The Notre Dame Pandas celebrate the state championship on Friday at George Rogers Clark. This is the 10th state championship in program history. Photo provided

A new year brings a lot of intrigue. New personal goals, work goals, life goals, whether short or long-term.

That’s no different in the sports landscape of things. A new year brings new hope, whether on the playing field or off.

Here’s a look at some of the top storylines to look for in 2023:

  • Can Northern Kentucky men’s basketball make the dance?
Can Marques Warrick and the Norse make the dance in 2023? Photo provided | NKU Athletics

The Norse went dancing in 2017 and ’19, can they do so again in 2023? They were tabbed as the co-preseason favorite in the Horizon League with Indiana Purdue-Fort Wayne and are off to a 2-0 start in conference play, 7-6 overall to start the season. They have the experience with several fifth year players and returning starters mixed in with some talented younger players. Winning in conference play during the regular season is big, getting the chance to host first round and quarterfinal matchups before the conference tournament heads to Indianapolis at the Indiana Farmers Coliseum for the semifinals and championship.

  • How quickly will Thomas More latch on to Division II in 2023?
Thomas More’s women’s and men’s basketball teams will both be making the jump to Division II next season. Photo provided | Thomas More Athletics

The Saints are making the transition from NAIA to Division II starting in the fall of 2023.

  • Sports gambling legally just minutes away

Instead of driving to Indiana or getting your parlay cards at the local bar or bookie, you can now drive minutes to the sportsbook in Ohio to place a legal wager starting in January. It’s a topic at LINK we’d like to discuss more on in 2023 and what it will take to bring sports gambling to Kentucky, so be on the lookout for that.

  • Notre Dame volleyball repeat?

Notre Dame Academy won its 10th KHSAA state title in 2022, can they repeat in 2023? With six seniors departed, they’ll have their work cutout as they look to repeat for the first time since 1984, when they three-peated.

  • Football realignment, what takes shape where?

A lot of movement will take place in KHSAA football realignment to be finalized early in 2023. Come fall, a lot of teams in the NKY area will have new district opponents whether they moved up or down in class.

  • A four-peat for Beechwood?
Beechwood players hug after the final kneel down during Friday’s KHSAA Class 2A state championship game versus Mayfield. Brandon Wheeler | LINK nky contributor

The Tigers won their third straight and program’s 18th overall state title this past season. Can they do it again? With a talented bunch back and players that had to step into roles as underclassmen due to injury, Beechwood will again be a serious threat to be the last team standing in Lexington in 2024.

  • Will Michael Mayer be the highest selected NFL Draft pick out of NKY?
Covington Catholic grad Michael Mayer declared for the NFL Draft on Wednesday. The Notre Dame product has the potential to be Northern Kentucky’s highest ever draft pick. File photo | LINK nky

Mayer has a shot in April, rated as the top tight end entering the 2023 NFL Draft. If he’s selected higher than 12th, he’d hold the title. Boone County’s Irv Goode was selected 12th in the 1962 NFL draft by the St. Louis Cardinals.

  • 9th Region Player of the Year race between Evan Ipsaro and Jacob Meyer
Covington Catholic’s Evan Ipsaro jumps in the lane and looks to pass off to a teammate, surrounded by Holy Cross’ Sam Gibson and Javier Ward. Photo by Bob Jackson

Two electric players and two who are going to be in the Mr. Basketball discussion as well. Will either lead their team to Rupp?

  • Can anyone unseat Cooper in the 9th Region girls basketball race?
Cooper’s Damysia Knox (4) drives into the lane as Sacred Heart’s Triniti Ralston defends. Photo by Bob Jackson

The Jaguars are an impressive basketball team and will be tough to beat in region play. With the amount of depth in the girls 9th Region, anything is possible.

  • Dave Faust, Aric Russell approaching NKY all-time wins list

St. Henry boys basketball coach Dave Faust is approaching Ken Shields all-time wins record, Campbell County’s Aric Russell is as well.

  • Will cross country continue its high level of success?
St. Henry senior Dixon Ryan won the Class 1A individual state championship in 16 minutes, 03.83 seconds at the Bourbon County Cross Country Course. St. Henry also claimed the 18th state championship in program history. Photo provided

St. Henry and Villa Madonna finished 1-2 in Class A boys, St. Henry’s Dixon Ryan and Bishop Brossart’s Nathan Ruth finished 1-2 individually in Class A. Beechwood’s girls won the Class A state title, St. Henry and Bishop Brossart making podium finishes. Highlands boys made a podium finish in Class AA, Scott’s girls finishing runner-up while Scott’s Maddie Strong won a state title. Conner’s boys won the Class AAA title, Covington Catholic finishing third while CovCath’s Will Sheets won the Class AAA individual title, Ryle’s Tiger Bartlett third and Conner’s George Johnson fifth.

  • Same goes for track

Bishop Brossart’s girls won the Class A title, Walton-Verona’s boys runner-up, Beechwood fourth in Class A while Highlands boys finished runner up in Class AA.

Got a storyline or two to look after? Feel free to suggest some that we can look into for 2023 and send to: edennison@link.nky.com