Beechwood baseball stars Sawyer Carlisle and Brooks Becker and coach Kevin Gray are doing what they do best after winning the 9th Region championship: talking shop. The Tigers have just wrapped up practice, remaining laser-focused on their state championship goal. It has been a whirlwind season, and the seniors are glad to relax. “Love talking […]
Author Archives: Marc Hardin
Posted inBaseball
How the Camels found their mojo on the way to state
Now that Campbell County is back in the 2026 Baseball State Tournament presented by UK HealthCare, it’s easy to forget that the Camels started the prep season in a bit of a funk. Their record on April 15 following a 15-5 home loss to Covington Catholic stood at 7-6. It wasn’t bad but it wasn’t […]
Posted inSoftball
Bluebirds ready to flex their muscles at state softball tournament
It’s dusk in Fort Thomas and sunshine is disappearing at Monday’s softball practice at Highlands High School. But the sun is not setting on the Bluebirds’ season, especially after winning yet another 9th Region championship. “We’re all really excited for the state tournament,” said .352-hitting second baseman Morgan Pompilio, one of four talented seniors for […]
Posted inGolf
Carter wins 86th Northern Kentucky Amateur Championship
Ben Carter is the latest local prep product to capture the area’s top men’s amateur golf prize. The former St. Henry High School standout won this week’s 86th Northern Kentucky Amateur Championship at Summit Hills Country Club in Crestview Hills. Carter finished the Greater Cincinnati Golf Association event with a three-day score of 6-under-par on […]
Posted inBasketball
New St. Henry girls basketball coach Kes Murphy talks hoops, family and fun ahead for The Cru
Time for trivia! Name the only sibling combo in the history of Kentucky high school athletics that has produced a Miss Kentucky Basketball award winner and a head coach who won a girls basketball state championship. If your answer is local legend Donna Murphy and brother Kes Murphy, please advance to the lightning round. But […]
Posted inSoftball
From miracle to mindset: Holy Cross tries to run it back at 9th Region softball tournament
Last year, the Holy Cross High School softball team learned what belief can do in a single late‑season swing. This year, the Indians are learning what belief looks like when the magic wears off and the work begins. A year removed from the top-of-the-seventh grand slam that stunned Highlands and delivered the first 9th Region […]
Posted inBaseball
Ryle baseball leans on senior core, deep staff as postseason begins
A handful of Ryle baseball players gather at the high school, talking through the postseason ahead. They like their chances in the upcoming 33rd District Tournament at Conner. They like their chances in the 9th Region, too. The key, they say, is keeping things simple. “At the end of the day,” says senior Anthony Coppola, […]
Posted inTrack & Field
Dixie Heights track and field reloads for another run at the region
Steve Saunders has been the boys track and field coach at Dixie Heights High School for 39 years. He knows the place as well as anyone. “When you’ve been around as long as I have, you learn a lot,” said the 70‑year‑old coach, who began his Dixie Heights career in 1988. Saunders knows Dixie Heights […]
Posted inSports
Prep roundup: Raiders hot April, Cook breaks Scott record, plus other fast-happening news
A lot of high school coaches like to say they are senior-friendly, but Ryle softball coach Dave Meier is really good to his seniors. The coach likes to give them extra chances on the playing field, and he shows more patience. He also likes to let his seniors know that some perks come with the […]
Posted inSoftball
St. Henry softball rediscovers its swagger
There’s something going on with the St. Henry High School softball team. The girls are playing with renewed vigor after suffering through nine losing seasons in a row. They are hitting a ton. They are smiling a lot. Enthusiasm is sky high with high fives, handshakes and hand claps. They are pumping themselves up with […]
