The UK HealthCare Boys Sweet 16 comes out swinging Wednesday morning at 11 with Rupp Arena still waking up, and the basketball tournament wasting zero time easing anyone into the madness of March. The blind draw tossed subtlety aside and delivered the matchup most everyone was hoping to see days later: No. 2 Covington Catholic […]
Author Archives: Marc Hardin
Posted inBaseball
Ninth Region baseball preview: Opponents brace for the Beechwood Tigers
Senior Brooks Becker and junior Caleb Arrasmith are wrapping up practice at Beechwood High School’s indoor athletic facility. The last of the errant baseballs are in the buckets. Bats are put away, and the Beechwood standouts talk about how the Tigers are going to put away the rest of the Ninth Region this season. “It’s […]
Posted inSoftball
Ninth Region softball preview: Highlands resets and ramps up
If you’re looking for mystery in the Ninth Region high school softball race, you won’t find it at the top. Not with this roster and not with this returning ace. Highlands enters 2026 as the Ninth Region’s preseason No. 1 in Kentucky Prep Softball’s statewide rankings. The Bluebirds wear that label with the kind of […]
Posted inWrestling
End of an era: Simon Kenton wrestling coach Peebles steps down after 28 years with the program
A defining era in Simon Kenton wrestling ended last week when veteran coach Jarrod Peebles stepped down following the KHSAA boys state championships in Lexington. The 2003 Simon Kenton graduate is ending a 28‑year association with the high school program. “The team has known for a while, but I didn’t want to make a big […]
Posted inWrestling
Pioneers’ family tree-shaped roster travels well, heads to state
The Simon Kenton wrestling team is getting out in front of things so it can be fully present when the 2026 KHSAA State Wrestling Championships begin Thursday at Alltech Arena inside the Kentucky Horse Park. The boys and coed divisions run Thursday and Friday, with the girls closing things out on Saturday. “I’m super excited,” […]
Posted inWrestling
Destiny awaits host Conner at Region 5 wrestling championships
Conner finally has its shot. For five straight seasons, the local KHSAA regional wrestling championship has belonged to Ryle. It’s been a run of depth, discipline and big‑match composure that has defined the Raiders’ identity. On Saturday, the Region 5 spotlight shifts to Hebron, where Conner hosts the tournament and enters with its best chance […]
Posted inSwimming
Ryle, Highlands form solid 1–2 punch in state swimming and diving return
Ryle coach Jeff Floyd has viewed the psyche sheets and reviewed last year’s results at the KHSAA State Swimming & Diving Championships. He has seen many of the competitors before they take the stage Friday and Saturday at University of Kentucky’s Lancaster Aquatic Center in Lexington. Floyd has watched his own swimmers and divers over […]
Posted inSwimming
What’s in a name? Ryle swimmer Chase Knopf has the surprising answers
As long as he can remember, Ryle High School swimmer Chase Knopf has been chasing best times, records and history while competitors chase him. It’s been an endless cycle involving talent, hard work and determination for the all-around senior. “I’ve been swimming since I was 5,” said Knopf, who turned 18 in September. “I have […]
Posted inBasketball
Ludlow’s Addy Garrett closes in on school scoring record after a difficult year
Day by day, things are getting a little brighter for Ludlow senior Addy Garrett, one of northern Kentucky’s most productive multi‑sport athletes. “I’m doing well,” she said. “Definitely better than this time last year.” Garrett has played three high school sports, earned college offers and climbed steadily up Ludlow’s all‑time scoring lists. Her numbers and […]
Posted inSwimming
Swim champ Herfel leads deep Panda squad into state championship hunt
Notre Dame Academy’s Clare Herfel is talking about swimming and Panda competitiveness. The sophomore is energized, reflecting on the thrill of championships and what comes next after a long day in and out of classrooms and pools. “I thought we did really well at regionals,” Herfel said. “I feel like state is coming at a […]