The Scribe
11-25-2008, 03:20 AM
Ninth Region Boys Preview
By Dave Pugh
Coach David Henley and the 2008-09 Covington Holmes Bulldog Basketball team hope to continue the progression they have made the last two years in regards to tournament marches. If the form holds true, then Covington Holmes will have captured the state championship.
The Bulldogs hope to win their third straight region title, which has not been done since Highlands did it from the 1997-1999 seasons. Cutting down the nets on Saturday night in Lexington is the Bulldogs ultimate goal, and it would be the 9th Region’s first title since 1981, and only the second overall.
However, it will not be an easy journey as some may speculate. The Bulldogs will have to replace seven players who graduated from the 34-3 outfit that fell to Mason County in the state finals last year.
Included in those seven departed seniors was the “glue” in Arrez Henderson, who came up with big play after big play in clutch situations, and carried the Dogs, especially in last year's quarterfinal victory over Paintsville.
Despite those losses, the Bulldogs return a very talented team that will be led by junior Ricardo Johnson (6-4, G/F) who chipped in 11 ppg last season. Some publications feel that Ricardo may be the top rated player in the 2010 class.
Alongside Johnson will be his brother Jeremiah Johnson (6-3, G/F) and Elijah Pittman (6-6, F). The latter exploded on the scene with his scintillating performance in the Sweet 16.
In addition, the Bulldogs welcome an athletic transfer in Brandon Housely, who should provide some solid play along the frontline. Holmes also returns underrated PG Jamel Riley (5-10, Sr) who played exceptionally well in the region tournament last season.
Seniors Dominique Johnson and James Rice should add depth along the frontcourt.
In order for the Bulldogs to achieve the goals they have set, they must continue to build on the success from the previous season, and that was tough man to man defense as well as valuing the basketball with smart decision making and good shot selection.
Last year, Holmes was only upended by one team from the region, in Newport Central Catholic. Holmes will be heavy favorites this year, but there are a handful of teams that could upend the Bulldogs.
9th Region Top Ten
1. Holmes
2. Boone County
3. Covington Catholic
4. Newport Central Catholic
5. Highlands
6. Ryle
7. St. Henry
8. Dixie
9. Newport
10. Conner
33rd District
Boone County (21-8)- Greg McQueary's Rebel Brigade got off to an impressive start last season that included winning the South Laurel Hoopin It Up Tourney, and later a win over 16th Region Contender Rose Hill Academy, but the Rebs faltered down the stretch in losing their final three contests including the opening game in the 33rd District.
Boone returns the versatile Steven McFarland (6-5, SR), and ever improving Andy Earls (6-6, JR), which should provide the Rebels with adequate scoring and frontcourt play. The key to Boone will be getting consistent backcourt play, from kids like Mike Gabbard and Ryan Popp, while dealing with the loss of transfer of Austin Flannery.
Boone should erase the bitter ending of last season and make a solid run this year.
Conner (11-18)- Jim Hicks's 2007-08 outfit finished strong and upset Boone to qualify for the 9th Region Tournament. Conner should contend in the ever tough 33rd this year behind seniors Chris Lang and Jeremy Broyles.
Cooper (first year competing) - The Jaguars will tip off their inaugural season under the tutledge of Tim Sullivan, who was an assistant coach at Holmes, and has head coaching experience from a stint at Maysville St. Pat's.
The Jags will be counting on a few incoming transfers to provide for a solid foundation for the years to come as the program gets its feet under itself.
Matt Story and Braylon Hoffman will be two players expected to lead Cooper this season.
Heritage Academy (3-21)- Senior Ryan Saint-Blanchard will be counted on to lead the Eagles, as he is the leading returning scores for Heritage.
Ryle (13-14)- Alan Mullins's Raider squad returns a lot of upperclassman for the 08-09 season. Seniors Andy Ahern and Kurt Russell will provide a serviceable inside-outside combo for the boys from Union. Ryle will also possess some decent size in the paint area, anchored by junior Tate Nichols.
St. Henry (18-12)- There are not many more respected coaches in the 9th Region, than Dave Faust, who always finds ways to get the job done. Decent players to boot also play a role and this year should be no different.
The defending 33rd District and 9th Region All-A Champs will count on Cameron Speed and post player David Zumdick to lead the charge for the Crusaders this season.
34th District
Dixie Heights (20-12)- Ken Chevelier's Colonels won the 34th last year before falling to Holmes in the region, and the Colonels should have enough returning firepower to capture the 34th again this year.
Dixie graduated 8 seniors, but return guard Greg Muzzilo and forward Stephen Pompilio. Dixie also has a strong junior class coming through which should provide for a solid foundation in Edgewood.
Lloyd (11-17)- Mike Key's Juggernaught's do not possess much depth but should rely on senior forward Zach Craddock and guard Randy Tackett to shoulder the load for the upcoming season.
