The Scribe
11-25-2007, 07:40 PM
BGP Ninth Region Boys' Preview
BY DAN PUGH
Special to Bluegrasspreps.com
For any school not named Covington Catholic or Covington Holmes High School, the 9th Region has not been much fun since 2003, when the St. Henry Crusaders took eventual State Champs Mason County to the wire before falling two points short in the first round of the Sweet Sixteen.
Since then, the Blue Colonels and Bulldogs have alternated attempts at trying to become the only 9th Region team to win a state championship, since Simon Kenton did in 1980. Simon Kenton took that claim to fame and moved onto the 8th Region last season, leaving the present 9th Region without a lone Sweet Sixteen Champion.
Covington Catholic advanced to the Final Four in 2004, as did the Bulldogs last season, in between those two seasons, both Holmes and Covington Catholic were knocked out in the first round of the Sweet 16.
This season, it appears once again Cov. Cath. and Holmes will be the leading contenders to advance as the 9th Region representative come this March. If last season is any indicator, it should be a knockdown drag out fight between these two district rivals.
Last season, the Colonels defeated the Bulldogs in the regular season three times, once during the 5/3 Classic Tournament and the regularly scheduled tilt in Park Hills, as well as in the 35th District finals at Cov. Cath.. The Bulldogs were able to turn the tables, when it mattered most, in an overtime thriller for the 9th Region championship.
This year, many of the familiar names are gone, from both teams, but the intense action on the court should remain the same.
Outside of the Colonels and the Bulldogs, there are just a handful of teams who could possibly play the “spoiler” to the recent Bulldog/Colonel Invitational. Boone County, Highlands, Dixie, and fellow 35th District foe Covington Holy Cross, all have key components that could upset the two favorites.
As has been the case the last few years, the 35th District will remain one of the toughest districts in the state. This means Cov. Cath., Holmes, or Holy Cross will be eliminated prior to 9th Region play, which once again will lend to some hotly contested seed games during the season between those three teams, as each angles to get the path of least resistance as the all-important one seed in district play.
#1 Covington Catholic (24-7) - Experience and depth is rarely an issue for Mike Listerman’s Colonels and this year is no different than past years.
The Colonels will have to replace long time stalwarts in Kurt Bovard and Todd Jacobs, but they return a nice nucleus of experience. With the return of 6-2, SR, Michael Grimes, 6-2, JR, Luke Maile, and senior point guard Chris Bondick, the Colonels will bring a physically mature team.
Grimes is a nice all-around player who does not do one thing spectacularly, but does all things well. Maile who is well-known for his exploits on the baseball diamond, steadily improved last season and brings a hard-nosed aggressive style to the hardwood.
Chris Bondick will be counted on to handle the point guard duties, and gained valuable experience last season. The Colonels also have some size in the frontcourt with 6-4, SR, J.D. Schmerge and 6-7, SR, Aaron Noll.
The big question for the Colonels this year will be, how the backcourt adjusts to the loss of Bovard and Jacobs.
The Colonels will be sound offensively in the half court and usually play solid defense which makes them a contender year in and year out, and this year is no different.
#2 Covington Holmes (25-10) - The defending 9th Region Champions say goodbye to the ballyhooed class of 2007, but David Henley’s 2007-08 version may be one of the deepest squads he has had during his tenure at Holmes.
They return the best player in the region and maybe one of the best 5-11 players in the state in Arrez Henderson, who plays much bigger than his size. Henderson stamped his star last year during the region tourney and carried his fine play over into the Sweet 16, garnering an all-tournament selection.
With the class of Austin Hill, Greg Rice, and Duran Jefferson departing, the big question for the Bulldogs is who will offset the scoring load besides Henderson? 6-4, SR, Josh Nelson improved as the season wore on and will be counted on anchoring the frontcourt. The bench will have to prove themselves as they did last year filling in for a depleted team, during a five game stretch last year.
The Bulldogs have a couple of young additions in sophomores, 6-4, Elijah Pittman and transfers Ricardo Johnson, and younger brother Jeremiah Johnson.
How will Braeon Avery handle playing a full season at the point guard position? This will be a telling sign as to whether the Bulldogs can repeat this year.
