Moeller High School 2004-05 Basketball Articles by Archbishop Moeller High School

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Cream of Moeller's crop Brackman heads class of 3 ex-Crusaders at Div. I colleges t nonnally would have been a nondescript basketball practice in the Moeller High School gymnasium, but Crusaders coach Carl Kremer was taken aback by what he saw Dec. 24. Kremer wasn't necessarily surprised that Andrew Brackman and Bubba Walther, two of three current Division I college players who graduated from Moeller last year, showed up to watch and even participate in Moeller's practice. Brackman was home on holiday break from North Carolina State, and Walther was home from Akron. What astonished Kremer was how much bigger and better Brackman had gotten since he won the Enquirer's Player of the Year award last season. .------,-,-,-----, "He and Bubbawere playing a little one-on-one," Kremer said, "and (Brackman) has really become just an incredible Dustin athlete. I'm really not surDow prised; he was just a kid that.got started late." North Carolina State coach Herb Sendek hasn't been shy about touting Brackman to newspapers and radio stations, saying he expects to keep the 6-foot-10, 205-pound forward in the starting lineup - especially after Brackman scored 19 points against West Vrrginia Sunday while N.C. State's best player, Julius Hodge, was on the bench because of a sprained ankle. It was the first start of what apparently will be many.for Brackman. "This was my goal that I set out tO do," said Brackman, who also will pitch this spring for the N.C. State baseball team. "I just accomplished it a little sooner than expected. I'm used to scoring. That's what I did in high school, so it kind of comes natural." Brackman averages 8.8 points for the Wolfpack (10-3) this season, the best output of the Crusaders trio, which also includes Xavier's Josh Duncan. Neither Walther nor Duncan is

The Associated Press/Karl De31aker

Andrew Brackman (left) scored 19 points against West Virginia Sunday in his first collegiate start. Wolfpack coach Herb Sendek says there are more starts ahead for the freshman.

playing up to Brackman's level, but both are productive. Duncan is averaging 6.4 points a game and at times has been Xavier's top 3-point threat. He led the Musketeers in scoring in consecutive games against Mississippi State and Lehigh. There might not be room for him in the starting lineup this season, but the 6-9 Duncan is one of Xavier's most effective reserves because of his versatility. Preparing Duncan for the rigors of the college game was a project for Xavier coaches who are pleased that he eventually understood how intensely he has to play. "It's a combination of all the w:ay back in the summer playing pickup games," Dun-

can said. "As time goes on, you just get used to it, and you realize what you have to do. You have to learn to be physical, because you're going to get bumped around a lot more than you do in high school." Walther, who was told by some recruiters he wasn't big enough for Division I, is averaging 7.5 points for Akron as a backup shooting guard. Walther and Brackman remain close friends and speak by telephone nearly every day. "We always talk about our games and give each other a hard time," Walther said. "He11 tell me about his girlfriend, and I11 tell him about my girlfriend." Walther also tries to watch Xavier and N.C. State games

when they are televised. "I don't get Fox Sports Net, so I have to go over to my teammate's house to watch Josh's games," Walther said. "I've seen Brack play five or six times. Plus, it's kind of neat seeing your best friend on 1V. It kind of makes me mad, though, wondering how we lost last year." Moeller lost to Columbus Brookhaven in an Ohio Division I regional final after winning a state title in 2003. That might have been an unexpected letdown. Since then, expectations for the fonner Moeller players have done nothing but rise. E-mail d4ow~enquirer.com

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THE ENQUIRER

Childress released from UWM letter Âˇ Moeller basketball forward Ryan Childress has been granted his release from the national letter of intent he signed with Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Childress is seeking a new school because Bruce Pearl, the former coach at UWM, resigned to become coach at Tennessee. Childress initially affirmed his commitment to new coach Rob Jeter, then changed his mind. "When Bruce Pearl left, that was a big part of his decision," 'k.4' ... ,..11,..-

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"He likes the new coach and he still hasn't ruled them out, but he's opened up his recruiting again." Kremer said Kent State and Richmond are on Childress' list of schools to visit, with more than a dozen schools already offering him a scholarship. The 6-foot-8 Childress averaged 15.6 points and 8.8 rebounds last season. He was honorable mention all-state and an Enquirer first-teamer. Moeller reached the Division I state Final Four. - Tom Groeschen.

THE ENQUIRER

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Notebook

Pearl leaves for Volunteers; Bogut leaving for the NBA Moe~er's Chil~ress 'f/) q , $""

Enquirer ews services

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. - Bruce Pearl, after leading Wisconsin-Milwaukee on a surpnsing run through the NCAA Tournament, .was introduced Monday as Tennessee's new basketball coach the Volunteers' sixth coach in 16 years. 'This is a dream come true. I feel like I am prepared," Pearl, 45, told a news conference at cavernous Thompson-Boling Arena. Pearl took 12th-seeded Wisconsin-Milwaukee to the round of 16 this year for the first time in the program's 109-year history. Tennessee failed to make the NCAA Tournament in four years under coach Buzz Peterson, who was fired March 13 after a 14-17 season. The Vols' last Tournament appearance was 2001. "I have complete confidence that he will take our program to the next level," university president John Petersen said of Pearl. Tennessee gave Pearl a fiveyear contract and will pay him

keeping commitment to UWM

$800,000 a year, plus bonuses. Pearl made between $275,000 and $300,000 in base salary at Wisconsin-Milwaukee. The Vols also must pay Wisconsin-Milwaukee a $194,000 buyout of Pearl's contract. "I am going to work every day trying to reward you for this decision to make me your next basketball coach," Pearl said, vowing to bring a defense-driven, fast-break "style of play to the SEC that hasn't been seen in a long time." School officials gave Pearl a Tennessee jersey with the No. 14, marking his 14th season as a coach. His career mark is 317-84. • Moeller High senior Ryan Childress said he will keep his commitment to UW-Milwaukee. "(Pearl) called me at 7:30 (Monday) morning as soon as he got the news," Childress said. "When you have great opportunities like that, it's hard to pass up. I'm happy for him. It stinks for me a little because I looked at the college and the coach, too." Childress said he plans to major in business. He was in Chicago for

the Panthers' Sweet 16 loss to lllinois. ' "It was a great atmosphere," Childress said. -

MikeDyer

NBA DRAFT: Andrew Bogut couldn't pass up the opportunity to be the top pick in the NBA draft. The Utah center announced he would forgo his final two years of eligibility to enter the draft, confirmingwhat his coach, teammates and Utes fans have known was coming. "I have no regrets and full-speed ahead," the 7-footerfromAustralia said at a news conference. Bogut, the leading vote-getter on the AP All-America team, averaged 20A points and 12.2 rebounds while leading the Utes to a 29-6 season, which ended with a loss to Kentucky in the regional semifinals of the NCAA Tournament. "I feel the time is right to move on to the next level of basketball," Bogut said. Bogut has hired agent David Bauman of SFX Basketball, making him ineligible to play again in college.

The Associated Press/Wade Payne

University of Tennessee president John Petersen (right) introduces newly named basketball coach Bruce Pearl and Pearl's wife.

Bogut considered leaving after last season, when he was the Mountain West Conference freshman of the year, but a visit to Australia from new Utah coach Ray Giacoletti convinced Bogut to put off the NBA at least another year. Bogut is expected to beat the very least - a lottery pick and possibly the first player chosen overall. He led Utah in scoring and rebounding and is an exceptional ball handler and passer for a big man. Also declaring early for the draft: • Arizona State junior forward Ike Diogu, who averaged 22.6 points per game and 9.8 rebounds. MINNESOTA: James Davis will not play for the team next season, a

decision announced by coach Dan Monson. Davis, a 7-footer from Minneapolis, signed a letter of intent last November. He left his junior college team after an altercation with a teammate and recently was charged with carrying a gun without a pennit- a gross misdemeanor stemming from a traffic stop in the Twin Cities. Police found the gun on the front seat of his car. "I have met with James and we have concluded that he needs next year to meet his academic requirements and sort through his personal affairs," Monson said in a prepared statement released by the school. 'We continue to support James in his endeavors and wish him the best of luck." ·

B4 FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2005

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The •\; . agedsenior 22.7 aver- '1. • ' .. points, 4.6 re- : • 1 bounds and 3.2 assists a , ~· game in leading St X to a -state runner-up finish. He w<:s the Division I co-player of the ye~r. _ L:·

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The senior aver- , aged 19 points, ' 11.2 rebounds, • 2. 7 assists and , 4.7steals.He was third-team , ~ __j all-district ar.d L FAVC Cardinal co-player of the year.

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':.@~·.:-..... The senior aver· a~ed 15.6 points, 8.8 re· bounds and 2.2 assists a game. He was hor.orab!e men- ·--- · t!on all-state, second-team.alldistrict and first team GCL South.

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The senior averaged 21.0 points, 3.9 ass!sts and 1.8 steals. He was honorable menton all-district and first-team GMC.

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ags!l 16.1 points, 5.1 re. ~ . .. bo~n!ls, 2.0 · ' assists and 1.4 steals a game. 1 • 'He was honor- L-.A.. - ~ ab!e mention all-distlict and firstteam Greater Miami Conference.

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The senior averaged 23.9 points, 12.8 rebounds and 3.2 blocks. He was named third-team allstate, first-team all-district and first-team SOPL·Amer.can.

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The junior averaged 20.2 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3. 7 assists per game. He was named secondteam a!l-state, first-team al!-district and GW.C player of tt;e yea~:_j

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He led St x,v,. er to a 21-6 re-· cord ar.d S!Clte runner-up [nish. His teum was rer;ional ch<:mp:on, d's- ... tr:ct <JmJ scct'onal champ!on and GCL South ca-.champs. ~

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The j~n:or average!l13.1 pci~ts. 8.2 rebcur.ds,1.3 stec:s ar.d 2.1 b~ocliS. He was L ho~m-ab!e ment!cn a!!--state, second-team all· distf.ct and first team GW.C.

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The senior av- I .· eraged 12.1 points, 3.1 re' ..... bounds, 3.4 assists and 2.1 steals a game. He was honorable mention all-district and first-team GCL South.

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DIVISION I Aiken - V'f'! ~t.cGivens. Ai'cn Robinson; Amelia -- Er'c M(;cFarl~nd, Jovan ~~ce:ur~. Jay Dare; Anderson - Ju~ian ~'Ji:;,•:;:cn, l;~att Sh'n:;:ctcn; Coler::~ In - Justn Ga'nes, Eusene Ci:f'oro, Er:c Rets~; Elder - Bi;!y O'Conr.er, ~:ar.. lu::<JS, Paul Raterman, Brion Harnr'c~1; Fnlrficld- Adam Ruhl, Kei:Y Beane; Glen Este ~ David Waiker, Hamilton - Jasun r-.,:;:•er. Bi:;y Allen, Sean Dixon, Gal}' Rice; Hnrrison ·· Tcm w.~·ers; Hughes - Yancy Gates; Kings - Mark Bur;;ess, Dou3 ~:otths:·;s, Adam Testerman, Ben Schr.ee; Lakota East·· Ccrda'e Boyd, ~:ck Kohs, Casey Sch'~ns~ler, Lakota West ~ Tcdd Mayb~ny. Dar.e Romero, Matt Karaffa; La Salle ... Mi~e Wieee:e, Kurt \Vieb£11, Matt Wintf:rhalter, Bobby Austin; Lebanon - Josh Shop~~rd; Loveland Tony F:3:ds, Char::e lngstrup, Matt Cripe,

~I The senior aver- ~ag£d 18.6 po:nts, 3.6 rebour.ds, 2.6 assists and 2.2 steals a game. ••• -1<"::.. He was honor1 able mention a 1-distrct and f:rst team Greater Miami Conferer.ce.

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~ ~l~~:r:n. Chris Grar:t; Mason - Jecx Brown, r-r:~e Dm:!ter, Bred Stephens; Middletown Brar.den Etbards, Darius Edwards; Milford - AJ. Sa 1cmo, Aa~n Slusher, Moeller ·Put Watt. Troy TJb:ur, :.~:c.'12~1 Bcr.r.>:tt; Mount Healthy .. Wand !'Iewman; Northwest De~ario P:easant. Anthony Knott; Oak Hills - StEve Pogue; Princeton- Rebert Wa:ker, Ben ~/.cGrath, Je~me Ne:Son, Ryan Ben; St. Xavier- Robby Scr.oenhoft, David Gedeon, Greg Sweeney, Maurice Sca:es; Syc:~moro - Robby P~;ters, David B;;:htar.;er, Talawanda - Chris Zimmerman; Western Hills - Jerrann WM~t. Jarcn Bmcl\S; Wilmington - Denr,ls Nance, D~smor.d Nar.ce; Winton Woods - Maurice 1-l:cGce, Deor.te Ridgeway; Withrow - M~tt Pil[[r'm, Jeff Hicks, Lany Robinson.

3/1 '11 e:5"

Preps: 2 local teams play for titles From1B

Loudonville remained close at first by focusing its defensive pressure on Mayo and Walker while allowing guards Darion Goins and Damon Butler to take wide-open jumpers. But both players hit jumpers at the outset of the second quarter, creating a huge problem for the Redbirds. Wary of them hitting more shots, the defense shaded toward them and that opened up the floor for Mayo. He picked up his first basket on a rebound follow 2 minutes into the second quarter; then followed with a perimeter jumper and a: 3-pointer on the next two trips down the floor. Suddenly the lead grew to 24-13. Mayo's 12-foot jumper in the fmal minute gave the. Trojans a 32-21lead at the half and 11 points in the quarter. In the second half, the Trojans extended their lead to 54-30. From there, the game became a series of highlights, with North College Hill's players trying to outdo each other on no-look passes and slam dunks.

