Feeling left out since Northern Kentucky University or University of Cincinnati didn’t make the NCAA tournament?
Well here’s a guide to give the NKY basketball fans some rooting interest if your team isn’t dancing. Several players that played on the hardwood in the region on the prep scene are playing at the next level and in the Big Dance.
The men’s tournament doesn’t feature as many players in the tournament as the women, so here’s a look at who will be playing in March Madness.
Henry Thole, Xavier
The Villa Madonna grad is in his freshman season and walked on for the 2024-25 season. He made an appearance in a Dec. 10 contest with Morgan State. The Musketeers opened the tournament with Texas in the play-in game as an 11-seed, coming back from double-digits to take down the Longhorns, 86-80. They’ll face Illinois on Friday next at 9:45 p.m. on CBS.
Marie Kiefer, Ball State
The Bishop Brossart grad is the all-time blocked shots leader for the Cardinals and is averaging 7.4 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game. Kiefer was recently named the MAC Defensive Player of the Year for the 2024-25 season. Ball State is 27-7 on the year and champions of the Mid-American Conference. They open the NCAA tournament as a 12-seed and face No. 5 seed Ole Miss on Friday at 6 p.m. on ESPNU in Waco, Texas.
Whitney Lind, Lehigh
The Cooper grad is in her sophomore season with the Mountain Hawks. Lehigh is a No. 15 seed and takes on No. 2 seed Duke on Friday at 8 p.m. on ESPN. Lind is averaging 5.9 points, 2.2 rebounds and nearly a steal per game in 32 games played. She averages about 16 minutes a game and shoots 44% from the field and 90% from the free throw line.
Maleah Alexander, Liberty
The Cooper grad is in her freshman season with the Lady Flames and is redshirting. Liberty opens in Lexington as a No. 13 seed taking on the host No. 4 seed Kentucky on Friday at noon on ESPN.