#3 Boone County (18-12) - Greg McQueary’s Rebels will christen their new gymnasium with high expectations of competing for a region title.
The Rebs boast one of the region’s most talented player’s in 6-4, JR, Steven McFarland, and he will be counted on to lead the Rebels back into the region tournament. The Rebels will have to pick up some of the scoring punch that departed with last year’s graduating class, that included Chris Bray.
Who will help McFarland in doing that will be the key to the Rebels post-season chances. Boone County will also have a very talented sophomore class coming through, led by PG Mickey Gabbard. One thing to keep in mind is that the Rebels may start out slow due to the fact that their football team is advancing in the playoffs, which include Shawn Bogle.
The Rebels should be a team to contend with come February, if not sooner.
#4 Highlands (10-19) - Don’t be fooled by the 10-19 record last year. Willie Schlarman’s Bluebirds were a tough out last year and made it to the region semi-finals before being ousted by Cov. Catholic.
The Birds dealt with a plethora of injuries last year and overcame them come tournament time. This year’s edition will once again feature Nic Simpson at the controls. Simpson is the region’s purest point guard and has the capability of putting up big numbers in a hurry.
In the Birds backcourt will also be Greg McGraw, which will likely allow the Birds to increase their offensive production. The key for the boys from Fort Thomas, will be how much production they can get from their frontcourt players, Michael Eaton, Luke Stein, and Zach Hurtt.
#5 Dixie Heights (16-16) - The Red Colonels could very well become this year’s sleeper team. Coach Ken Chevalier’s Colonels will be anchored in the post by 6-8, SR, Luke Mace. Mace has been slowly evolving into a quality post player and will have some support this year.
In the frontcourt alongside Mace, will be 6-3 Elfin Tyler, and 6-3 Kyle Kendall. Both Tyler and Kendall saw extensive playing time last year for the Colonels and will provide valuable experience, as the Colonels will be the prohibitive favorites to win the 34th District.
Junior guard Greg Muzzillo will be counted on to steady the Colonels backcourt, and they will add a quality shooter in Jake Lawson which gives Dixie the potential to surprise.
#6 Holy Cross (15-9) - Eric Goetz’s Indians will feature the region’s most prolific perimeter shooter in 6-4, SR, Corey Sorrell. Sorrell who has verballed to Northern Kentucky University, can fill it up from the outside. Last year he finished over 40% from behind the arc and was one of the top free throw shooters in the region.
After losing three starters the Indians, alongside Sorrell will roll out junior Shina Giwa as the returning point guard, who has seen varsity action since his freshman year. One of the big questions for the Indians this year is how deep will their bench be, as well as getting consistent post play.
Coach Goetz consistently gets the most out of his talent and this year will be no different in the ultra-tough 35th District.
#7 Newport Central Catholic (15-14) - The biggest shoes Grant Brannen’s NCC squad will have to fill will literally be those of the departed Zach Kiernan, who averaged a double-double for the Breds last year and is now playing football at the University of Louisville.
6-1 senior Mike Lipscomb will be counted on to shoulder the scoring load this year. Dustin Giesler will return to solidify the frontcourt. Go figure, the Breds will feature another Pangallo, Alex, in the backcourt, and if the lineage holds true, he will be a sold backcourt player for the Breds.
#8 Ryle (10-18) - Alan Mullins begins year two in Union, with an eye on improving on last year’s 10-18 record. The Raiders have some experience returning, and they should be led by 6-5, senior John Maley, who should provide steady play in the frontcourt.
In addition to Maley in the paint will be 6-3, SR, Logan Porter. Junior Andy Ahern will likely be at the controls and will be looked upon to navigate the Raider ship.
Ryle has a lot of potential in their sophomore class, and how Coach Mullins is able to blend a senior laden roster with some young kids, may determine how far the Raiders will sail this year.
#9 Conner (13-16) - Coach Jim Hicks must replace leading scorer Adam Crews who graduated from last year’s 33rd District runner-up. Micah
Pugh will be asked to carry the load along with senior Erik Thomas. Thomas and Pugh form a nice inside-outside combo.