Dan Peck missed a reverse layup with 48 seconds remaining. Tabler was fouled with 21.1 seconds left and hit the first of two shots to narrow the margin to two points, but missed his second with Wolf rebounding. Wolf got the ball over midcourt and threw a long pass to David Gedeon, but he missed the front end of a bonus situation with 11.3 seconds left. Tabler rebounded and weaved in and out of defenders the length of the court. His hard-driving layup with 5 ticks left was too short. MOn1.ER (22-41: Chlld111ss 2·6 2-6 6. Bennett 2-4 2-2 6, Dle!'r!els 5-91-311, Watt1-82-4 4, Tabler3-115-712. Theis().{)().{) 0, Gornel ().{) ().{) 0, Redwine().{)().{) 0, Lynch ().{) ().{) 0. Mallm 1-2 0-0 2. Totals 14-40 12-22 41. ST. XAVIER (21·51: Scales 2·2 ().{) 4,J.Woll7-20 2-3 19, Gedeon 2-4 0-1 6, Sweeney 2-4 2·2 6, SChoenhot\ 1·2 ().{) 2, P9ck 0-2 2·2 2, N.Woll1-2 ().{) 3, Glllor 0-11-2 1. Totals 15-37 7-10 43. Moeller 11 9 10 U-41 St. Xavier 16 8 9 10-43 3i>Ointgoals-Moeler 1-10 (Tabler 1-4,Bennett 0-1, Dlerl<ars 0-1, Watt 0-1, Childress 0-3), St. Xavter 6-16 (WoW 3-8, Gedeon 2·4, WoW 1·1, Sweeney 0·1, Peck 0-21. Fouled out-None. Rebounas-Moeller 26 (Watt 7). St Xavier 26 (Wolf 5). Asslsts-Moeller 8 (Tabler 4), St Xavier 5 (Woll, Schoenhot\, Peck, Wolf, Gibler 1). Fouts-Moeller 15, St. Xavier 16. A-15,810.

NORTH COLLEGE HILL 75, LOUDONVILLE 42 Division Ill state semifinal- Mr. Basketball O.J. Mayo didn't disappoint in his first time on a statewide stage, scoring 21 points and adding nine rebounds and seven assists to lead North College Hill. North College Hill will play Ironton in the finals at 5:15 p.m. today. Ironton beat Archbold 7066 in the other semifinal to remain unbeaten at 26-0. Bill Walker chipped in with 15

JAY LAPRETE/Associated Press

ILoudcmvllle's Matt Rooks tries to dribble past North College Hill's Damon Butler in their Division Ill semif111al game.

points and 11 rebounds for North C<:>llege Hill, most cOining in the second half after everything but the final margin had been determined. Ten players scored and 10

grabbed rebounds for top-ranked North College Hill. Mayo, a 6-6 sophomore, didn't score in the opening quarter as the Trojans barely led 12-9. But things changed quickly.

N. COU£GE HIU 126-11: Wall<er 7-12 1-115, Goins 4-161-2 9, 8uUer3-8 ().{) 7, Mayo 10-150-021. Ells 4-9 0-0 8, Gloverl-1 ().{)3, MurrayO-ll 0-ll 0, Parl<s 1-2 0-12, Home 0-1 ().{) o, Jenkins().{) 0-ll o, Leary 1-10-0 2, VICtorian 1·2 0-0 2. Evan& 3-3 0-0 6. Totals 35-70 2-4 75. LOUDONVILLE (22-41: Reeder 0-4 ().{) 0, Coey 0-3 2-2 2, T.SCOtt3-17 0-ll 9, Rooks 2-6 0-04, Glette 10-18 7-10 27, Strong().{)().{) 0, Nickles 0-1 ().{) 0, Anl19YO-O 0-0 0, Spreng 0-0 ().{) 0, LSCotl 0-1 ().{) 0, DanaiS ().{) ().{) 0, Orchard 0-1 ().{) 0. Totals 15-519-12 42. N. CoHege Hill 12 20 20 23-75 Loudonville 9 12 9 12-42 3-Point goals-N. College Hill 3-17 (Glover 1-1. Mayo H. SuUer 1-5, Walker 0-1, Goins 0-6.), Loudonville 3-16 (SCott 3-9, Coey 0-1. Nickles 0-1, Rooks 0-2, Reeder 0-3.). Fouled out-Ellis. Rebounds-N. Colletle Hll42 (Wall<er 11), Loudonville 32 (Giette 19). Asslsts-N. CoJeie Hll17 (Mayo, Sutler 7), Loudonville 10 (Rooks 3). Total roUis-N. College Hill 12, Loudon>11e 5. A-14,631.

Division I notebook

Plenty on hand to watch GCL battle 3/11/6S

By Alex Blumer

Enquirer contributor

COLUMBUS - One of the many in attendance for St. Xavier's 43-41 victory over Moeller at Value City Arena Friday was Hamilton coach Larry Allen, whose Big Blue won the state title last season. ''You don't realize how lucky you are when you win state," said Allen, whose quest for a repeat was derailed by injuries. "But good teams make their own breaks, and both of these guys have done a great job (of that)." Allen has attended every state tournament since 1970, when he was a player for Hamilton Taft. The only game Allen could compare to Friday's high-profile matchup was the 1992 state final between the old Lakota High School, led by Keith Gregor (Cin-

This year ' Hamilton coach Allen is tion . "Theof this w~ole week, th~ anticipagame has JUSt been .r if" } t h outstanding," said Moeller athletSpeCtatOr 10r Seffi Ina ffia C Up what icdirectorBarryBorman. "Thisis high school athletics is all cinnati) andJ.B. Reafsnyder (Syracuse), and Lima, led by Greg Simpson (Ohio State). Lakota pulled out an 88-86 victory in overtime. Though complimentary of a number of players for both sides, Allen reserved special praise for St. X's Johnny Wolf. "He's a great kid and a great player," Allen said of Wolf, who plays AAU summer basketball with Allen's son Billy. "I'm rooting for both teams, but he's kind of a sentimental favorite for me." Despite the absence of a Greater Miami Conference state representative this year, there was no bitterness from Allen about the all-Greater Catholic league

matchup. "I'm really happy for both coaches," said Allen. "I don't care who they are, I just want the Southwest (district) to do well." HOT TICKET: As fans might expect for such an anticipated game, both schools requested more tickets to meet excessive demand. St. Xavier sold 2,300 tickets, while Moeller 3,500. The Crusaders seemed to have more fan support, with pockets of yellow-wearing spectators stretching from the student section into the upper deck. The two schools differed in their game week preparation as well.

about." Moeller even went as far as distributing yellow-and-blue Afro wigs to its student section. Although St. X was more subtle during the week, its crowd was just as vocal Friday night. "We've tried to keep it just like any other Friday night GCL game," said St. Xavier athletic director]ohn Sullivan. Both athletic directors echoed the mutual respect between the two programs. "Knowing the fact that a team from our league, whether that's us or St. X, is going to be playing in the state championship game, that's really special," Borman said.

SATURDAY, MARCH 19, 2005 Cl7

Stat of the day 27: Times Canton McKinley, Ohio's winningest program with 1,686 victories, has reached the state Rna! Four. Canton McKinley beat Mansfield Senior 73-61 Friday to reach today's Division I title game. McKinley has won state only once, in 1984.

Division 1: St Xavier 43, Moeller 41.

The Enquirer/Steven M. Herppich

Moeller's Pat Watt hangs his head as St. Xavier's players celebrate after beating the Crusaders.

Wolf carries St. X to final Sr. scores team's finall7 points By Tom Groeschen E1zqztirer staff u·ritrr

Wolf hit three 3-pointers in his scoring barrage, made a twisting jumper from short range, and hit some layins. All the while, he battled through Moeller double-teams and did much of the ballhandling. He also had a team-high five rebounds. He shot just 7-for-20 overall, but was 6-of-12 after halftime. "I wanted the ball," Wolf said. "I usually get it going in the second half." Moeller coach Carl Kremer said Wolf was the difference. "Johnny's the kind of kid, he's going to take it over in the second half," Kremer said. "He's just a special player." Tabler led Moeller (22-4) with 12 points and 6-foot-8 senior forward Tyler Dierkers had 11. Moeller's usual scoring leader, 6-8 senior center Ryan Childress, averaging 16.4 points per game, got in early foul trouble and was limited to six points. He played just 18 minutes. St. Xavier coach Scott Martin, whoseteamwasrankedNo.1in the Enquirer Division I preseason area coaches' poll, said his team's tough schedule helped put it in the final. "Our guys all year have stepped up to the challenges," Martin said. Moeller and St. X staged an expectedly brutal, physical game that resulted in low shooting percentages by each team. Moeller shot 35 percent and St. Xavier 40.5 percent. Tonight's game will be televised live by the Ohio News Network (ONN), which is available in most of Cincinnati on Tune Warner digital cable channel 105, a premium service. The game is not scheduled to be on Cincinnati radio.

COWMBUS - St. Xavier senior guardJohnnyWolfstaged one of the most phenomenal performances in Ohio boys' basketball state tournament history here Friday. Wolf scored St. Xavier's final17 points, lifting the Bombers to a thrilling 43-41 win over Greater Catholic League South archrival Moeller in a Division I state semifinal game. Attendance was 15,810 at Ohio State's Value City Arena, which seats 19,197. "I definitely felt I had to take over," said Wolf. "''m a captain, it's my senior year, and I wanted to get us to the finals. I was feeling it." St. Xavier (21-5) advances to a state final at 8:30 p.m. today vs. No. 1-ranked Canton McKinley (25-1), which beat Mansfield Senior 73-61 Friday. St. X seeks its second state title; it won the championship in 2000. Wolf, the Ohio Division I co-player of the year, totaled 19 points after getting just two in the first half. He scored 17 of the Bombers' 19 second-half points, pulled two key rebounds in the closing seconds, and partially blocked a potential gametying shot with three seconds left. Moeller sophomore guard Troy Tabler came up short on a driving layup- slightly blocked by Wolfthat might have tied it, and Wolf rebounded and was fouled. He missed the ensuing front end of a oneand-one situation and Moeller rebounded, but a midcourt desperation heave by Pat Watt was well off at the buzzer. St. Xforward RobbySchoenhoft, Email tgroeschen@enquirer. com who won two of the Bombers' previChildress 2 2 6. Bennett2 2 6, Oielkers ous three tournament games with 5l !1-(22-41Watt 12 4. Tabler 3 512. Ma1;n I 0 2. Totals; 1412 41. SLXavler(21·51-Scales Wolf7219, Gedeon 2 last-second shots, said his team 0 G.S•·eeney2 26, ScMenhoftl204,J. 02. Pec~02 2, N. Wo~l 0 rode its horse in Wolf. 3. G.oler 0 II. Totals: 15 7 43. Moeller 11 9 10 11 -41 "Once Johnny gets sparked, SL Xavier - - - 16 8 9 10-43 there's no stopping him," Schoenhoft said.

Wolf's epic show too ~uch for Moeller .J /I, s:Âˇ' ~

Enquirer staff eports

The Enquirer/Steven M. Herppich

Johnny Wolf scored only two points in the first half, then scored the Bombers' final17.

Judging by their two regularseason meetings, Friday's St. Xavier-Moeller basketball state semifinal :figured to be some game. And it was. Ohio co-player of the year Johnny Wolf scored St. Xavier's final17 points and the Bombers held on for a 43-41 victory over Greater Catholic League rival Moeller at Ohio State's Value City Arena. Wolfs incredible performance before a crowd of 15,810 put St. Xavier into today's 8:30 p.m. Division I championship game against Canton McKinley, the

state's top-ranked team. "I definitely felt I had to take over," Wolf said. "I'm a captain and it's my senior year. I definitely wanted to get to the finals." St. Xavier (21-5) was 13th in the final state poll. Friday's St. X-Moeller meeting was the first time two Cincinnati schools had met at state. St. X and Moeller split their two regular-season games and shared the GCL South title. Moeller was making its third trip to state, having won championships on both previous appearances, in 1999 and 2003. St. Xwon the 2000 title by beating Bedford in the final. Coverage, C17

JAY LAPRETE/Associated Press

St. Xavier's Maurice Scales drives to !he basket against Moeller's Michael Bennett.

St. X beats Moeller NCH also tries for a title today From Post news services

COLUMBUS- Johnny Wolf scored 19 points - including every one of St. Xavier's 10 points in the fourth qua.-ter- to lead the Bombers over Moeller 43-41 in an emotion-charged Division I state semifinal between two Greater Catholic League teams Friday night. The 13th-ranked Bombers move on to meet on top-ranked Canton McKinley, a 73-61 winner over Mansfield Senior in the other semifmal, for the championship. Tipoff is 8:30 tonight at Value City Arena. Wolf could have sealed the outcome with :.t8 seconds left when, after a hard foul by Moeller's Ryan Childress, he went to the line. Referees stepped in to pull Childress away from Wolf after the play. Wolf, however, missed the first free throw. Patrick Watt's desperation 3-point attempt from 65 feet was wide of the mark, touching off a wild celebration by the Bombers. St. X won despite not scoring over the final 3:41. Moeller put up the game's final seven points. Troy Tabler, son offormer majorleaguer Pat Tabler, scored 12 points but missed a driving layup with 5 seconds left that would have tied it. Tyler Dierkers added 11 points for the No.6 Crusaders. Moeller broke out to a 9-4lead only to have L.'le Bombers run off the next nine points as Greg Sweeney scored four points, David Gedeon hit a 3-pointer and Robby Schoenhoft scored on a short jumper. The Bombers maintained the lead the rest of the way, responding with a bucket of their own whenever the Crusaders pieced together a rally. Wolfs highlight-reel play of the night was a drive from the left side. Confronted with a defender, he pumped while hanging in the air and then spun the ball in left-handed off the glass with 4:36 left. That gave St. X a seemingly insurmountable 43-34 lead, its largest of the night. But Moeller applied vise-like fullcourt prÂˇessure and the game suddenly got more physical. Two free throws by Childress, who had been dogged by foul trouble all night, and a layup by Watt off an assist by Childress cut the lead to 43-38 with 2:34 to go. Tabler hit a pair of foul shots with 2:16 left to cut it to 43-40. After the teams traded turnovers and St. X took some time off the clock, guard See PREPS on 58

High school notebook

Wolf, Tabler named to .state all-tourney team The Associated Press

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COWMBUS - St. Xavier's Johnny Wolf and Moeller's Troy Tabler were named to the Associated Press Division I boys' all-tournament team. Raymar Morgan, who saved his best for last for state champion Carr ton McKinley, was named most outstanding player. Morgan, a 6-foot-7 junior, had 18 points, two assists and six rebmmds - and hit three huge free throws in the final minute - as the top-ranked Bulldogs beat St. Xavier 5142 in Saturday's title game. Morgan also had nine points, seven rebounds and four assists in a semifinal victory over Mansfield Senior. Joining him on the division's alltournament team are: teammate Todd Brown (26 points, 13 rebounds in two games); Wolf (44 points, five assists, six rebounds in two games); Mansfield Senior'sJonAvery (6-for~ from the field and 12 points in a semifinal loss); and Tabler (12 points, four assists, four rebounds) in a semi1ina1 defeat POl1 POWER: For a change, the poll voters knpu.r the hl>st team-: ~

The Enquirer/Steven M. Herppich

St. Xavier's Johnny Wolf totaled 44 points in two games at the Division I state tournament.

weeks early. For the first time, the teams tabbed as No. 1 in the final AP regular-season polls backed up their status by capturing state tournament titles. Canton McKinley in Division L Upper Sandusky in Division II, North College Hill in Division ill and Columbus Africentric in Division N all won crowns Saturday at Value City Arena

Moeller, St. X vie in state â&#x20AC;˘ seiDis ;J(t"{lo!"' By Carey 'Hoffman

Enquirer contributor

For the first time, three Hamilton County teams this week will be heading north in the same year to chase a state title at the Ohio boys' basketball state tournament. Friday will be a day like none other in Cincinnati basketball history. At 10:45 a.m., top-ranked North College Hill (2!}.1) will try to take the final step toward the Division III state title game when it plays Loudonville (22-3) in a state semifinal. Then, in the last game of the day at Ohio State's Value City Arena, Greater Catholic League rivals Moeller (22-3) and St. Xavier (20.5) will meet at 8:30 p.m. for one of the berths in the Division I state final. The pairing of Moeller and St. X guarantees a Cincinnatiarea team will play for the Division I state championship for a seventh straight year. "You knew it was possible, obviously, when we ended up in the sectional that would send us to Columbus (for regionals), but you're so focused always on just your next game," Moeller coach Carl Kremer said of the matchup. "A couple of games ago people started asking me about it, and now it's happened. I'm really happy for our league and I think it will be a great moment for Cincinnati basketball." Moeller is in the state tournament for the third time in six years, having won state titles in 1999 and 2003 on its two previous trips to Columbus. St. Xavier was last in the state tourney in 2000, when the Bombers also won the state championship. North College Hill returns to the state tournament for only the second time in history, Having made the trip in 1989, when the Trojans lost in the title game in double overtime to Akron Hoban.

