It was quite the week for hoops in Northern Kentucky.
The small schools in the 9th Region reigned supreme down in Corbin, both Newport’s boys and Holy Cross’ girls claiming All “A” Classic state titles. It was the first time since 2015 the 9th Region accomplished the feat when Newport Central Catholic’s boys and Holy Cross’ girls won the titles.
Before all that took place, Cooper shook things up in the boys 9th Region, going into the home of the Colonel Crazies and handing Covington Catholic a loss.
Not too much changed on the girls side.
Here’s a look at the rankings below…
Boys
- Newport (21-3, Previous Ranking: 2) — The Wildcats won the small school state title, can they go win the big one? Their schedule this year is certainly preparing them for it. The latest run of games they had to face a variety of different styles and challenges and conquered all of them with four wins in four days to claim the program’s first ever All “A” title. Having already played 24 games, the Wildcats will get some rest time over the final four weeks of the regular season with just six games remaining until the district tournament.
2. Cooper (14-7, Previous Ranking: 3) — The scary thing about Cooper is the potential of Andy Johnson returning soon. Just another added weapon for an already deep team.
3. Covington Catholic (17-5, Previous Ranking: 1) — Despite the loss to Cooper, the Colonels bounced back with a 31-point victory over Highlands followed by an impressive short turnaround and bus ride to defeat Ashland.
4. Lloyd Memorial (15-5, Previous Ranking: 4) — The Juggs took care of district opponents last week with wins over Dixie Heights and Ludlow. They’ll still need to knock off St. Henry next week to secure the No. 1 seed in the 34th.
5. Campbell County (14-4, Previous Ranking: 6) — A rivalry win over Scott on Friday secured the No. 1 seed for the 37th District tournament. Now comes a big week with Covington Catholic and Cooper on the docket.
6. Ryle (13-6, Previous Ranking: 7) — The Raiders continue to stay hot, winning their seventh in a row over Bell County at the Hoosier Gym in Knightstown, Indiana. Their winning streak will get put to the test with three contests this week against Simon Kenton, Highlands and Covington Catholic.
7. Boone County (14-5, Previous Ranking: 5) — A letdown against Scott last week drops them and then followed up with a home win over Mason County. Bigger ramifications in the loss to Scott has them currently out of the No. 1 seed for the 33rd District Tournament, Cooper leapfrogging them due to their recent surge.
8. Walton-Verona (15-7, Previous Week: 8) — A rough fourth quarter hampered the Bearcats chances of upsetting Lyon County at the All “A” Classic state tournament quarterfinals. Now they shift their focus to earning the No. 1 seed for the 32nd District tournament with Williamstown and Grant County upcoming.
9. Holy Cross (13-7, Previous Week: 9) — A light week this week with just one game at Grant County on Wednesday with a massive week next week on tap. The Indians face Covington Catholic and Beechwood next week for positioning in the 35th District tournament.
10. Highlands (11-10, Previous Week: 10) — The Bluebirds hope to pick up some momentum this week with three games on tap against Dayton, Ryle and Bellevue. They’ve yet to win three in a row, this could be the week to do it.
Next up: Dixie Heights
Girls
- Cooper (18-4, Previous Ranking: 1) — Had their 15-game winning streak snapped by No. 1 Sacred Heart. The silver lining is it was a five-point margin, meaning the Jaguars have given the Valkyries their two toughest tests against in-state opponents all year.
2. Holy Cross (19-5, Previous Ranking: 2) — Cruised through their side of the bracket in the All “A” as expected before overcoming a seven-point second half deficit to knock off No. 4 Pikeville in the All “A” Championship. Indians have won 12 of 13, the lone loss a two-point loss to No. 2 George Rogers Clark.
3. Ryle (12-7, Previous Ranking: 3) — The Raiders have now not allowed more than 40 points in five of their last seven games.
4. Notre Dame (15-4, Previous Ranking: 4) — A big home battle with Cooper on Saturday looms.
5. Simon Kenton (14-6, Previous Ranking: 5) — It may have been a 20-point outcome on the scoreboard, but the Pioneers were within five of the No. 1 team in the state (Sacred Heart) late in the third quarter last week. Their tough three-game stretch continues with Anderson County on Tuesday and Cooper on Thursday.
6. Highlands (14-6, Previous Ranking: 6) — Had their 10-game winning streak snapped at the hands of Ryle on Friday. They still have a shot to hit 20 wins by postseason if they can close out 6-2. A home game on Friday against Bishop Brossart would be a good start to that with a solid test against Montgomery County on Saturday to follow.
7. Dixie Heights (11-8, Previous Ranking: 10) — Colonels have won six straight. They can get it to eight before No. 1 Sacred Heart comes to Edgewood on Friday.
8. Conner (10-11, Previous Ranking: 7) — The Cougars have a really tough stretch to close out the season. Ashland, Ryle, Dixie Heights, Whitefield Academy, Scott, Campbell County and Holy Cross. There’s not a gimmie anywhere in that.
9. Newport Central Catholic (14-6, Previous Ranking: 9) — A nice comeback victory over Bishop Brossart over the weekend. Although they beat Bellevue by 20 in the Stephanie Wilson Memorial Tournament over Christmas break, should have a good battle on their hands Saturday with the Tigers.
10. St. Henry (11-8, Previous Ranking: NR) — The Crusaders have picked up four straight wins, the last two over Conner and Scott.
Next up: Scott