Ludlow (9-13)- Cory Highfield's Panther squad must replace a large senior class, which is tough for most teams and even tougher for "A" schools. Junior Zach Stegemoller will be counted on to lead the Panthers this year.
Villa Madonna (15-15)- The Blue Lightning and head coach Rob Starkey provided major buzz around the 9th Region Tourney last year in their first region appearance ever, as they almost pulled off a humongous upset of St. Henry in the first round.
It will be tough to duplicate the run they had a year ago, but Blake Brian should be one of the leading scorers in the region this year.
35th District
Holmes (34-3) - Year in and year out this district provides the most drama as typrically the top 2-3 teams in region reside here. This year should be no different. Holmes will be the heavy favorite, but Coach David Henley knows that the road always runs through the school from Park Hills in Cov.Cath.. No different this year.
The Dogs will also be tested outside the region, as well as gaining exposure this year with various games against the likes of, Bryan Station, Tates Creek, Ballard, Hazard, Largo, MD, and the much anticpated matchup with Scott County at the Bank of Kentucky Arena in December.
Covington Catholic (21-9)- Mike Listerman's Colonels, must replace five seniors from the regional runner-up, but do return one of the better guards in the region in Mitch Shover. Luke Maile, Kentucky baseball-signee, has also decided to return to the hardwood for his senior season.
Zach Isler and Trevor Wellbrock will provide some punch in the frontcourt. Cov.Cath. will play solid tough man to man defense, but they will need to find some consistency in scoring the basketball to make a run this year.
Beechwood (19-9)- Rick Shumate's Tiger squad turned in a solid 07-08 campaign, but must replace the loss of leading scorer Alex Hall. However, the Tigers return Brian Romes who will be counted on to provide the scoring for the Beechies.
Covington Latin (1-11)- Gene Morrison is slowly trying to rebuild Latin but it is a slow process. Latin does return a few experienced players but will not compete in the 35th District Tournament.
36th District
Bellevue (13-12) - Mike Herald returns to the coaching box in Bellevue after spending a year away after a stint at Beechwood. The Tigers were hit hard by graduation and will be counting on the likes of Ricky Buckler and Thomas Bennett to carry the load this season.
Dayton (11-16)- The Green Devils have made steady improvement under Tom Dilts, but the Green Devils will have to replace 4 seniors. The smallish Devils will count on junior Shawn Eastin to provide the scoring for Dayton
Highlands (21-9)- Willie Schlarman will have a chore in replacing Greg McGraw and Nic Simpson, who was one of NKY's best backcourts last season. However, they do return a solid perimeter player in Stephen Kowolonek, who will have more of a chance to shine with Simpson and McGraw having departed.
The Birds may start a little slow as they await a few arrivals from the highly successfull football team.
Newport (12-15)- Aric Russell's Wildcats will depend heavily on David Darnell this season, particularly after the loss of transfer Brandon Housely. A pair of juniors in Jamon Greene and Casey McDaniel should provide some assistance to Darnell.
Newport Central Catholic (16-10)- Grant Brannen's Thoroughbreds had the dubious task of drawing Highlands in the first round of the district last season. The 36th is the only district in the region that does not seed. NCC was the only team to defeat Holmes last season and they did it "Up on the Hill" where it is always tough. Jeramie Conner should fill it up from the perimeter, while Matt Geisler patrols the paint.
Top 10 Players in the Region
Ricardo Johnson-Holmes- 6'4, Jr, G/F
Ready to replace the absence of Arrez Henderson, very versatile on the defensive end, if he develops a consistent outside shot his stock will climb nationally.
Elijah Pittman-Holmes- 6'6, Jr, F
Burst onto the scene in the Sweet 16 showing a sweet stroke from the perimeter, he may have the highest ceiling of anyone in the region.
Steven McFarland-Boone County- 6'5. Sr, F
Good motor, can play inside-outside, solid finisher, with a sound midrange game.
Mitch Shover-Cov.Cath.-5'10, Sr, G
Crafty ball-handler, with high basketball IQ, plays like an extra coach on the floor.
Andy Earls-Boone County-6'6, Jr, C
Very solid stroke for a big kid, solid skills for a post player, and is improving.
Shina Giwa-Holy Cross-6'0, Sr, G
Possibly the quickest player in the region, solid defender, who creates havoc.
Jeremiah Johnson-Holmes-6'3, Jr, G/F
Athletic, allows game to come to him and is consistent.
Stephen Kowolonek-Highlands-6'1, Jr, G
His time to shine, very good perimeter shooter.
Brian Romes-Beechwood-6'1, Sr, G
Can really shoot it and has solid overall game
Luke Maile-Covington Catholic-6’3, Sr, F
All State baseball player, Kentucky signee, is a solid all-around player.