THE ENQUIRER

THURSDAY, MARCH 17, 2005 83

SPORTS

Moeller again has big men on campus By Alex Blumer Enquirer contributor

Greg Loring for the Enquirer

Ryan Childress is the more celebrated of the Moeller big men as an honorable mention allstate selection this season.

Graduating a 1rio of players the caliber of former Moeller standouts Josh Duncan, Andrew Brackman, and Bubba Walther would equal a rebuilding year for most schools. But as the Crusaders' march to this weekend's Division I state tournament attests, most programs don't have talent like Ryan Childress and Tyler Dierkers waiting in the wings, either. The 6-foot-8 tandem of Childress and Dierkers will be looking to add their own chapter to Moeller's bigman legacy when the Crusaders (22-3), sixth in the state AP poll, take on Greater Catholic League South archrival and No. 13 St. Xavier in Friday's 8:30p.m. state semifinal at Columbus' Value City Arena. Brackman (North Carolina

State), Duncan (Xavier) and Walther (Akron) powered Moeller to a state title in 2003 and the regional final last year. Six-foot-7 Matt Sylvester, now at Ohio State, helped the Crusaders win in 1999. "Any time you win a state title, everybody remembers the seniors who led it, and we're trying to do the same thing," said Dierkers, who will play at Miami next season. Even though Dierkers and Childress (Wisconsin-Milwaukee) are Division I signees, the Crusaders were picked third in the Enquirer preseason coaches' poll, a far cry from the attention lavished on last season's nationally ranked group. 'This year, we took nothing for granted," said Dierkers. "We took the approach we've got to work for everything. We got back to basics." "It's kind of allowed us to develop at the right pace," said Moeller

head coach Carl Kremer. 'That was a little more difficult last year; not because we had guys who didn't want to play team ball, but just that we had so many great scorers." This year's team one-upped last season's star-studded lineup by routing Columbus Brookhaven 5639 in the regional final. The Bearcats foiled Moeller's hopes of a state title repeat with a 52-48 upset in the same round a year ago. Though Childress has gotten more of the attention, making honorable mention all-state, Dierkers' play has beenacrucialpartofMoeller's postseason success. In the Brookhaven win, Dierkers limited Jamelle Comley, the Division I co-player of the year, to nine points. Dierkers also held Withrow standout Chris Knight to eight points in the dis1rict final. "It's unfortunate he hasn't really

been recognized," Kremer said of Dierkers, who was dis1rict honorable mention despite finishing in the GCL South's top four in points, rebounds and assists. "He makes his teammates better." Childress and Dierkers combined for 32 points and 11 rebounds in a season-ending 59-49 victory over St. X that tied them with the Bombers for the GCLSouth crown. It's the fourth time in the last five seasons Moeller has won at least a share of the title. As highly anticipated as Friday's game is, experience has taught the Crusaders to focus on the moment, not the opponent. "As sophomores, we saw what it took to win state," said Childress of himself, Dierkers and fellow senior Pat Watt. "We want to leave our mark, and we've got two more games to do it."

Mike Simons for the Enquirer

Tyler Dlerkers combined with Childress for 32 points and l l rebounds in the season-ending game against St. Xavier.

Division I boys

Moeller wins regional again By Todd Bonds Enquirer contributor

COLUMBUS The Moeller Crusaders are Division I regional champions for the second time in three years, running away from Columbus Brookhaven 5639 Saturday. The victory earned the Crusaders a third date with Greater Catholic League rival St Xavier at 8:30 p.m. Friday at Value City Arena in the state semifinals. The game started with a bucket from Bearcats senior forward]amelle Comley, arguably the best player in the Columbus area. Then, as Moeller was setting up its offense, Comley was called for an off-the-ball foul against Ryan Childress. On the next play, Comley and Childress were called foradoublefoulastheywere trying to establish position in the post. The second foul forced Comley to sit for the remainder of the half. "(Comley) lives off intimidation," said Childress. "We'll take the best shot from anyone. We're not intimidated by anyone." Moeller negotiated the physical play by Brookhaven and took a 16-15 lead with 2:13 remaining in the first half and wouldn't trail again. Moeller led 21-15 at the half after junior Michael Bennett hit' a jumper at the buzzer to end the half. The game continued to swing into Moeller's favor as the second half started. The Crusaders got easy l.ilyups from Pat Watt and

Moeller, St. X had season split Moeller and St. Xavier won their respective home games during the regular season. On Feb. 14 Moeller defeated St. Xavier 59-49 on Senior Night to claim a share of the GCL South championship with St. Xavier. Senior forwards Ryan Childress scored 19 points and had six rebounds while Tyler Dierkers had 13 points and five rebounds. St. Xavier senior guard Johhny Wolf scored 18 points on 8-of-16 shooting. The first meeting of the season, Jan. 14, the Bombers defeated Moeller 59-46. Childress served the first game of a two-game suspension after receiving two technicals at Cleveland St. Ignatius. Wolf scored 29 points and St. X limited Moeller to 25 percent shooting (15-of-60).

Troy Tabler after breaking the Bearcats' press. "I thought the key to the game for us was being able to handle their pressure," said Moeller coach Carl Kremer. Moeller's defense began to take its toll early in the fourth quarter. The Bearcats shot only 26 percent for the game. "I like how our team is playing," Kremer said. "I thought this region would be a good region on the way up to state." Moeller (22Âˇ31 -Childress 7 418, Bennett 3 39, Dierkers 5 212, Watt317, Tabler113, Martin 3 0 6. Totals: 22 12 56. Brookhaven (21-41- Young 10 2, Campbell 10 2, Comley 3 3 9, Cumberland 215, Swann 4 3 11, Fountain 2 0 6, Robinson 114. Totals: 14 8 39.

Moeller .............._ ..__.. 8 13 15 20 -56

Brookhaven --Âˇ--....- - 9 6 9 15 -39 ,3-pointers: CB 3 (Robinson, Fountain 2.)

311&7{~

GEORGE SCHUTIE/STAFF

Going to state Moeller High School's Tyler Dierkers squares up before shooting in the Crusader's 56Â·39 win over Columbus Brookhaven. For more coverage, see our sports page on A12.

It's March Madness, high school-style Division 1: Sl Xavier vs. Moeller

GCL showdown, Part III Winner will play for state title By Carey Hoffman Enquinr rrmtn"lmtor

The ground rules for tonight's l'vloeller-St Xavier state semifinal arc simple: FirSt one to 59 v..ins. That wa.<> the winner's point total in the teams' first two games tllis season, whlch the Greater Catholic League rivals split But whether anyone will even approach that total today at Ohlo State's Value City Arena at 8:30p.m., with a trip to the Division I state title game on the line, is hlghly question· able. "Because both teams are so fa. miliar with each other. it's going to be a grind to get a basket at any time,~ St X coach Scott Martin said. "I would tend to agree with that," adds Moeller coach Carl Kremer. "I think every basket in tllis game \'iill be hotly contested. I look for it to be a tight game from beginning to end." The unknown factors in tonight's game are the setting and the stakes that are on the line. Otherwise, it's hard to imagine a tournament meetin!{ betwcm two teams that know each other any bet· ter than these two. ::vloellcr comes in with a 22·3 re· cord, St X at 20-5. Some of the players have compet· ed against each other since pee-wee ball in both football and basketball. They play together in the summers. They've also played at least twice a year in GCLplay, with tllis being the thlrd occasion since Martin became St Xcoach 10 years ago that the two rivals have met in tournament play.

The last time was three years ago, when the current seniors were freshmen, and :\-1oeller won by one point in the sectional final. Moeller also beat St X in the tournament in 1999. 1bis year, St Xwon at home over Moellt>r 5946 on Jan. 15. But Moeller's leading scorer, 6-foot-8 Ryan Chlldress, was suspended and didn't play. With Chlldress back on the court and contributing 19 points and 10 rebounds, Moeller won the rt>turn game in its home gym 59-49 Feb.l2. One personnel factor that could make tllis game different is the return to health of 6-6 St Xsenior Kyle Giblt>r. He played limited minutes in the second game but is back to full health now after breaking hls foot playing tight end during football season. In St X's tournament upset of Ohio's No. 2-ranked Division I team, Springfield South, Gibler had B points and 10 rebounds. He gives Martin another option, along with 6-7 Greg Swt>eney and 6-6 Robby Schocnhoft, in trying to match up physically v.ith Moeller's two 6-8 seniors, Chlldn·ss (16.4 points per game) and Tyler Dierkers (12.7 ppg). "Hopefully, Kyle can help us out on the boards," Martin says. "I think that's really Moeller's strength, their rebounding. They control the boards and that makes it tough to win games against them." If the inside game becomes more even, that could place more of a demand on Moeller sophomore Troy Tabler. St X star guard Johnny Wolf

6 The Enquirer/Steven M. Herppich

Maurice Scales and his St. X teammates split two regular-season games with Moeller and shared the GCL South title.

(22.7 ppg) has shown the ability to score against Moeller in each of the first two games, with 29 and 18 points, respectively. Tabler is Moeller's best perimeter threat Moeller's sparkplug, 5-10 senior Pat Watt, has been the primary defender matched upwiththe6-3Wolf the first two games. "He's done a really good job on hlm," Martin says of Watt 'They've tried to crowd Johnny with a lot of

players and it's really made it hard for hlm to get touches." Regardless of how it plays out, one of these Cincinnati powers will advance to Saturday's state title game, whlch will tip off less than 24 hours after Friday's late semifinal concludes. Given how intense and physical the Moeller·St X semifinal is likely to be, that will present its own set of challenges.

A18 Wednesday, March 16, 2005 Community Journal North Clermont

BRIEFLY Kid Glove Game The Kid Glove Game program has announced that it still has several thousand ticket vouchers available for this year's four Kid Glove Games. Ticket vouchers cost $8 each and can be exchanged for a View Level Seat (a $12 value) at Great American Ball Park for the following four games: • Monday, May 9, Reds vs. Padres, 7:10p.m. • Tuesday, May 10, Reds vs. Padres, 7:10p.m. • Monday, May 23, Reds vs. Nationals, 7:10p.m. · • Thursday, May 26, Reds vs. Pirates, 7:10p.m. Any local amateur youth baseball and/or softball program can get involved in the Kid Glove Game program. For every voucher that a team and/or organization sells, it receives the identical amount back in equipment for the 2006 season. Individuals also are eligible to purchase ticket vouchers for the games. The Kid Glove Game r;>rogram is in its 57th year of helping kids play baseball and softball in the Cincinnati area. For more information, call Paul Kramer at 859-3846195.

Bassmasters The Southem Ohio Bassmasters fishing club is looking for new members. The club fishes lakes across the Tri-state area, and has meetings the first Sunday of each .....,I"'\ nth

SPORTS &

George Schutte Community Sports Editor 248-7570

Moeller and St. Xavier ·meet for rubber match By George Schutte Sports Editor COLUMBUS - For the third time in as many years Moeller played Columbus Brookhaven in a postseason game in Columbus. For the second time Moeller was victorious, walking away with a56-39win. "We've kind of developed a rivalry with them," Moeller head coach Carl Kremer said. "Every game we've met them has had such importance." This year and last year the teams met in the regional finals. In 2003 they squared off for a state title. "The loss to them last year was in the back of our minds," Tyler Dierkers said. "In the first half it was uglY, but in the second they increased their pressure and we were able to get some easy baskets and run away with it We didn't play on our heals and I <,lon't think anyone has played that way against them." The loss was the first in 32 games for Brookhaven at the Columbus Fairgrounds Coliseum. "I think we played good defense and my assistant coaches did a good job in coming up with a game plan to limit their touches inside," Kremer said. "In the third quarter we started to play and got a workable lead." Brookhaven was a team· that thrived on physical play. SCHUTTE/STAFF "I think our guys Pat Watt, Moeller's Ryan Childress sets up for a basket in GEORGE the paint against Dierkers and Ryan Childress did a Brookhaven. tremendous job standing up to

them physically," Kremer said. One of the keys was stopping Brookhaven leading scorer Jamelle Comley. "I thought Ryan stepped up to Comley," Kremer said. "He's been the heart the heart and sould of their program for four years." Next up for the Crusaders is a rubber match with Greater Catholic League rival St. Xavier in the state semifinal. The two teams split their regular season games and tied for the league title. "That's all I'm hearing about wherever I go," Kremer said. "I think this is another shining moment in the proud tradition of our league to have two teams in the state final four. "While I don't think it's unprecedented, it is a rarity and we're honored to be a part of it." St. X head coach Scott Martin, too, is trying to avoid the hype of the league rivalry. "You've just got another great team to play," Martin said. "Our guys have played Springfield South and Troy and then Centerville. There are no easy games now. "Every team is really good. You've just got to play and play your best game if you want to advance." The Bombers beat Moeller, 5946, Jan. 14. The Crusaders returned the favor, 59-49, Feb. 11 on their Senior Night. When they meet, there will be no surprises for either team.