The Cougars have a solid core in the junior class, and may be a year away from contending for the 33rd District crown.
#10 St. Henry (18-11) - Dave Faust who is generally regarded as one of the best bench coaches in the region, will have his hands full this year as he tries to figure out a way to replace nine seniors from last year’s 33rd District Champion.
Finding someone to take over the leadership lost in Brandon Lenhof will b a chore. 6-3 Marc Otto and 6-3 Anthony Porco will be expected to defend the paint for Crusaders. The Crusaders will have a tough time duplicating last year’s record, but Coach Faust always seems to find a way to have his team’s playing well heading into tournament play.
District Round-Up
33rd District
Heritage Academy (5-20) - The district is deep and always hotly contested, which usually means that the mountain will be a steep climb for the Eagles. The Eagles will fly with junior Ryan Saint-Blanchard, who is the teams most explosive scorer and has been playing varsity for quite some time.
34th District
Lloyd Memorial (11-20) - Senior guard Mike Craddock will be counted on to lead Coach Mike Key’s Juggernaught outfit. Craddock is one of the top 10 players in the region and finds ways to get the ball into the basket. Matt Gregory, SR, will be Craddock’s counterpart in the backcourt which should be the strength of the Juggs this year.
Ludlow (6-21) - Coach Corey Highfield hopes to improve on a tough season from a year ago, and will lean on senior Jarrett Rouse to lead the Panthers this season. Kyle Williamson will be the man in the middle for Ludlow.
Villa Madonna (5-19) - Coach Rob Starkey welcomes a bevy of seniors, which will be led by the backcourt tandem of Stephen Love and Tommy Bilbo. Brian Hamilton will be counted on to play big, in the post.
35th District
Beechwood (17-12) - First year head coach Rick Shumate, has the unfortunate task of battling in the toughest district in the region.
However, these Tigers have some solid returning players, including top ten talent in Alex Hall. Hall can score and score some more. The 6-3 senior can score in bunches and will be expected to lead the Tigers along with backcourt mate Trey Beuttel, who also has a nice stroke from the perimeter.
36th District
Newport (11-15) - The Wildcats are inexperienced, but boast some talented underclassman. Coach Aric Russell’s Newport outfit will be stacked with juniors and some potential in the sophomore class.
6-5 center David Darnell will be the lynchpin in the post while others such as sophomore Arkansas Brewer, easily the best name in the region, will gain early on the job training.
Bellevue (10-15) - Kent Vories second year at the controls of the Tiger program will see him in charge of a large senior class. Brad McIntosh and Roger Babb will lead the Tigers, who may struggle out of the gate due to a playoff run in football.
Dayton (10-17) - Tom Diltz third year, will be one of plugging holes from a large class that graduate from last year’s 10 win club. The Green Devil backcourt will be the strength, and led by Jimi Trent and Chris Young.
Players to Watch in the Ninth Region
1. Arrez Henderson- Covington Holmes, 5-11, G/F, SR
His star shone brightest during post-season play, improved perimeter game, big time leaper, and a lock-down defender.
2. Nic Simpson- Highlands, 6-0, G, SR
Has been around forever, nice handle, stirs the Bluebird drink, and can make big shots.
3. Corey Sorrell- Holy Cross, 6-4, G, SR
Likely the best shooter in the region, and can score in bushels.
4. Steven McFarland- Boone County, 6-4, G/F, JR
Can shoot and handle the ball, makes the Rebel Brigade march.
5. Luke Maile- Cov. Cath., 6-2, F, JR
Coaches love what he brings to the table, athletic kid who can score, defend and rebound.
6. Michael Grimes- Cov. Cath., 6-2, G, SR
Jack-of-all-trades player who is very consistent, plays within himself.
7. Alex Hall- Beechwood, 6-3, G, SR
Quite simply can score in droves.
8. Luke Mace- Dixie, 6-8, C, SR
Developing into one of the best post players in the region.
9. Mike Lipscomb- NCC, 6-1, G, SR
The Thoroughreds will count on his scoring and leadership when they come to the post this year.
10. Josh Craddock- Lloyd, 5-11, G, SR
Good handle who finds ways to get to the basket.
