Last month, the Newport High School boys’ basketball team went to Rupp Arena to play in the Sweet 16 tournament.
Though they lost to Campbell County High School, the Wildcats had a 32-4 season—the best in Newport basketball history. They also won the 9th Region title for the second straight year and held a 24-game winning streak during the season. The team was recognized at the April 17 Campbell County Fiscal Court meeting with a citation of achievement for their season.
“Your successful journey to the Kentucky High School Athletics Association Sweet 16 state tournament is a testament to your hard work and dedication,” the citation read.
The fiscal court started by congratulating Rod Snapp, the head coach of the Newport basketball team, and the rest of the staff.
“Since coach Snap has been here, he has developed a winning culture, but more importantly, we want to commend you for your positive contributions and your influence,” Campbell County Commissioner Tom Lampe said. “As these young men grow into adults, you prepared them obviously for success on the basketball court but understand also these boys are poised for success. And we wish them well in the future.”
Special recognition was extended to the following individuals for their contributions to the team:
- DeShaun Jackson, Ninth Region All “A” Tournament Team, All “A” District All-Tournament Team, All “A” State Tournament MVP, Division Two All-Tournament Team, Greater Cincinnati Basketball Hall of Fame Player of the Week, and the Ray Furney Classic All-Tournament Team.
- Jabari Covington, Ninth Region MVP, Ninth Region All “A” MVP, LaRosa’s Player of the Week.
- James Turner, 36 District All-Tournament Team, Division Two All-Tournament Team, Ninth Regional All-Tournament Team, Division Two Defensive Player of the Year, All “A” State Tournament Team.
- Taylen Kinney, Ohio Valley Hoops Classic Player of the Game, All “A” Ninth Regional Tournament Team, All “A” State Tournament All-Tournament Team, 36 District MVP, King of the Bluegrass All-Tournament Team, St Elizabeth Basketball Game of the Month Most Valuable Player, MVP Ray Furney Classic—where he broke the school record with 49 points in a game, Greater Cincinnati Basketball Hall of Fame star of the week, Nation’s Elite Ninth Region Player of the Year, Division Two Player of the Year, Ninth Region Player of the Year, Kentucky Prep Report Ninth Region Player of the Year.
- Griffin Starks, Ninth Region All “A” Tournament Team.
“I want to recognize an exceptional group of high school athletes that have joined us today who not only excelled on the basketball court but have exemplified amazing dedication, teamwork and resilience, a quality that we hold very dear here in Campbell County,” Lampe said.
“We couldn’t have done it without all of these guys staying locked in and especially the coaches that are all here everything they’ve done, they were a huge part of it and all the support, and hopefully, we can keep it rolling,” Snapp said. “Thanks for having us. Appreciate it.”