"I like our chances," Dierkers said. "It's going to be a crazy atmosphere and it will come down to whoever executes better and is able to contain their emotion. "No matter who we would've played, being in the final four you go in and play your best. With St. X the emotion spills out. We know them and they know us." The Crusaders feature one of the state's best frontcourt tandems in Ryan Childress and JYler Dierkers. "The big thing is we're going to have to control their big men," said St. Xavier's leading scorer Johnny Wolf. "Their big men are real good. Tha.t's their team right there. That's where it all starts." Wolf leads St. X with 22.7 points a game. "Wolf along with Dan Peck and Robby Schoenhoft have been on varsity since their sophomore years and I think they were counted on to get here," Kremer said. "We have good players too, that might have floated under the radar because of the big-name guys from last year." Moeller and St. Xavier square off at 8:30p.m. Friday, March 18, at Ohio State's Schottenstein Center. The winner advances to the state finals to play either Mansfield Senior or Canton McKinley at 8:30p.m., Saturday, March 19. "Right now I'm 4-2 against them on varsity," Dierkers said. "Hopefully I can make it 5-2." gschutte@communitypress.com

248-7570

THE ENQUIRER

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Division 1: Moeller 76, Galloway Westland 73

'Barnstorming' Crusaders erase some bad memories By Tom Groeschen Enquirer staff writer

COLUMBUS - Moeller returned to its Bad News Bam here Wednesday night, and this time the Crusaders went home smiling. The Crusaders won a 76-73 thriller over Galloway Westland in a Division I regional semifinal game at Ohio Expo Center Coliseum, which is nicknamed 'The Bam." The venerable old arena, located on the Ohio State Fairgrounds property, was the site of Moeller's stunning upset loss to Columbus Brookhaven in last year's regional final. ''We wanted to exorcise some demons," said Moeller senior forward Tyler Dierkers. ''We haven't done it yet, because the next one is the big one. Hopefully that gets us to the promised land." Moeller (21-3) advances to play either Brookhaven (20-4) or another Columbus team, Mifflin (17-4), in the regional final at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Fairgrounds. Brookhaven and Mifflin meet tonight, and Saturday's winner goes to the state Final Four at Value City Arena. Moeller, the 2003 state champion, has earned its third straight regional final berth. The '04 team was favored to repeat as state champion, but then came Brookhaven. The '05 team was ranked sixth in this year's final Associated Press state poll. Galloway Westland, a Columbus area team, was unranked by theAP. Moeller faced an athletic Westland team that tried to get the Crusaders into a freewheeling, fullcourt offensive game. That isn't exactly Moeller's style, as the Crusaders hail from the physical, defensive-minded Greater Catholic League South. ''We knew they were explosive," Moeller coach Carl Kremer said. "It was the toughest team we had to guard all year." Moeller won with its superior height, timely offense and just

fl, The Columbus Dispatch/Tim Revell

Moeller's Patrick Watt (24) and Patrick Redwine pressure Caleb Bostic during Wednesday's regional semifinal in Columbus.

enough defense. Moeller outshot the Cougars 54.3 percent to 43.3 percent and blocked seven shots. Moeller's 6-foot-8 stars, Ryan Childress and Dierkers, were too strong for a Westland team whose tallest players were two 6-5 seniors. Childress had 21 points, 15 rebounds and four blocked shots. Dierkers had 13 points, five assists, four rebounds and three blocks. Moeller again played without junior Andrew Gomez, its regular point guard. Gomez broke his left thumb (non-shooting hand) in a Feb. 28 sectional title win over Wmton Woods, and he missed last Saturday's district win over Withrow. Gomez might play Saturday, Kremer said. Moeller led 16-6 early, fell behind 20.19, then never trailed again.

Moeller was up 69-60 with a minute left, but Westland hit three straight 3-pointers to creep within 72-69 with 12 seconds left. Childress hit two foul shots with 11 seconds left to make it 74-69, and Michael Bennett made two more with four seconds left to make it 76-71. Bam or no Bam, Brookhaven or no Brookhaven, Moeller likes its chances Saturday. ''We're really gaining confidence now," Kremer said. Moeller (21·3) - Childress 5 11 21, Bennett 4 2 12. Dierkers 6 0 13, Watt 4 4 13, Tabler 3 3 11, P. Redwine 2 0 4, Maron 1 0 2. Totals: 25 20 76. Galloway Westland (21-4)- Cuccio 50 15, Rutan 7 217. J. Bostic 8 4 23, Patnck 6 618, c. Bost1c 0 0 0. Totals: 26 12 73. Moeller •••••••••••••••••••••••••• 18 14 19 25 -76 Wesltand •••••••••••••••••••••• 14 11 20 28 -73 3-pointers: M 6 (Tabler 2, Bennett 2, D1er1<ers, Watt), GW 9 (Cuccio 5, J. Bostic 3, Rutan).

E-mail tgroeschen@enquirer. com

~ol( Divi_si~n J

CrUsaders advance to regionals for 3rd straight time By Tom Groescben f~'nqu1 r1•r ~taft

u·rltl r

DAYTON - Moeller and Withrow dasht-d in a breathtaking array 'Jf haskl:'tball talent here Saturday, with four nf tlu: dty's top-six ranked "eniors r1n display. Inlht l·:~d, ~lut'llermadethe biggest play~ and contained Withrow's biggl'sf ~tar for a 60-52 Division I district ba~kdball championship victory at University of Dayton Arena. Moelh advancr-s to the regional semifinals and will play either Galloway Wl:'stland or Thomas Wor!hington at Columbus' Farrgrmnds Coliseum at 7 p.m. Wl'dnt'sday. "\\"(' wantl'd to hold them in the :;()s," Modkr ciJach Carl Kremer said of Withrow. 1bey've been scoring oVt"r liD points on most people. It wa..-; all prffiicated on our defense. and it was a team effort." Mot'llt'r (20.3) was led by its big @n~. 1>-foot-8 senior forward Ryan Childn'ss (20 points, six rebounds) :md ~~ senior forward Tyler Dierkt-rs (13 points, four rebounds). Sophomore guard Troy Tabler had 11 points and six rebounds. Defensively, Dierkers guarded Withrow star Chris Knight most of

for you," Gentry said. "Moeller did a good job with all thal" Moeller also got big efforts from senior guard Pat Watt (seven points, six rebounds, five assists, four steals) and junior guard Michael Bennett (seven points, two assists, two steals). Moeller led all the way except for an early 6-6 tie and was ahead by as much as nine points late-in the third quarter. Withrow twice rallied to within one point, the last time at 4443 with 5:20 left. But with Childress scoring 10 of Moeller's next 12 points, the Crusaders rolled out to a 5649 lead with 1:05 left. Withrow chopped it to 56-52 on Grep, Lonn& for the Enqu1rur two foul shots by Jeff Hicks with 49.9 seconds left, but Moeller's BenMoeller players celebrate as they accept the trophy following their nett made four straight free throws win over Withrow in the Division I district championship game. in the final33.6 seconds to ice il the game. The 6-6 Knight, a senior respectively. It will be Moeller's third straight forward, was held to eight points on Withrow coach Steye Gentry, regional appearance. The Crusad4-of-9 shooting. He was averaging whose team was averaging 75 ers won the 2003 state title and were 23 points a game. points a game, credited Moeller's regional runner-up in 2004. Withrow (1.94) was led this sea- defense and hustle. Moeller had 119-41- Kn•~4 08. tl.o8<1de20 5, Rob:n:;on 4 son by Knight and Matt Pilgrim, a nine steals to Withrow's three. 4 14.Willnw H:d<> 3 19. ti.::Cc· '' 113. Lo'~ 0 II, P: ;;'C"t 52 12 y~·~ 199 52. 6-7 senior forward. Those two were Moeller also won the rebounding Mooler 1~31- C!\.!are;s 6 1 20. Benoett 14 7, D<erl<.t:!S Cincinnati's top-ranked seniors this stats 32-29. 6013. Wott30 7. Tab!er4 0 II, tl-'l:t.n 10 2. Tot.:l~ 211100 W1111111W - - - 12 8 15 17 -52 preseason by Hoop Scoop recruit"Loose balls, rebounding, the litMoeller - - - 13 12 17 18 ...fO ing service, with Moeller's Dierkers tle things we'd been doing all year 3-po ::'.ciS: w5 (ROO =n 2. Hcks 2, tl.oBO<Je). M 1 (Tob'or 3. and Childress ranked Nos. 4 and 6, ... those things are what win games C!\ :.!=. Bc•oc:t. O.t1<c!S. W:!l).

Troy 56, Colerain 38 Colerain's surprising postseason run ended with a 56-38 district championship loss to Troy on Saturday, in the second of five Division I district games at UD Arena. , Colerain (11-12) stunned No. 1 ' sectional seed lakota East in its first tournament game, then followed with another upset of No.11 seed Elder in the sectional final. Saturday, Colerain fell behind 9-0 and could not catch up. The Cardinals shot just 29.2 percent from the floor (14-of-48). "We got the looks we wanted, but the shots just wouldn't go down," Colerain coach Jason Adkins said. Colerain was led by sophomore forward Eugene Clifford with 13 points. Senior guard Dominick Goodman, who earlier this season topped 1,000 career points, scored 11 Saturday in his final game. Colonln 111·12) - Goodmon 4 3 II, C!c!lo!d 5 3 13, ~·.oo:.OII. Reese 113. G:: :1eS318,Coo:r.t:s 102. To:n's: 14 938 T..., 114-9)- Ho:i 9 2 20, Caltfr 50 II, Rawc1S 2 0 5, W=! 20 5, Beoty204. B<d12 05, A!C><Mdcf204. CaiterO 2 2. Tota:s: 24 4 56 Colenln - - 4 10 12 12 -38 r..., _____ 14 13 8 21 -56 3-po."'.!!!S· C I (G:: "::;). T 4 (Celtfr,lbwe:s. W.='· Btr.Jl)

THE ENQUIRER

SPORIS

Crusaders returning to district It's school's fifth straight appearance; Withrow is opponent Saturday

"3}1/tlsBy Tom Groeschen Enquirer staff writer

Moeller and Winton Woods are two of Cincinnati's great basketball powers of the 2000s. These days, Moeller clearly is greater. The Crusaders pounded the Warriors 74-39 in a Division I sectiona! final game Monday night at Xavier's Cintas Center, sending Moeller to its fifth straight district appearance. Senior forward Ryan Childress led Moeller with 24 points, seven rebounds and four blocked shots. Moeller (19-3) the 2003 state champion and 2004 regional finalist, was ranked No. 2in the final Enquirer regular-season Division I area coaches' poll. No.1-ranked Lakota East was ousted in sectional play last week by Colerain. "We feel like we've got a shot again," Childress said. "After last year, we value every day we're still

Moeller 74, Winton Woods 39 playing." Moeller was upset by Columbus Brookhaven in the 2004 regional finals. Wmton Woods (11-11), the 2002 Childress state runner-up, won three consecutive Enquirer poll titles from 200002. The Warriors no longer have a Robert Rite, DeForrest Riley or C.J. Anderson. Former head coach David Lumpkin has moved over to coach his daughter on the Wmton Woods girls' team, and this year's Warriors had only one returning playerwithsignificantvarsityexpe· rience. Still, Moeller coach Carl Kremer

was concerned. 'They had been playing well down the stretch," Kremer said of Wmton Woods. "They're really talented." But so is Moeller, which had Wmton Woods badly outsized and outmanned. Moeller blocked seven shots, outrebounded Wmton Woods 34-25, and shot 58 percent to the Warriors' 33.3 percent. Moeller features 6-foot-8 Division I college signees Childress (Wisconsin-Milwaukee) and Tyler Dierkers (Miami University), while Wmton Woods lists no player over 6-foot-4. Dierkers had nine points and eight rebounds. Sophomore guard Troy Tabler had 10 points for Moeller. "The last month, I like how we're playing," Kremer said. Wmton Woods was led by senior guard Maurice McGee with 11 points, and sophomore forward

Taylor Bradley with 10 points. 'They had too much experience for us," Wmton Woods coach Donnie Gillespie said. "Maurice McGee was really the only player we had back with varsity experience. Moeller did a goodjob of setting the tempo and working it inside." Moeller advances to play Withrow in the district finals Saturday (11 a.m.) at University of Dayton Arena. Saturday's winner goes to the Columbus regional next week at Fairgrounds Coliseum. Moeller(J.9.3)-Childress9 5 24, Dlerl<ers419, Watt2 2 7, Tabler 4 0 10, Brown 0 2 2, Theis I 0 2, Redwine I 0 2, Sylvester 2 2 6, Smith I 0 2, Lynch I 0 2, Martin 4 0 8. Totals: 2912 74. W'llllon Woods (U·11J- McGee 50 II, Ridgeway 215, Geralds 2 0 4, Bradley 3 4 10, Johnson I 0 2, Fa~ow 2 0 4, Taylor 0 II, Cunningham I 0 2. Totals: 16 6 39. Moeller 20 13 18 23 -74 Winton 10 7 13 9 -39 Woods 3·polnters: M 4 (Tabler 2, Childress, Watt), WW 1 (McGee).