BY DAN PUGH
Special to Bluegrasspreps.com
For any school not named Covington Catholic or Covington Holmes High School, the 9th Region has not been much fun since 2003, when the St. Henry Crusaders took eventual State Champs Mason County to the wire before falling two points short in the first round of the Sweet Sixteen.
Since then, the Blue Colonels and Bulldogs have alternated attempts at trying to become the only 9th Region team to win a state championship, since Simon Kenton did in 1980. Simon Kenton took that claim to fame and moved onto the 8th Region last season, leaving the present 9th Region without a lone Sweet Sixteen Champion.
Covington Catholic advanced to the Final Four in 2004, as did the Bulldogs last season, in between those two seasons, both Holmes and Covington Catholic were knocked out in the first round of the Sweet 16.
This season, it appears once again Cov. Cath. and Holmes will be the leading contenders to advance as the 9th Region representative come this March. If last season is any indicator, it should be a knockdown drag out fight between these two district rivals.
Last season, the Colonels defeated the Bulldogs in the regular season three times, once during the 5/3 Classic Tournament and the regularly scheduled tilt in Park Hills, as well as in the 35th District finals at Cov. Cath.. The Bulldogs were able to turn the tables, when it mattered most, in an overtime thriller for the 9th Region championship.
This year, many of the familiar names are gone, from both teams, but the intense action on the court should remain the same.
Outside of the Colonels and the Bulldogs, there are just a handful of teams who could possibly play the “spoiler” to the recent Bulldog/Colonel Invitational. Boone County, Highlands, Dixie, and fellow 35th District foe Covington Holy Cross, all have key components that could upset the two favorites.
As has been the case the last few years, the 35th District will remain one of the toughest districts in the state. This means Cov. Cath., Holmes, or Holy Cross will be eliminated prior to 9th Region play, which once again will lend to some hotly contested seed games during the season between those three teams, as each angles to get the path of least resistance as the all-important one seed in district play.
#1 Covington Catholic (24-7) - Experience and depth is rarely an issue for Mike Listerman’s Colonels and this year is no different than past years.
The Colonels will have to replace long time stalwarts in Kurt Bovard and Todd Jacobs, but they return a nice nucleus of experience. With the return of 6-2, SR, Michael Grimes, 6-2, JR, Luke Maile, and senior point guard Chris Bondick, the Colonels will bring a physically mature team.
Grimes is a nice all-around player who does not do one thing spectacularly, but does all things well. Maile who is well-known for his exploits on the baseball diamond, steadily improved last season and brings a hard-nosed aggressive style to the hardwood.
Chris Bondick will be counted on to handle the point guard duties, and gained valuable experience last season. The Colonels also have some size in the frontcourt with 6-4, SR, J.D. Schmerge and 6-7, SR, Aaron Noll.
The big question for the Colonels this year will be, how the backcourt adjusts to the loss of Bovard and Jacobs.
The Colonels will be sound offensively in the half court and usually play solid defense which makes them a contender year in and year out, and this year is no different.
#2 Covington Holmes (25-10) - The defending 9th Region Champions say goodbye to the ballyhooed class of 2007, but David Henley’s 2007-08 version may be one of the deepest squads he has had during his tenure at Holmes.
They return the best player in the region and maybe one of the best 5-11 players in the state in Arrez Henderson, who plays much bigger than his size. Henderson stamped his star last year during the region tourney and carried his fine play over into the Sweet 16, garnering an all-tournament selection.
With the class of Austin Hill, Greg Rice, and Duran Jefferson departing, the big question for the Bulldogs is who will offset the scoring load besides Henderson? 6-4, SR, Josh Nelson improved as the season wore on and will be counted on anchoring the frontcourt. The bench will have to prove themselves as they did last year filling in for a depleted team, during a five game stretch last year.
The Bulldogs have a couple of young additions in sophomores, 6-4, Elijah Pittman and transfers Ricardo Johnson, and younger brother Jeremiah Johnson.
How will Braeon Avery handle playing a full season at the point guard position? This will be a telling sign as to whether the Bulldogs can repeat this year.