By Dave Pugh
Coach David Henley and the 2008-09 Covington Holmes Bulldog Basketball team hope to continue the progression they have made the last two years in regards to tournament marches. If the form holds true, then Covington Holmes will have captured the state championship.
The Bulldogs hope to win their third straight region title, which has not been done since Highlands did it from the 1997-1999 seasons. Cutting down the nets on Saturday night in Lexington is the Bulldogs ultimate goal, and it would be the 9th Region’s first title since 1981, and only the second overall.
However, it will not be an easy journey as some may speculate. The Bulldogs will have to replace seven players who graduated from the 34-3 outfit that fell to Mason County in the state finals last year.
Included in those seven departed seniors was the “glue” in Arrez Henderson, who came up with big play after big play in clutch situations, and carried the Dogs, especially in last year's quarterfinal victory over Paintsville.
Despite those losses, the Bulldogs return a very talented team that will be led by junior Ricardo Johnson (6-4, G/F) who chipped in 11 ppg last season. Some publications feel that Ricardo may be the top rated player in the 2010 class.
Alongside Johnson will be his brother Jeremiah Johnson (6-3, G/F) and Elijah Pittman (6-6, F). The latter exploded on the scene with his scintillating performance in the Sweet 16.
In addition, the Bulldogs welcome an athletic transfer in Brandon Housely, who should provide some solid play along the frontline. Holmes also returns underrated PG Jamel Riley (5-10, Sr) who played exceptionally well in the region tournament last season.
Seniors Dominique Johnson and James Rice should add depth along the frontcourt.
In order for the Bulldogs to achieve the goals they have set, they must continue to build on the success from the previous season, and that was tough man to man defense as well as valuing the basketball with smart decision making and good shot selection.
Last year, Holmes was only upended by one team from the region, in Newport Central Catholic. Holmes will be heavy favorites this year, but there are a handful of teams that could upend the Bulldogs.
9th Region Top Ten
1. Holmes
2. Boone County
3. Covington Catholic
4. Newport Central Catholic
5. Highlands
6. Ryle
7. St. Henry
8. Dixie
9. Newport
10. Conner
33rd District
Boone County (21-8)- Greg McQueary's Rebel Brigade got off to an impressive start last season that included winning the South Laurel Hoopin It Up Tourney, and later a win over 16th Region Contender Rose Hill Academy, but the Rebs faltered down the stretch in losing their final three contests including the opening game in the 33rd District.
Boone returns the versatile Steven McFarland (6-5, SR), and ever improving Andy Earls (6-6, JR), which should provide the Rebels with adequate scoring and frontcourt play. The key to Boone will be getting consistent backcourt play, from kids like Mike Gabbard and Ryan Popp, while dealing with the loss of transfer of Austin Flannery.
Boone should erase the bitter ending of last season and make a solid run this year.
Conner (11-18)- Jim Hicks's 2007-08 outfit finished strong and upset Boone to qualify for the 9th Region Tournament. Conner should contend in the ever tough 33rd this year behind seniors Chris Lang and Jeremy Broyles.
Cooper (first year competing) - The Jaguars will tip off their inaugural season under the tutledge of Tim Sullivan, who was an assistant coach at Holmes, and has head coaching experience from a stint at Maysville St. Pat's.
The Jags will be counting on a few incoming transfers to provide for a solid foundation for the years to come as the program gets its feet under itself.
Matt Story and Braylon Hoffman will be two players expected to lead Cooper this season.
Heritage Academy (3-21)- Senior Ryan Saint-Blanchard will be counted on to lead the Eagles, as he is the leading returning scores for Heritage.
Ryle (13-14)- Alan Mullins's Raider squad returns a lot of upperclassman for the 08-09 season. Seniors Andy Ahern and Kurt Russell will provide a serviceable inside-outside combo for the boys from Union. Ryle will also possess some decent size in the paint area, anchored by junior Tate Nichols.
St. Henry (18-12)- There are not many more respected coaches in the 9th Region, than Dave Faust, who always finds ways to get the job done. Decent players to boot also play a role and this year should be no different.
The defending 33rd District and 9th Region All-A Champs will count on Cameron Speed and post player David Zumdick to lead the charge for the Crusaders this season.
34th District
Dixie Heights (20-12)- Ken Chevelier's Colonels won the 34th last year before falling to Holmes in the region, and the Colonels should have enough returning firepower to capture the 34th again this year.
Dixie graduated 8 seniors, but return guard Greg Muzzilo and forward Stephen Pompilio. Dixie also has a strong junior class coming through which should provide for a solid foundation in Edgewood.
Lloyd (11-17)- Mike Key's Juggernaught's do not possess much depth but should rely on senior forward Zach Craddock and guard Randy Tackett to shoulder the load for the upcoming season.