E-mail tgroeschen@enquirer. com

Higb school roundup

Moeller, St. Xavier win in Div.l: -..../2a./ OS

ter - Seruor guard Maunce son Saturday at 7 p.m. . McGee led Wmton Woods with 14 - Alex Blumer . Moeller got off to a rough start points, and 11 other players on the Football ~• -·· • > 'r with nine turnovers in the first team scored as well. quarter, but rallied to defeat Coach Donnie Gillespie said State champion Colerain will-: Northwest 59-37 in a Division I he's looking forward to playing send three players to the 48th im!' sectional game Monday night at Moeller. nual PNC Big 33 Football Classic, Cintas Center. "Moeller's been pretty consis- which features an Ohio prep afi,, Northwest held a 17-16lead af- tent this year, but we've been star team vs. Pennsylvania stars' , - .·.: ter the first quarter, but Moeller playing with a lot of confidence," July 23 in Hershey, Pa. outscored Northwest 2(}8 in the he said. Defensive lineman Terrill Byrd,: second. St. Xavier 78, Lebanon 44, Divi- quarterback Dominick Goodman Moeller made six 3-pointers sion I sectional at Fifth Third Are- and fullback Mister Simpson, who· and outrebounded Northwest 42 na- St. Xavier avoided a repeat of helped lead Colerain to the 2004; to 20. last year's first-round playoff exit Division I state title, are among Senior forward Ryan Childress at the hands of Colerain by defeat- seven locals on the Waste Manled Moeller with 15 points and 12 ing Lebanon. agement Ohio Big 33 team. ,: rebounds. He also had seven 'The kids put an extreme St. Xavier quarterback Robby: blocks and five assists. amount of emphasis on winning Schoenhoft, Middletown wide re..-· • Senior guard Patrick Watt add- this game," said St. Xavier coach ceiver Andre Amos, Mason offen- ~ ed 11 points and 10 rebounds. Scott Martin. 'They came out very sive lineman Zach Marshall an(l' Senior forward Tyler Dierkers determined to get that done." Moeller offensive lineman Matf. Johnny Wolf led the No.2 Tennant are also on Ohio's roster. scored 12 points.Moeller advances to play Wmton Woods Bombers with 13 points. LebaEdgewood's Steve Channell. Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. at Cintas Center. non's Josh Shepherd had a game- will be Ohio's coach, with Rodney Winton Woods 74, Glen Este 41, high 17 points. Roberts (Springboro) an assistant.: Division I sectional at Cintas Cen- Tom Groeschen · St. X (1&-5) advances to play MaThe Enquirer

High school basketball box scores A ' \J

Boys' sectionals Division I at Cintas Center Moeller 59, Northwest 37 ~ 11.5-71- Knott 3 0 6, Davis 3 0 6, Chappell 7620, Niehaus 102,Johnson 011. Ekhatnr102. Totals 15 7 37. Moeller 1111-31- Childress 5 515, Dier1<ers 5112, Watt 50 II, Tabler3 0 7, BennettO 11, Sylvester40 10, RedWine 1 0 3. Totals 23 7 59. N....._,_ 17 8 11 1 -37

Moeler---·

16 20 13 10 -59 3-pointers: M 6 (Sylvester 2, Dier1<ers, Watt, Tabler, Redwine).

W111ton Woods 74, Glen Este 41. Glen Este 13-181- Walker 4 0 8, Winegardner 7 3 17, Mitchell113, Euton02 2, Moore 102, Wilson 12 4, Harder 10 3, Diebel 0 2 2. Totals: 15 10 41. Winton Woods IU-101- McGee 6 0 14, Ridgeway 3 0 6, Geralds 4 0 8, Jones 2 0 5, Bradley 3 2 8, Johnson 3 0 6, Fanow2 04, Taylor4 011, Woods 102, Young 102, Davis 1 0 3, Cunningham 2 1 5. Totals: 32 3 74. Glen Este--· 8 12 7 14 -41 WlntonWoods-. 18 19 23 14 -74 3-pointers: GE 1 (Harder); WW 7 (Taylor 3, McGee 2, Cunningham).

1 6, Albnght 1 2 Totals: 3111 78. 6 12 10 16 -44 5I. Xavier ·----- 20 21 24 13 -78 3-pointers: L 3 (Michelson 2, Shepherd); X 5 (Gedeon 2, Wo~. Peck, Veith).

Lebanon------------

Ky. boys Villa Madonna 83, Covington Latin 26 Covington Latin - Schwartz 1 1 3, Grote 3 0 8, lngeraham 0 2 2, Rosen bauer! 0 2, France 2 0 4, Noel113, Zembrndt 2 o 4. Totals: 10 4 26. Villa Madonna 17·151- Bilbo 0 11. Ford 2 3 7, Sanford 9 4 25, Lonneman 21 5, Love 113, Schuh 5 618, Haskamp 2 0 4, Pemberton 2 0 4, Battiston 50 II, Hamilton 2 0 5. Totals: 30 16 83. 10 5 10 -26 Villa .......:.............. _ 28 22 10 23 -83 3-pointers: L2 (Grote2); V7 (Sanford3, Schuh 2, Hamilton, Battiston).

Latin--------·-·

Ky. girls Pendleton County 16-171 - Lorenz 1 0 2, Dougherty 3 5 11, King 11 3, Layton 1 0 2, Trapp 4 0 8, Race 4 110. Totals: 14 7 36. Holllles 112·121 -McGee 50 10, Brown 419, Ziegler 1 14,Jackson 30 7, Weaver2 2 6, D. Slade319,J. Slade20 4, Graves 0 11, Pouncey 011. Hayes 6113. Totals: 26 8 64. 4 12 6 14 -36 ......................... 11 17 20 15 -64

Division I at rlfth Third Arena Pondleton--·-·---· Sl Xavier 78, Lebanon 44 Lebanon 13-18) - Heileman 2 2 6, Francis 0 2 2, Newport Central Catholic 5I, Micbelson 53 15, Bums 12 4, Shepherd 7 2 17. Totals: 15 1144. 51. Xavier 116-51-Scales6 012, WolfS 213, Gedeon Conner 42 3 0 8, Sweeney 2 4 8, Schoenho!t 6 0 12, Peck 1 1 4, ; Gorman 113, Gibler102, Ries2 2 6, McGraw 102, Veith 2

1 1 24

NewCath

115-61-Kiei 6012, Utmer2 2 7, Cundiff2 5 9, Smith 0 11, Thiem 9 2 22. Totals: 19 10 51. 12 9 12 9 -42 . 13 10 7 21 -51' 3-pointers: c 2 (Miniard, Bradley); NCC 3 (Ulmer, Thiem 2)."

Conner---·

NewCath...............

Newport 50, Lloyd 46 Uo,d 13-181- Smith 3 o 6, Lockard 4 412, Mullins 7_ 3 18, Evans 2 0 4, Powell12 4, Harper 1 0 2. Totals: 16 9 46. • Newport 14-171- Bivens 02 2, Bowling! 0 2, Bakei2 · 2 7, PriceS 015, Lowe 102, Sneed 8 4 22. Totals: 17 B 50., 10 11 8 17 ,-46, 5 15 11 19

LIDJd------·Newport._____

-so

3-pointers: L 1 (Mullins); N 8 (Price 5, Baker, Sneed 2)., - ·

Boone County 50, Dixie Heights 49

....p "\'

Dixie lloiBIIIs 117·91 -Firth 1 2 4, Colgate 1 0 3; Eo miller 2 16, S. Miller 7 4 18, Stelzer 2 3 7, Faehr 3 4 11, Totals: 16 14 49. Boone County 124-31 - Grtffrth 52 13, Switzer 0 2 2, Dailey13 5, Williams2 2 6, Hicks318, Fester215,Findley 4 3 II. Totals: 17 14 50. Dixie 12 13 13 11 -49 . BooneCounty___ 7 20 4 19 "~ 3-pointers: DH 3 (Colgate, E. Miller, Faehr); BC 2 (Gr\ffrth~; Hicks). o

lloiBI!Is-----·

Holmes 64, Pendleton Co. 36

eon- .112-81

i:l ~a ~3 o ~. Miniard 2 0 5, O'Nelll3 o 6, Bradley!.~;_,

- Shuffett 9 0 18, Fancher 1 2 4,

Campbell County 44, Ryle 3~ :; llrlo · Glenkler102, Fay 6015, Smas3 0 7, Schuh 11 3. Weis 12 5, Mcleish 113, Wu!Zelbacher 10 2, Doellman 1 0 2. Totals: 15 4 39. Compbell County 110-141- Minch 10 2, Rice 3 410, Weckbach 114, Meyer 10 2, Bowling 0 2 2. Paynter 1.0 3, Cunnigan 2 0 4, Neiser 8 0 17. Totals: 17 7 44. llrlo ·-------· 9 10 6 14 . -39 6 7 14 17 -44

Camplloll______

3-pointers: R 5 (Fay 3, Sams, Weis); CC 3 (Weckbach, Paynter, Nesler). ·

The Enquirer/ Jeff Swtriger

The Bombers' Johnny Wolf holds onto the ball as the Crusaders' Patrick Watt {left) tries to get a hand in during Friday's game. Wolf led St. Xavier with 18 points.

Moeller: Wins big in GCL game vs. St. X From PageCl University), threw down two emphatic dunks Friday. The second one was extra huge, as Dierkers got a steal and t'len a breakaway slam to give Moeller a 5549lead with 1:03 left. St. X did not score again. 'That felt real good," Dierkers said of the final dunk. "Tins is everything you dream of, to win your last game on Senior Night" St. Xavier star guard Johnny Wolf, a ~2 senior who averages 24.3 points a game, scored 18 points on 8-of-16 shooting. Bombers forward Robby Schoenhoft, a ~ senior signed with Ohio State as a football quarterback, had 12 poirrts and eight rebounds. St. X junior guard David Gedeon, the Bombers' secondleading scorer at 12.1 a game, was held scoreless on Q..of-4 shooting. Moeller coach Carl Kremer was especially pleased with his team's perimeter defense on Wolf and Gedeon. "Guys like Andrew Gomez, Pat Watt, Tun Lynch ard Troy Tabler don't get enough credit for the job they do on our perimeter," Kremer said. "Weâ&#x20AC;˘re hold-

The Enquirer; Jeff Swinger

Moeller fans In the sellout crowd cheer the Crusaders, who jumped out to a 16-8 lead after one quarter of play.

ing teams to 21 percent 3-point shooting. Our big guys get a lot of attention and deservedly so, but all year long our perimeter defense has been great." St. Xcoach Scott Martin credited Moeller's strong defensive effort. Wolf was held scoreless in the first quarter as Moeller took a 1~ lead, and the Bombers never caught up. Moeller has won at least a share of the GCLSouth title four times in the past five years. St. Xavier last had won the GCL South in 2000, when the Bombers went on to win their only state basketball title. In a wide-open Cincinnatiarea basketball season, both

teams enter postseason play optimistic. "It's going to be a matter of who plays well that night," Martin said. On tllis night, it was Moeller. "This is how you want to go out at home," Dierkers said. "Tins is a night that will make a lot of memories for us."

E-mail tgroeschen@enquirer.com St.Xavlor(J.5.5, J.0.2GCI..SI-Scales419; Peck I 0 2; WoH 8 0 18: Sweeney I 0 2: Gibler 3 0 6: Sdloenhoft 5 2 12. Totals: 22 3 49. Moolor (16-4, J.0.21 -Theis I 0 3: Childress 6 6 19; Gomez I 0 3: Oierkers 53 13: Wat1215; Tabler 4 3 14; Marun I 0 2. Totals: 20 13 59. St.Xavlor-......,.__

8 16

14 13

10 11

17 -49 19 -58

3-pointtrs: X2 (WoH 21. M 6 (Tabler 3, Theis, Choldress, Gomez).

It '/,

-~·

HIGH SCHOOl BASKETBALl

'' ·.--

MqJ~t~er beats St. X for share of GCL title Post staff report

from the free throw line. Ia all, Elder made 21 of its 29 Greater Catholic League ri- free throws while the Lancers vals Moeller and St. Xavier, both struggled, making 16 of 29 from ranked in the top 10 of the state the line. ELDER 24 6 17 18 -65 Associated Press Division I boys' at LA SALLE 11 16 15 21 -63 basketball poll, will share the nDER 1651: Hamrick 31 7, Walters 71125. Ratenman 2 2 7, Sullivan 2 0 4, O'Conner 14 7, Kersting 113, Lucas 2 0 GCLtitle. 4, Eaney 3 2 8. Totals 212165. LA SALLE 163): Austin I 0 2, Wlegele 12 4, Flynn 7 3 Moeller made sure of that Fri19, Wiebell2 0 5, Winterhalter5 212, HennesseyO II. Harns day night by beating the Bom- 2 59, Martin 4 2 10, Eschenbach 0 II. Totals 22 16 63. Three·pointers: E-Raterman, O'Conner. l-Fiynn 2, bers 59-49. The two teams fin- Wiebell. Records: Elder 12-8, 7-5 GCL South; La Salle 12-8, ished 10-2 in the GCL. 7-5. JV: La Salle, 48-43. Moeller was ranked eighth in ROGER BACON 64, MCNICHOthe most recent AP poll, with St. LAS 55 -Junior forward Josh X lOth. Nolan scored 12 of his 18 points in Senior guard Johnny Wolf hit the fourth quarter as the Sparconsecutive three-pointers with tans held off the Rockets. just under two minutes left to Nick Duffy, a junior forward, bring the Bombers within three, posted 13 points and 18 rebounds 52-49, but the Crusaders stayed for Roger Bacon. 10 10 7 28 -55 out in front with a 7-0 run to end McNICHOLAS at ROGER BACON 15 12 12 25 -64 the game. McNICHOLAS 155): Foltz 2 I 6, Jacobson I I 3, 3 3 9, Ward 3 I B, Raftery I 0 2, Canmel 4 2 10, Senior forward Ryan Chil- Schmidt Stamper I 2 4, Schlagheck 3 7 13. Totals 18 17 55. dress paced Moeller with 19 ROGER BACON (64): Koester 2 3 7, Nolan 6 5 18, Gebreberhane 4 3 11, Rocco II 3, Duffy 3 7 !3, Knecht 4 4 points and 10 rebounds, while 12. Totals 20 23 64. Three-pointers: M-Foltz, Ward. RB-Nolan. Records: Wolf finished with 18 points and RogerBacoo: 11-9,8-6 GCL: McNicholas 7-13,4-10. seven rebounds for St. Xavier. PRINCETON 58, OAK HILLS 46 The Crusaders went 13-for-17 from the free throw line, while - Senior center Ross Morin finthe Bombers only managed a 3- ished with 17 points as the Vikings used a 19-4 third quarter to for-9 effort. With the win, the Crusaders put away the Highlanders. Ryan Benn hit three threeavenged a 59-46 loss to the Bombers. Moeller played the Jan. 14 pointers and chipped in 14 points for Princeton. game without Childress, who was PRINCETON 15 11 19 13 -58 11 10 8 17 -46 serving the first of a two-game at OAK HILLS PRINCETON (58): Monn 5 717, Artis 2 0 5, Benn 51 suspension for drawing a pair of 14, Bradshaw 215, McGrath 2 3 6, Walker3 0 6, WrencherO II. Jackson I 0 2. Totals 20 13 58. technical fouls. ST. XAVIER 8 14 10 17 -49 at MOELLER 16 13 11 19 -59 ST. XAVIER (49): Scales 419. Peck I 0 2, Wolf 8 0 16, Sweeney I 0 2, Gibler 3 0 6, Schoenhoft 52 12. Totals 22 3 49. MOEllER 159):Theis I 0 3, Childress6 619, Gomez I 0 3, Dler1<ers 5 313, Watt 2 15, Tabler 4 314, Martin I 0 2. Totals 2013 59. Th!lle-polnters: SX-Wolf 2. M-Tabler 3, Theis, Childress, Gomez. Records: Moeller 17-3, 10-2; St. Xavier 15-5, 10-2.