#3 Boone County (18-12) - Greg McQueary’s Rebels will christen their new gymnasium with high expectations of competing for a region title.
The Rebs boast one of the region’s most talented player’s in 6-4, JR, Steven McFarland, and he will be counted on to lead the Rebels back into the region tournament. The Rebels will have to pick up some of the scoring punch that departed with last year’s graduating class, that included Chris Bray.
Who will help McFarland in doing that will be the key to the Rebels post-season chances. Boone County will also have a very talented sophomore class coming through, led by PG Mickey Gabbard. One thing to keep in mind is that the Rebels may start out slow due to the fact that their football team is advancing in the playoffs, which include Shawn Bogle.
The Rebels should be a team to contend with come February, if not sooner.
#4 Highlands (10-19) - Don’t be fooled by the 10-19 record last year. Willie Schlarman’s Bluebirds were a tough out last year and made it to the region semi-finals before being ousted by Cov. Catholic.
The Birds dealt with a plethora of injuries last year and overcame them come tournament time. This year’s edition will once again feature Nic Simpson at the controls. Simpson is the region’s purest point guard and has the capability of putting up big numbers in a hurry.
In the Birds backcourt will also be Greg McGraw, which will likely allow the Birds to increase their offensive production. The key for the boys from Fort Thomas, will be how much production they can get from their frontcourt players, Michael Eaton, Luke Stein, and Zach Hurtt.
#5 Dixie Heights (16-16) - The Red Colonels could very well become this year’s sleeper team. Coach Ken Chevalier’s Colonels will be anchored in the post by 6-8, SR, Luke Mace. Mace has been slowly evolving into a quality post player and will have some support this year.
In the frontcourt alongside Mace, will be 6-3 Elfin Tyler, and 6-3 Kyle Kendall. Both Tyler and Kendall saw extensive playing time last year for the Colonels and will provide valuable experience, as the Colonels will be the prohibitive favorites to win the 34th District.
Junior guard Greg Muzzillo will be counted on to steady the Colonels backcourt, and they will add a quality shooter in Jake Lawson which gives Dixie the potential to surprise.
#6 Holy Cross (15-9) - Eric Goetz’s Indians will feature the region’s most prolific perimeter shooter in 6-4, SR, Corey Sorrell. Sorrell who has verballed to Northern Kentucky University, can fill it up from the outside. Last year he finished over 40% from behind the arc and was one of the top free throw shooters in the region.
After losing three starters the Indians, alongside Sorrell will roll out junior Shina Giwa as the returning point guard, who has seen varsity action since his freshman year. One of the big questions for the Indians this year is how deep will their bench be, as well as getting consistent post play.
Coach Goetz consistently gets the most out of his talent and this year will be no different in the ultra-tough 35th District.
#7 Newport Central Catholic (15-14) - The biggest shoes Grant Brannen’s NCC squad will have to fill will literally be those of the departed Zach Kiernan, who averaged a double-double for the Breds last year and is now playing football at the University of Louisville.
6-1 senior Mike Lipscomb will be counted on to shoulder the scoring load this year. Dustin Giesler will return to solidify the frontcourt. Go figure, the Breds will feature another Pangallo, Alex, in the backcourt, and if the lineage holds true, he will be a sold backcourt player for the Breds.
#8 Ryle (10-18) - Alan Mullins begins year two in Union, with an eye on improving on last year’s 10-18 record. The Raiders have some experience returning, and they should be led by 6-5, senior John Maley, who should provide steady play in the frontcourt.
In addition to Maley in the paint will be 6-3, SR, Logan Porter. Junior Andy Ahern will likely be at the controls and will be looked upon to navigate the Raider ship.
Ryle has a lot of potential in their sophomore class, and how Coach Mullins is able to blend a senior laden roster with some young kids, may determine how far the Raiders will sail this year.
#9 Conner (13-16) - Coach Jim Hicks must replace leading scorer Adam Crews who graduated from last year’s 33rd District runner-up. Micah
Pugh will be asked to carry the load along with senior Erik Thomas. Thomas and Pugh form a nice inside-outside combo.