Ludlow (9-13)- Cory Highfield's Panther squad must replace a large senior class, which is tough for most teams and even tougher for "A" schools. Junior Zach Stegemoller will be counted on to lead the Panthers this year.
Villa Madonna (15-15)- The Blue Lightning and head coach Rob Starkey provided major buzz around the 9th Region Tourney last year in their first region appearance ever, as they almost pulled off a humongous upset of St. Henry in the first round.
It will be tough to duplicate the run they had a year ago, but Blake Brian should be one of the leading scorers in the region this year.
35th District
Holmes (34-3) - Year in and year out this district provides the most drama as typrically the top 2-3 teams in region reside here. This year should be no different. Holmes will be the heavy favorite, but Coach David Henley knows that the road always runs through the school from Park Hills in Cov.Cath.. No different this year.
The Dogs will also be tested outside the region, as well as gaining exposure this year with various games against the likes of, Bryan Station, Tates Creek, Ballard, Hazard, Largo, MD, and the much anticpated matchup with Scott County at the Bank of Kentucky Arena in December.
Covington Catholic (21-9)- Mike Listerman's Colonels, must replace five seniors from the regional runner-up, but do return one of the better guards in the region in Mitch Shover. Luke Maile, Kentucky baseball-signee, has also decided to return to the hardwood for his senior season.
Zach Isler and Trevor Wellbrock will provide some punch in the frontcourt. Cov.Cath. will play solid tough man to man defense, but they will need to find some consistency in scoring the basketball to make a run this year.
Beechwood (19-9)- Rick Shumate's Tiger squad turned in a solid 07-08 campaign, but must replace the loss of leading scorer Alex Hall. However, the Tigers return Brian Romes who will be counted on to provide the scoring for the Beechies.
Covington Latin (1-11)- Gene Morrison is slowly trying to rebuild Latin but it is a slow process. Latin does return a few experienced players but will not compete in the 35th District Tournament.
36th District
Bellevue (13-12) - Mike Herald returns to the coaching box in Bellevue after spending a year away after a stint at Beechwood. The Tigers were hit hard by graduation and will be counting on the likes of Ricky Buckler and Thomas Bennett to carry the load this season.
Dayton (11-16)- The Green Devils have made steady improvement under Tom Dilts, but the Green Devils will have to replace 4 seniors. The smallish Devils will count on junior Shawn Eastin to provide the scoring for Dayton
Highlands (21-9)- Willie Schlarman will have a chore in replacing Greg McGraw and Nic Simpson, who was one of NKY's best backcourts last season. However, they do return a solid perimeter player in Stephen Kowolonek, who will have more of a chance to shine with Simpson and McGraw having departed.
The Birds may start a little slow as they await a few arrivals from the highly successfull football team.
Newport (12-15)- Aric Russell's Wildcats will depend heavily on David Darnell this season, particularly after the loss of transfer Brandon Housely. A pair of juniors in Jamon Greene and Casey McDaniel should provide some assistance to Darnell.
Newport Central Catholic (16-10)- Grant Brannen's Thoroughbreds had the dubious task of drawing Highlands in the first round of the district last season. The 36th is the only district in the region that does not seed. NCC was the only team to defeat Holmes last season and they did it "Up on the Hill" where it is always tough. Jeramie Conner should fill it up from the perimeter, while Matt Geisler patrols the paint.
Top 10 Players in the Region
Ricardo Johnson-Holmes- 6'4, Jr, G/F
Ready to replace the absence of Arrez Henderson, very versatile on the defensive end, if he develops a consistent outside shot his stock will climb nationally.
Elijah Pittman-Holmes- 6'6, Jr, F
Burst onto the scene in the Sweet 16 showing a sweet stroke from the perimeter, he may have the highest ceiling of anyone in the region.
Steven McFarland-Boone County- 6'5. Sr, F
Good motor, can play inside-outside, solid finisher, with a sound midrange game.
Mitch Shover-Cov.Cath.-5'10, Sr, G
Crafty ball-handler, with high basketball IQ, plays like an extra coach on the floor.
Andy Earls-Boone County-6'6, Jr, C
Very solid stroke for a big kid, solid skills for a post player, and is improving.
Shina Giwa-Holy Cross-6'0, Sr, G
Possibly the quickest player in the region, solid defender, who creates havoc.
Jeremiah Johnson-Holmes-6'3, Jr, G/F
Athletic, allows game to come to him and is consistent.
Stephen Kowolonek-Highlands-6'1, Jr, G
His time to shine, very good perimeter shooter.
Brian Romes-Beechwood-6'1, Sr, G
Can really shoot it and has solid overall game
Luke Maile-Covington Catholic-6’3, Sr, F
All State baseball player, Kentucky signee, is a solid all-around player.