OAK HILLS 146): Price 3 0 8, Weimer 2 2 7, McDonough 4 0 9, Pogue 2 0 5, Stallo 2 0 4, Kramer 3D 6, Blakeley I 2 4. Bardo !13. Totals 18 5 46. Three-pointers: P-Benn 3, Artis, McGrath. DH-Pnce 2, Weimer, McDonough, Pogue. Records: Princeton 17-2, Oak Hills 4-15.

added 16 points for the Big Blue as it evened its record at 10-10. Junior guard James Dews scored a game-high 25 points to lead Lakota East. HAMILTON 12 13 14 25 64 at LAKOTA EAST 8 5 18 18 -49 HAMILTON 164): Rice 2 10 !4, Dixon 2 0 5, Myers-White 6 012, Allen 7 317, Miller 7116. Totals 2414

64. LAKOTA EAST (49): Smith 2 0 4, Mosser I 0 3, Schlensker 13 6, Dews 10 3 25. Kohs 4 311. Totals 1710 49. Three-pointers: H-Dixon, Miller. LE-Dews 2, Kohs, Mosser Schenskler. Records: Hamilton 10-!0, 10-6 GMC; Lakota East 18-2, 14-2.

NORTHWEST 66, WILMING· TON 53- Senior forward Jeremy Chappell scored 17 points in the first half, then scored half the Knights' 20 fourth-quarter points. Sophomore guard DeMario Pleasant provided several assists for Chappell while scoring five in the fourth quarter as well. WILMINGTON 22 10 ' 12 9 53 16 17 13 20 -66 at NORTHWEST WILMINGTON (53): Den. Nance 3 I 7, Martin I 7 9, Des. Nance 4 2 ID, James 3 0 7, Puller 3 I 7, Rice 53 13. Totals 19 14 53. NORTHWEST (66): Knott 4 I 9, Davis 2 I 5, Chappell 12 3 29, Pleasant 4 5 14, Wilson 113, Neuhaus 2 2 6. Totals 25 13 66. Three-pointers: W-James. N-Chappell 2, Pleasant. Records: Northwest 13-6, 10·4 FAVC Cardinal; Wilmington 9-11, 6-8. JV: Northwest won.

READING 46, DEER PARK 38The Blue Devils trailed the Wildcats the entire game until the fourth quarter, when they were able to take the lead and seal their 16th victory. Junior guard Sean Curtis and senior forward Justin Brinkman both had 11 points for Reading. Senior center Maurice Brown led Deer Park with 19 points. DEER PARK 12 1D 8 8 38 at READING 7 11 10 18 46 READING 1461: Curtis 5 0 II, Stidham I 0 2, Jer. Dverbeck3 3 9,Jas. Overbeck! 03, Smrth3 0 6, Taylor114, Bnnkman 5 Ill. Totals 19 5 46. OEER PARK 1381: Brown 8 219, Hamson 2 0 5, Roth 7 0 14. Totals 17 2 38. Three-pointers: R-Curtis, Jas. Overbeck, Taylor. DP-Brown, Harnson. Records: Reading 16-4; CHL!0-4. Deer Park 6-14; CHL 3-11.

HAMILTON 64, LAKOTA EAST 49 - Sophomore guard Billy Allen scored 17 points to lead HaELDER 65, LA SALLE 63- Se- milton to the upset of Lakota nior guard Josh Kroger scored 10 East, ranked ninth in the AP DiINDIAN HILL 67, FINNMOWN fourth-quarter points for the vision I state poll. 61 - Senior forward Brandon Panthers. includin~ six of ei~ht SPnior forwarcl Jason Allen

Miller scored 17 points and team, scored a season high. 6 21 7 15 -49 pulled down eight rebounds to BLANCHESTER at NEW RICHMOND 21 22 25 21 -69 lead Indian Hill to the victory. BtANCIIEST'ER(49J:Tudor3 08, Bell! 02, Hodge3 0 9, Hollingsworth 5 Ill, Emerson I 0 2, Smith 2 0 4, Senior center Will Nolte add- McClanahan 3 3 9, Dunlap I 2 4. Totals 19 6 49. NEWRICHMOND(89):Todd 12 4, McMonigle 8 319, ed a double-double with 16 points 7 2 16, Young I 4 6, Wolf 2 0 4, Duncan 11 0 26, and 10 rebounds for the Braves. Higgins Mikula 4 0 12, Redmond I 0 2. TotalS 351189. FINNEYTOWN 16 9 17 19 -61 atiNDIAN HILL 12 17 15 23 -67 RNNMOWN 161): Under I 0 3, Green 6 0 15, Conroy 10 3, Ramsey2 0 4, Thornton 3 0 6, Jackson 4110, Jeffries I 0 2, Okafer 3 I 7, Sibert 4 3 11. Totals 25 5 61. INDIAN HILL 1671: Madden 3 4 10, Scherpenberg 2 2 8, Snow 0 II, Budig 0 3 3, Bonekemper 2 15, Miller 5 717, Wolfenden 2 3 7, No~e 7116. Totals 2122 67. Three-pointers: F-Green 3, Conroy, Under, Jackson. IH-Scherpenberg 2, Nolte. Records: Indian Hill 18-1, Finneytown 10-!0.

Three-pointers: 6-Tudor 2, Hodge 3. NR-Duncan 4, Mikula 4. Records: New Richmond 14-5, 10-4 SBC.

TAYLOR 14 11 8 15 -48 at MARIEMONT 14 20 18 17 -69 TAYLOR 1481: Dunnette 3 0 6, Toile 3 0 7, Pascua 113, Bennett 3 0 6, Brate 3 2 9, Westrich 0 2 2, Kear I 0 2, Nicolaou 4 3 11, Fox I 0 2. Totals 19 8 48. MARIEMONTI69): Kelly3 311, Weber02 2, Duran 02 2. Kauffmann 12 4, Amis 3 0 6, Holcomb 1810, Donovan 3 0 6, Phillips 6 3 16, Dever 5 2 12. Totals 22 22 69. Three-pointers: T-Tolle, Brate. M-Kelly 2, Phillips. Records: Manemont 7-12, 5-9 CHL; Taylor 1-19, 0-14. JV: Taylor won.

Hosler3 2 8, Rader! 02, Moore 3 412, Fishback3 2 B. Totals 1916 57. Three-pointers: EC-Eany, Patterson. CN-Moore 2, Oliver. Records: East Clinton 11-7, 8-6 SBC; C.N.E. 10-8, &-7. JV: East Clinton, 56-51.

CLERMONT NORTHEASTERN 57, EAST CLINTON 46 - Junior guard Chase Rosselot scored 10 of his 12 points in the third quarter to lead Clermont Northeastern after the Rockets fell behind MARIEMONT 69, TAYLOR 48 by seven at the half. - Senior forward Mac Phillips EAST CLINTON 15 14 7 10 -46 10 12 18 17 -57 scored 10 of his 16 points in the at CNE EAST CLINTON 146): Patterson 4 I 10, Eany I 0 3, third quarter as the Warriors Runk I 0 2, Blackburn 3 I 7, Anders 7 2 16, Burslisle 0 2 2, Robinson I 0 2, Howard I 0 2, Mcfadden 0 2 2. Totals 16 8 pulled away from the Yellow 46. Jackets. CNE 157): Dorsey 12 4, Rosselot 52 12, Oliver 3 4 11,

VILLAGE CHRISTIAN 70, CO· VINGTON LATIN 65 lOTI -Senior guard Garrick Armstead scored 35 points to lead Village ChrisLITTLE MIAMI 48, GOSHEN 46 tian of Pleasant Plain, Ohio, past - Junior guard Danny McKee- Covington Latin in overtime. 14 17 14 18 2 -65 han, who scored a game-high 19 COV. LATIN 17 14 8 24 7 -70 points, hit a jumper with 1.4 sec- at VILLAGE COVINGTON LA11N 1651: Schwartz 54 14, Grote 4 2 onds left to seal the Panthers' vic- 11, Guilfoyle I 0 3, Rosenbauer 4 0 8, France 50 14, Noel7 0 15. Totals 26 6 65. , tory. VILLAGE CHRISTIAN 170): Banker 4 2 10, Hinkle 5 2 Luiso309, Paskins2 04, Anmstead 12 9 35. Totals26!3 Leading scorer for the War- 12, 70. riors was senior guard Jeremey Three-pointers: CL-France 4, Brote, Guilfoyle, Noel. VC-Lulso 3, Anmstead 2. Records: Covington Latin 4-9. Henderson with 18 points. SEVEN HILLS 53, CINCINNATI GOSHEN 17 7 11 11 -46 at LITTLE MIAMI 15 13 7 13 -48 HILLS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 49 LJTREMIAMII48J: McKeehan 7 419, Dufour6315, McNeil 4 0 8, Pntchard 1 4 6. Totals 18 11 48. - Junior guard Riley Grimme GOSHEN 1461: Anderson I 0 2, Henderson 7 2 18, was the leading scorer for the Monk 3 311, Koch 4 0 8, McClanahan 31 7. Totals 18 6 46. Three-pointers: LM-McKeehan. G-Monk 2, Henderson 2. Stingers, finishing with 22 Records: Lhtie Miami 11-8, Goshen 10-10. points. NEW RICHMOND 89, BLAN· CHCA 3 13 15 18 -49 15 19 11' 8 -53 CHESTER 49 - Senior forward at SEVEN HILLS SEVENHIW(53J: Barr136, Gnmme 7 622, Hams! David Duncan's 26 points, 12 re- 03, McGrath 1!3, Turba 2 2 7, Muhammed I 02, Tabor1!3, 2 3 7. Totals 1616 53. bounds, nine blocks and five as- DraneCINCINNATI HILLS CHRISTIAN ACADEMY 1491: sists led New Richmond to the Richardson 3 0 7, Hall15 7, Petersen 3 0 8, Browne 2 0 5, Riewald 4 5 13, Scacksfield 3 3 9. Totals 9 1!31. easy win. Three-pointers: SK-Hanis 4, Grimme 2, Barr, Turba. 2, Richardson, Browne. Records: Seven Hills Eric McMonigle added 19 CHCA-Petersen 6-14; MVC 4-8. Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy 6-14; MVC points for the Lions who, as a 4-8. JV: Cincinnati Hills Chnstian Academy 43-37.

oany@enquirer.com, (513) 768-8381

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2005 Âˇ

Lakota East finishes atop poll Thunderhawks edge Moeller; NCH reigns in Divisions II-IV By Tom Groeschen Enquirer staff writer

Lakota East celebrated its first Enquirer Division I boys' basketball area coaches' poll championship Monday, by the narrowest margin. The Thunderhawks (18-2) edged No.2 Moeller (17-3) by one point in the final vote, 184-183. The voting,

open to all area head coaches, was conducted online all season. "It's a reflection of our regular season, and we're proud of it," Lakota East coach Wally Vickers said. "One of our goals was to end up No. 1 in Cincinnati." In Divisions II-IV, North College Hill (19-1) was the unanimous poll winner over Taft.

Lakota East was a comfortable No.1 in last week's Division I poll, but a 64-49 loss to Hamilton cost the Thunderhawks some poll support. But not from Moeller coach Carl Kremer. "I voted for East, because with only two losses I think they deserved to be No. 1," Kremer said. Moeller, ranked No. 4 last week, nearly surged to No.1 after a 59-49 win over then-No. 2 St. Xavier last Friday. Lakota East lost to Hamilton without one of its top players, senior forward Cordale Boyd, who sat out because of what Vickers called, "A

team issue." For Lakota East, the Enquirer title is the program's first since the Lakota school district split into East and West in 1997. For Vickers, it is his first Enquirer title in 15 years as a head coach. This is his second season at East, and he voted his team No.1 in the final poll. "We tied for the best record in the city, so I think that means something," Vickers said. East and Princeton both are 18-2. Princeton, with 176 poll points, was behind Moeller at No.3. The Vikings also were No.3 last week.

In Divisions II-IV, NCH sophomore stars 0.]. Mayo and Bill Walker led an impressive season in which the Trojans beat Division I state power Toledo St. John's and the area's top Division II team, Taft. NCR's only loss was to Division I St. Xavier. "We always want to be one of the best teams in the area, so it's very symbolic for us to win that," NCH coach Jamie Mahaffey said of the coaches' voting. E-mail tgroeschen@enquirer.com Polls, C2

~ Greater Catholic League showdown I Moeller 59, St.