The Cougars have a solid core in the junior class, and may be a year away from contending for the 33rd District crown.
#10 St. Henry (18-11) - Dave Faust who is generally regarded as one of the best bench coaches in the region, will have his hands full this year as he tries to figure out a way to replace nine seniors from last year’s 33rd District Champion.
Finding someone to take over the leadership lost in Brandon Lenhof will b a chore. 6-3 Marc Otto and 6-3 Anthony Porco will be expected to defend the paint for Crusaders. The Crusaders will have a tough time duplicating last year’s record, but Coach Faust always seems to find a way to have his team’s playing well heading into tournament play.
District Round-Up
33rd District
Heritage Academy (5-20) - The district is deep and always hotly contested, which usually means that the mountain will be a steep climb for the Eagles. The Eagles will fly with junior Ryan Saint-Blanchard, who is the teams most explosive scorer and has been playing varsity for quite some time.
34th District
Lloyd Memorial (11-20) - Senior guard Mike Craddock will be counted on to lead Coach Mike Key’s Juggernaught outfit. Craddock is one of the top 10 players in the region and finds ways to get the ball into the basket. Matt Gregory, SR, will be Craddock’s counterpart in the backcourt which should be the strength of the Juggs this year.
Ludlow (6-21) - Coach Corey Highfield hopes to improve on a tough season from a year ago, and will lean on senior Jarrett Rouse to lead the Panthers this season. Kyle Williamson will be the man in the middle for Ludlow.
Villa Madonna (5-19) - Coach Rob Starkey welcomes a bevy of seniors, which will be led by the backcourt tandem of Stephen Love and Tommy Bilbo. Brian Hamilton will be counted on to play big, in the post.
35th District
Beechwood (17-12) - First year head coach Rick Shumate, has the unfortunate task of battling in the toughest district in the region.
However, these Tigers have some solid returning players, including top ten talent in Alex Hall. Hall can score and score some more. The 6-3 senior can score in bunches and will be expected to lead the Tigers along with backcourt mate Trey Beuttel, who also has a nice stroke from the perimeter.
36th District
Newport (11-15) - The Wildcats are inexperienced, but boast some talented underclassman. Coach Aric Russell’s Newport outfit will be stacked with juniors and some potential in the sophomore class.
6-5 center David Darnell will be the lynchpin in the post while others such as sophomore Arkansas Brewer, easily the best name in the region, will gain early on the job training.
Bellevue (10-15) - Kent Vories second year at the controls of the Tiger program will see him in charge of a large senior class. Brad McIntosh and Roger Babb will lead the Tigers, who may struggle out of the gate due to a playoff run in football.
Dayton (10-17) - Tom Diltz third year, will be one of plugging holes from a large class that graduate from last year’s 10 win club. The Green Devil backcourt will be the strength, and led by Jimi Trent and Chris Young.
Players to Watch in the Ninth Region
1. Arrez Henderson- Covington Holmes, 5-11, G/F, SR
His star shone brightest during post-season play, improved perimeter game, big time leaper, and a lock-down defender.
2. Nic Simpson- Highlands, 6-0, G, SR
Has been around forever, nice handle, stirs the Bluebird drink, and can make big shots.
3. Corey Sorrell- Holy Cross, 6-4, G, SR
Likely the best shooter in the region, and can score in bushels.
4. Steven McFarland- Boone County, 6-4, G/F, JR
Can shoot and handle the ball, makes the Rebel Brigade march.
5. Luke Maile- Cov. Cath., 6-2, F, JR
Coaches love what he brings to the table, athletic kid who can score, defend and rebound.
6. Michael Grimes- Cov. Cath., 6-2, G, SR
Jack-of-all-trades player who is very consistent, plays within himself.
7. Alex Hall- Beechwood, 6-3, G, SR
Quite simply can score in droves.
8. Luke Mace- Dixie, 6-8, C, SR
Developing into one of the best post players in the region.
9. Mike Lipscomb- NCC, 6-1, G, SR
The Thoroughreds will count on his scoring and leadership when they come to the post this year.
10. Josh Craddock- Lloyd, 5-11, G, SR
Good handle who finds ways to get to the basket.