high school guard, can shoot, handle, and distribute.
Jimmy Ryan (Holy Cross)- Sweet shooting lefty.
Kurt Bovard (Cov Cath)- Can do a little of everything, savvy.
Chris Bray (Boone County)- Solid little guard who can score.
Corey Sorrell (Holy Cross)- Can really shoot the ball from behind the arc.