Xavier 49

Crusaders uncatchable They get big lead early and keep it to clinch share of league title J./o.JosBy Tom Groeschen

Enquirer staff writer

Moeller's basketball seniors charged onto their home court for the final time Friday night, engulfed by a surround-sound of music and cheering from a sellout crowd. The Crusaders never really stopped running as they beat archrival St. Xavier 59-49 to claim a share of the Greater Catholic League South championship. Moeller (16-4, 10.2 GClrS) and St. Xavier (15-5, 10.2) finished in a tie atop the league, closing the regular season with a typical mano-a-mano GCL slugfest St. Xavier is ranked No.2 in the Enquirer area coaches' poll and lOth in the state, while Moeller is No.4 and No.8, respectively. Senior big men Ryan Childress (19 points, six rebounds) and Tyler Dierkers (13 points, five rebounds, two dunks) led Moeller, with sophomore guard/star-inwaiting Troy Tabler scoring 14 points. The sellout crowd of 1,300plus stood most of the game, with the gym steamy and the student rooting sections in full battle cry. "It's Senior Night and it's St. X, so we were really hyped up," said the 6-foot-8 Childress. "We wanted to go out with a bang." It was extra special for Childress, who has signed with Division I Wisconsin-Milwaukee for next season. He missed the first Moeller-St Xavier meeting this season, a 59-46 Bombers victory (at St. X) on Jan.l4. Childress that night served the first game of a two-game suspension after receiving two technical fouls in Moeller's previous game. "Missing that game was hard, but this makes up for it," Chil1ress said. "It's great to come \ck and beat them." " Dierkers, like Childress a 6-8 \~\l ~sion I college signee (Miami

~;1

\~~"' \'6'1>

\.:\:e MOELLER, Page C6 I

The Enquirer/ Jeff Swinger

St. Xavier's David Gedeon puts up a shot as Moeller's Vito Sylvester stretches while trying to make a block Friday night. Gedeon, the Bombers' No. 2 scorer, was held to zero points on 0-of-4 shooting.

CCL showdown ' St. Xavier, Moeller play for title

lhe Enquirer/ Jeff Swinger

Coach Carl Kremer said he wishes Moeller was going for an outright Greater Cathoh: League South title but is pleased to have a shot at a share of it vs. St. X, which beat Moeller in tte first meeting.

Bombers want it all, Crusaders a share Moeller was without Childress in Jan. 14 loss By Alex Blumer Enquirer contributor

! !

St. Xavier stands just one win from its first outright Greater Catholic League South championship since 2000. The ,trouble is, the Bombers need to get that win against archrival Moeller, which has titl~ designs of its own. Tipoff is 8 p.m. today at Moeller. It seems fitting that the conference crown won't be dec;ded until the season's final weekend, considering the success of both teams. St. X is ranked No.2 in the Division I area coaches' poll and lOth in the state, while Moeller is fourth in the area and eighth in Ohio. The two own three of the last six Division I state titles, with St. Xwinning in 2000 and Moeller in 1999 and2003. "It's a great rivalry," Moeller coach Carl Kremer said. "Both schools respect each other so much." St. X (1M, 10-1) earned at least a share of the GCL South title with Monday's 67-31 thrashing of Alter. But a 49-47 setback at Elder, now ranked No.8 in the area coaches' poll, last Friday put the Bombers in a must-win situation today if they want sole possession of the title. The good news for St Xwas that Moeller (16-3, 9-2) failed to capitalize, falling 71-61 to La Salle that same night. ''We wish we were going for it outright," Kremer said. "(But) we're pleased to have a chance to

Mike Simons for the Enquirer

Moeller will rely on the 6-foot-8 presences of Tyler Dierkers (shown) and Ryan Childress.

play for a share." St. X ensured the Crusaders can do no more than force a tie in the standings, thanks to its 59-46 home win over Moeller Jan.l4. 'The way we're looking at it, our goal is to win (the GCL South outright)," said Scott Martin, coach of the Bombers, whose senior Johnny Wolf scored 29 points in the earlier victory. That game was notable because of the absence of senior Ryan Childress, the Crusaders' team leader at 15.3 points and 8.8 rebounds a game. Childress was serving the first game of a two-game suspension for

receiving two technical fouls in Moeller's prevous game. . Without Childress, Moeller managed on}} 24 points through three quarter and shot just 25 percent (15-foJ.OO). "With Chiln"ess in the lineup and them playD.g at home, those 13 points (we wot by previously) are erased," Marti! said. ''We've got a super challen~ in front of us." The Crusadrs are looking to be more than jut spoilers, with a share of their ~urth GCL South title in five year within reach. ''When you'e playing X at home on Senior Nigtt, last game of the season, that's notivation enough," Childress said Moeller couters St. X's perimeter threats ofVolf and David Gedeon (12.1 point..<per game) with the 6-foot-8 duo oChildress and Tyler Dierkers. The Miamhound Dierkers is second to Clidress in the GCL South with 7.! rebounds a game, and he avera~s. 12.5 points. The presence of 6; Kyle Gibler, who missed the firt Moeller game because of a footbll injury, gives St. X even more si.zt 'They have :-reat depth at every position," Krener said. "It's tough to get good lo<.<.s against them, because they're ig at every spot" Given the mgnitude of the rivalry, Kremer knlws to expect an intense game. "You never lnow what's going to happen in a gane like this," Kremer said. 'Thereli be a lot of emotion on both sides. Js going to be fun."

----.Q.1Ci}D5"

._Subu.d=:x:::v""

L~<:!-

New faces keying another strong season at Moeller By Dave Aspinall Contributor

While there are many reasons for Moeller's (15-3 record) success this season: Perimeter defense and rebounding have stuck out Moeller is the top rebounding team in the Greater Catholic League South. The Crusaders average over 34 rebounds a game and only allow opponents to shoot 20 percent from the three point line. "Great perimeter defense has been the key since game one," said head coach Carl Kremer. While it is well known that Moeller's standouts are Ryan Childress and JYler Dierkers, who each have made Division I college commitments, others have raised their level of play. This was very important for Moeller who returned few regulars from last year's regiOnal ~ championship team. ., ~,,,;;A "Every player is in a new role, including Ryan and Tyler," Kremer said. "Because we nave had guys step up, I believe we can be a team good enough to represent Southwest Ohio." Kremer added that he feels "there are eight other teams that

could do it." So, who are these Crusaders who have stepped up? One such player is Patrick Watt, a senior who plays mostly the twoguard position but can also play point. "He has always played a supporting role, and now we have asked him to do more, and he has," Kremer said "He has really been consistent, especially on defense." Troy Tabler, a sophomore, has also been coming into his own. "He has been able to move into a starter's role and play well, and is our best 3-point shooter," Kremer said. Andrew Gomez, a junior guard, has been particularly effective for Moeller's perimeter defense. "He is one of our better defenders wh"1i"Crllp~t on," says Kremer. .:aMth Âˇllatrick (Watt) and Andrew (Gomez), they really go after it on defense." Perhaps Moeller's biggest surprise is 6-foot-5 sophomore Terry Martin. "Terry has had the job of backing up Childress and Dierkers which is important for us," says

'the' pressure

Kremer. "He has really done a nice job for us all year." According to Childress, Kremer has united these players. "Coach is great and he preaches team, team, team," Childress, a Loveland resident, said. "If you buy into it, then the sky is the limit." Childress, who is clearly on the short list of best players in Cincinnati, also feels there is work to be done. "Our main thing we have to work on are free throws, which we have done extra work on," Childress said, adding that he must "work on using both hands to score with in the post and handle the ball better in order to improve." When asked about strengths of the team he said, "our team chemistry is really starting to form." With St. Xavier losing to Elder on Friday (Feb. 4), the Crusaders remain one game back in the league with games remaining against McNicholas (Tuesday, Feb. 8 after journal deadlines) and Friday, Feb. 11 at home against St Xavier. Âˇ Âˇ eastsports@communitypress.com 248-7570

....,..,

Roundup

FtJA~r rallies Enquirer s'1jj,.eports

Elder managed to fight back from a seven-point fourth-quarter deficit for a 49-47 victory over visiting St. Xavier Friday night. Sophomore Paul Ratterman's 3pointer gave Elder (11-7) a onepoint lead late in the fourth quarter. With 15 seconds remaining, St. Xavier (13-4), ranked No.2 in the Enquirer Division I area coaches' poll, missed a shot from the left baseline and Elder's Josh Walters grabbed the rebound. Walters made a free throw to end the game. 'Tonight was a huge game for us," Elder coach Joe Schoenfeld said. "It was a big game for us to get some energy and momentum back (after a loss to Moeller Jan. 28). "We were down a fair amount in the second half and the kids persevered like they have all year, and we hit some big shots. It's a big credit to out kids." Wyoming 63, Reading 61- Wyoming junior guard Jeff Weiss shot

to upset No.2 St. X

6-for-7 from 3-point range en route to a game-high 21 points. Western Hills67, Woodward 55Senior forward Jerrann Wright scored a game-high 30 points to lead Western Hills. La Salle 71, Moeller 61 - Senior forward Colin Flynn scored 27 points to lead La Salle to the upset of the third-ranked Crusaders. Taft 74, Aiken 33 - Guard DeAndre Byrd and forward Brandon Russ scored 15 points each as Taft outscored Aiken 19-4 in the second quarter. Hughes 67, Colonel White 58 Hughes junior forward AD. Graves led all scorers with 29 points and had 12 rebounds. Anderson 53, Walnut Hills 52With the Redskins down 52-51 with 3.1 seconds left, sophomore forward Gabe Correll hit two free throws to lift Anderson. McNicholas 61, Purcell Marian 55 - Andy Stamper scored 14 points to lead host McNicholas. Roger Bacon 48, AHer 46 - Spartans senior guard Sam Gebreber-

bane scored 10 of his 16 points in a league-record first leg of 21.87, the fourth quarter, helping to fight surpassing tlie mark of 22.05 set by off an Alter rally. Greg Johnson of Lakota High â&#x20AC;˘ School in 1989. GirlS TheGMCcoachoftheyearwas Mariemont 55, Flnneytown 30- Lakota East's Dennis Beck, and Mariemont outscored Finneytown swimmer of the meet was Andy 23-5 in the fourth quarter en route Gantzer of Oak Hills. to clinching the Cincinnati Hills ELDER FOOlBALL: Elder High League title. School principal Tom Otten anPrinceton 72, Oak Hills 51 - nouncedFridaythattheschoolwill Princeton junior guard Ashlee install FieldTurf in The Pit, the Bridge had a game-high 20 points school's stadium in Price Hill. and also had seven rebounds. Oak The synthetic FieldTurf will reHills junior forward Jessica Cain place the grass surface in The Pit had 16 points and 12 rebounds. Installation is scheduled to begin SWIMMING: Sycamore junior in March and will last eight to 10 Mike Pennerman set a Greater Mi- weeks, with The Motz Group apami Conference record in 1-meter proved to install the turf. diving with a score of 247.85, The project will be funded with breaking the old record of 226.80 money designated for ongoingset in 1999 by Chris Bonner, also of campus improvements, the school Sycamore. said. Aviators senior Heath Tameris "Tins is the biggest improvesetaGMCrecordinthelOObreast- ment to The Pit since the 1940s, stroke with a time of 58.40, break- and I'm excited for our students/' ing his mark of 59.12 set in 2003. Elder athletic director Dave DabAndy Dilz led the Oak Hills 200 belt said. - Tom Groesehen freestyle relay team to victory with

z.J;tjr>5""" THE ENQUIRER

Quo~e

of the week I路

"When you're playing {St.. Xavier) at home oh Senior Night, last ~ame of the season, motivation enough." '. ~ "" ... ' that's ~ . . 路路路.' Moeler senior forward Ryan Cfildress

HIGH SCHOOl BASKETBAll

FIYJ!~Jeads

La Salle comeback in upset of Moeller

Post staff report

complete the come back after CINTI CHRISTIAN 17 s a 16 --46 . d , th d at ST. BERNARD 13 6 15 26 --60 th ey fe 11 b e h m m e secon SAINTBDINARDt80J.Ralstonon,cuoy7219,0tt La Salle senior forward Colin quarter. . . . ~g2, Haarman 4 818, Clar1<113, Byrd4 816.Totalsl7 21 Flynn scored 15 fourth-quarter Snell firushed With 18 pomts, CINCINNAnCHRIST1AN(46):Totten204,Richmond 102 13 cormng m the second half ·1llomas 2 lS,Hom 8522 • 6 ecker0 33 ·Parker 226 • points to spark a comeback victo7 LOCKLAND • Lync\~r~:· 10 26 7 55 12 ry as the Lancers upset Moeller at C. C. D. 0~~i:,! ~~"t·rry 2 Ha 2 CCH- orn. 16 11 15 16 -58 Record: Sai~t Bernard 8·10; ~VC S-6. arm an . 71-61 in a Greater Catholic LOCKLAHDI581: OgletiOe 158, Cox 6 DI3,Johnson I 03, Harris 7 6 20, Sneed I 02, Gibson 102, Smith 3D 6, WYOMING 63, READING 61League game Friday night. WlhyteOII.Totals201255. S · dM'k D t 1d ceo 1581: Rue I 0 2, Graves 3 3 12, Gardner 0 4 4, eruor guar i e e ers sea e The Crusaders are ranked No. snel14918, Edeni02. seward317,Smith6tt3. Totalst8 the victory for the Cowboys with 6 in the state Associated Press 18 56. 13 SeCOnd S 1e ft . De t erS h a d tw0 lllree-pmnteo; L-Cox,Ogletree,Johnson.C.C.D.-Graves poll, the highest ranking for a 3, Snell. Records. Lockland 15 2, 10-2 MVC;C.C.O. 15-3, free thrOWS and made them both Cincinnati Division I school. 11-2. • • • the he Flynn drained 10-of-10 foul ANDERSON 53 ' WALNUT breakmg L d' f th c shots in the fourth quarter and HI~LS 52- Gabe Correll sank a ea I~g ~corer or e o:vfinished with a game-high 27 pair of free throws with 3.1 sec- boys was J~mor guard Jeff WeiSS nds remaining after being With 21 pOints. points. O L d' f th Bl D '1 ea ing or e ue evi s La Salle forced 22 turnovers to fouled on a layup attempt enjunior guard Robby Davis stifle Moeller. The Lancers also abling the I n dianS t 0 h 0ld 0 f'fthe was 'th . t Wl 15 pOln s. Eagles' late charge hit 10 of 25 three-point shots. 0

MOELLER 18 19 12 12 -<l1 at LA SALLE 13 15 19 24 71 MOnuR (61):Chlldress3 2 8, Gomez22 8, D~r1<ers 4 311, Watts 2 13,Lynch 103, Tabler 5 414, Martin 2 04 Totals 22 13 61. LASAUE (711: Schmidt 3 0 9, Wiegefe 3 3 12, Aynn 7 10 27, Wiebe! I 3 0 6, Winterhalter 2 o 4, Hennessey 1 D 3,

Hanis 2 0 4, Storms 1 0 2, Martin 2 0 4.1otals 24 13 71. Three-pointers: M-Gomez 2, Watt, lynch. LS-Schmidt 3, Wiegele 3, Flynn 3, Hennessey. Records: La Salle 12-6, 7-4 GCL South; Moeller 15-3, B-2. JV: Moeller, 50-40.

MCNICHOLAS 61, PURCELL MARIAN 55 -Junior center Andy Stamper scored nine of his 14 points in the first half to lead McNicholas. Senior forward Nick Carmel added 12 points for the Rockets. Junior center Ward Banks led Purcell Marian with 17 points. PURCEll MARIAN 12 14 9 20 -65 at MCNICHOLAS 15 17 13 16 -<l1 PURCn.L MARIAN (551: Shepard 3 2 8, caner 1 o 2, ~nnefl2 0 4, C. Reeder 1 0 2. Moore I 0 3, Willis 4 0 10, D.

Reeder 0 3 3, Keith 2 04, Banks 6 517, DeltJca 0 2 2. Totals 2012 55. MCNICH0Wt611: Foltz3511, Jacobson I 0 2, Ward

2 0 4, Cannel4 312, Wolfe 102, StamperS 214, Holmes21 5, Schlayghack 3 I 7,1llomas 2 0 4. Totals 2412 61.

Three-pointers: PM-Willis2, Moore. M- Carmel. Retards: McNicholas 5-12, 4-8 GCI.; Purcell Marian 3-14, 2-U. JV: McNicholas, 43-38.

CINCINNATI COUNTRY DAY

58, LOCKLAND 55 - Senior

~i':-~7;;;-~:=..;=~-=·,__-.-.-=-..,.

15 8 11 18 52 WALNUT HILLS at ANDERSON 14 15 14 10 53 WAJ.NIITHIU$1521: Hoyt60 15, Bange 215. Ellison 6511,sucletto2o4,Murdockto2,salone317,captalno 22·Totals20952. ANDERSON (53): Tarvin 4011, Huntington 215, COburn IO 2, Wilkison 7 2 2t,zeos t 02, Mackzum 2 04, Correll3 2 8. Totals 20 5 53. . R ~hre;-~olnter~_;);-~~ ~i.v~·~ilk;son. ~;a~·~·~ ecors. nerson . uc eye, a nu " 1o- 7. 7-6. JV. Andeo;on, st-28.

WYOMING 16 17 9 21 63 at READING a 18 12 23 -<l1 WYOMING 1631 . Oeters 2 49 Weiss 7121 Jolson 12 4 Edgington 5112 Shoecraft 317 ' Wetzel 2 610. Totels 2D • • 1 63. READING(6li:Curtis237 Stidham4214 O>erbeck 2 59,Davls5015,Ta~ori14,Wirtz204, Brinkli,an328. Totalst913 61. lllree·pointeo;: W-Welss 6 Deteo; Edgington R-Da"s s. Stidham 4, Taylor. Records: Wyorr{ing 11-6: CHL B·4. Reading 14·4· CHL9-4 •

INDIAN HILL 65, DEER PARK MADEIRA 77, TAYLOR 5045 _Indian Hill senior center The Mustangs never let the YelWill Nolte led all scorers With 19 Points ' helping the Braves clinch theCincinnatiHillsLeagueregu. with One league lar-SeaSOn title game remaining. DEER PARK 1 12 15 11 45 at INDIAN HILL 14 14 16 21 --65 DEERPARK(45):Brown4614,Hunter204,Harrison 3 0 7, Barthelmus 4 08, Roth 6 012. Totab 19 645. INDIAN Hill (65): Donovan 0 2 2, Madden 2 1 5, Sherpenberg33t2,Snowto2,Bud,g227,Miller4615, 9 3 · ·. · · 5 '1 11 1 . '

Wolfe~~~ene:p1of~t~~!terip5_~ ar;~~~ 4~~~~e~penberg

~~~g3M;~er.Records.lndl8nHIIII - • • CHl,DeerPark

' · SAINT BERNARD 60, CINCIN· NATI CHRISTIAN 46--Th € T1·taTIS . took control m the fourth quarter and outscored the Cougars 26-16. Leading the Titans was senior dQ . C f' . h. g':lar ~mcy urry, mis mg With 19 pomts, four rebounds and two stealS. . L ding the Cougars was JU. ea f dJ H 'th22 m?r orwar oe orn Wl

guard Sonny Snell hit 5-of-5 free throws in the final minute to help seal the win for Cincinnati Country Day. The Indians converted 14 of 16 free throws in the second half to p01nts.

low Jackets get any closer than 12 pomts F throughout the game. · . or the Mustangs, JUmor dCh · Eb 1 h d 16 · t guar rlS ere a p01n S and seven assists. Als? strong for the Mustangs waS JUniOr forward J ff M f' · h' 'th 16 e oore, IniS ing WI pomts. TAYLOR atMADEIRA

_ 77

MADEIRA(77(:Tuke 215, Morande 103, HuffakeriO 2. Gulick I I 3, Rupe 1 0 2. Hewitt 3 0 8, Ebe~e 6 2 16, Blankenship5111,Smithi02,Moore6016,NiChOIS!13, Maiman 113, Bauer 113. Totals 30 8 77. TAYLOR(S0):Tolle3310,Pascue055,BenneU102, 0Brlenii3,Nicolaou11426,Benter204.Totals18l350. Three-POinters; M·Moore 4, Eberle 2, Hewitt 2, Mor~nde. Hal~. Records: Madeira 12-7; CHL 8-5. Taylor 1-17, CHI D-12.

MARIEMONT 60 Fl NNEY _ TOWN M . ' , 55 anemont s backcourt of Jakie Holcomb and Joe Kelly combined to score 31 points . . m the road wm. Th e Warrwrsse · al ed th eWln · with 17-of-21 free-throw shooting

in the fourth quarter.

Senior guard Laura Steiner dd d 14 • t d d' h d t WESTERN BROWN 65, BE· a e _POm san i_s e ou MARIEMONTt80J:Kelly 5 215 . Kauffmano 2 2, Amls THEL·TATE 26 _Junior guardJa- seve~ ass1sts for the A~ators. nvm~~'tsm~lJo16 ·Don,an0 55 ·PhillipSI 35 ·ilevef 2 son Ernst scored all nine of his Middleto~gotllpomtsfrom FINNMOWN (55) Linder 113 Conway 2 0 6 Shauneece Shipman Ramsey331l,Tl10mton124,Jackson2:i7,Jenkins2o4: pointsinthefirsthalfforWestern MIDDLETOWN 11 27 5 8 • 3 Jeffnes 215, Okafor I 0 2, Sibert 6113. Totals 201155. BrOWll. at SYCAMORE 11 19 14 15 59 Three-poonters. M-Kelly 3 · H?lcomb 3 • Am IS 2 · S · d D · · Th MIDDI£TOWN (271: Shipman 5011. McCullough 12 F-Conway 2 • Ramsey 2 · Records. Manemont 4 "15 • enlOr g~a.r Offii?IC 0- 4, Randel113, Brown I 02, Tertlune 215, Keener I 0 2. 9 Fonneytownl0· · mas also finished with nine Tota1Sll327. MASON 54 AMELIA 40- J . di SYCAMORE(59):I>e1SI02,Wade60I6,Standenl2 . • . u pomts for the Broncos, 1nclu ng 4, Huller 102. Steiner6 214,J. Nesbitt 14 6, Tepe 14 6, nior dforward h'TraviS Brown seven in the first half Hammergren022,Morrow204,Tremblayii3.Totals2015 h 25 · t t ' 59. SCOre a game- 1g pOlll S 0 WESTERN BROWN 23 19 10 13 -<l5 Three-pointers: M-Shipman. S-Wade 4. Records: help Mason clinch at least a share at BETHEL-TATE 4 3 8 11 26 Sycamore 17-3, 14-2 GMC; Middletown 5·15, 4-12. WESTERNBROWN(65J: Kuntz011, Garrett3 o 6, HAMILTON 43 LAKOTA EAST of the FAVC Buckeye regular- Thomas419,Ernst339,0rakeWilliams227,Heardl02, ' season title. ~~~~~elNRic:f3d;'J~w~i~i~~~~~n~~~~5°6 ~: 42 - Hamil ton sophomore MASON 14 10 11 13 54 BEJHEL·TATE 1261: Pntchard 1 o 2. smith 3 o 9, guard Alyssa Faubion stole the at AMELIA 6 16 11 7 --40 Robertsl02.FeliX307,Geltert24,H•ghleyi02.·Tote~tO ball d dro e th 1 gth of th MA50N(54):Hunter055,T.Brown8625,J.BIUwn2 226. an v e en e 26,Krusling5212.Delotei1102,Deckeri24.Totals1717 Three-pointers:WB·DrakeWilliams.Randai.BT-Smith3. court with 13 seconds left draw54 Felix. Records Western Brown 13-4, B-3 SBC; Bethel-Tate • "' 1 th t h ' . AMEUA(4D):Sprague237.Huffi02,McCiurel13, 0-17,0-lO.JV:WesternBrownwon. mg a !OU a Set Up er gameMacFartand 5011, Matthews 3 0 6. Tale 3 0 6, DaviS 2 0 5. winning free throw Totalsl7440 ' , Three-pointers: M-T. Brown 3. A-Davis. MacFartand. GIRLS Lakota East forward Bnttany Records: Mason 12-6,11-2 FAVC Buckeye; Amelia 11-7,8-5. p ll . d t f th JV: Mason. 58-48 ton. OWe ffiiSSe WO ree rOWS WITHROW 61 DAYTON DUN· with 2.5 seconds left and Hamil' PRINCETON 72 OAK HILLS 51 BAR 55 -Senior guard Larry ' ton grabbed the rebound to end R b' d th -Junior guard Ashlee Bridge the game 0 Ins on rna e ree COnSeCU. ' tive three pointers to start the Ti- scored 20 pomts, grabbed seven Big Blue sophomore guard b d and h d fi . t t Sh 'ah gers on their way to a comeback re oun s a 1ve ass1s s o amai Samp1es 1e d all scorefrom 10 points doWll to avenge help ~ri~ceton clinch ~he Grea- rs with 16 points. _ theironlySouthwestOhioPublic te_r ~a~I Conference title m the ~tt!~6~~EAsT ig 1~ i; ~ =1~ League loss of the season. Viking~ regular-se~on finale. NAMILTON t43t: Faubion 2 31, Manley 113, Bryant2 DUNBAR 18 1 4 Juruor guardLatnce Watkins ' o4, Kand•l317, Ross226,Samples 7216.Totalst7943. 9 1 4 -55 . . LAKOTA EAST (42): Wyckoff 2 0 4, Keefer 4 1 9, 18 1 13 11 19 atWITHRow --<> semor forward Bnttany Dowdy, RhOadsll3,Poweii306,Rogers4312,McDaniel125, DUNBAR(55):J.Andersoni02,Poweii409,Cook85 · f OrWar dC OUr t ney Baileyi03Totalsl6742 25,Popei13,M.Ande1Son317,Pogue419.Totels218 an d SenlOf Three-polnteo;:LE-Rogers McDaniel Bailey. Records: 55 · WITHROW , Knight • Robir.sun 4 1 12 • Dowdy we~e also in. double _fig- Hamilton 8-12. 7-9 GMC; taka~ East3-li. 3-13. 1611 10 0 21 McBnde3o6.Hicks227,Hendersoni03,Prlgram4210, ures for Prmceton With 12 pomts COLERAIN 76 FAIRFIELD 48 McCullar022.Totals24761. • ' . Three-pointers: D-Cook 4, Powell. W-Robinson 3, apiece. . Danyelle Echoles scored 23 Kmght,_ HICkS, Henderson. Records: Withrow 14-2, 7-1 Oak Hills was led by JUnlOr points on 9-of-12 from the field inSWOP~ Dunbar 13-4. 6-2. .J . ea· ' 16 . . . JACOBS 50 SHRODER PAl· 10rward essica ms pomts cludmg five-of-five from threeDEIA 43 - senior guard Dimitri and 12 rebounds. point range to lead Colerain. PRINCETON 16 17 27 12 72 Rogers scored 13 points and atOAKHillS 11 17 14 9 -51 Sarah Kesse added 17 points fi b o~nd s to 1ead J a- Weddingtoni02,Nanc~I24,BDowdySOI2,COowdyS PRINCETON 172)· Bridge 9 2 20 Watkins 4 2 12 " th e C_ardin al san d rnadeseven grabbe d _Ive.re !Or CObS to ItS firSt VICtOry againSt 212, Williams3 2 8, Hendnckson 10 2. Totals 3010 72. Of her rune shot attemptS. • , OAK HILLS 151): Sumpter4 212, Laugl 0 2, Cain 4 B • • • Shroder m boys basketball. 16,Streicher!02,Combs206,Hednckl24,Pachko339. Holly Focke finished with S · f dK J Totals 1615 51 • · h hi h emo: orwar enny ones lllree-pol~ters: P-Watklns 2. OH-Sumpter 2, combs 2. nme pomts and ad a game- g had 10 pomts and 10 rebounds for Records: Pnnceton 17-3, IS-I GMC: oak H1lb 10·10, 9-7. JV: 11 assists for Colerain. Jacobs Pnnceton. 43-39. DDLERAIN 20 15 16 76 25 SHRODER • SYCAMORE 59, MIDDLETOWN at FAIRFIELD • 12 1a 19 --48 15 6 13 9 -43 at JAcoss 10 15 27 _Senior guard Natalie Wade COI.£RAJN t761:.Burage317, Kesse 1 3t7. Echoles9 13 50 12 SHRODER (43):Johnson2 39,0ean 4 08, Miller2!6, • . ~n·;-:,cAip10309, Re1St204,Focke419, Reod317. Tote Is B rnggs 5o 10. cooke 1 o 3, Jones 3 1 1. Totals 11 s 43. scored 11 of her 16 pomts m the FAJ.RFIELD .u k T lb 1481 JACOBStSOJ·Wilbumou Smlth4191llompson5o d halft 1 d S t · n 3 0 7• " 112 15• 0 ' " 12 4• IOPresswood022Rogeo;35l31llrasherio2Engraml secon 0 ea ycamore 0 Giger205,Harveyi02,Chance306,WIIIiams5515, o:l,Joness o 10 Totals 19 9 5o.' • the win. LaiSOn I o 2, ouod~ I 02. Totals 19 8 48. MARIEMONT atFINNEYTOWN

8 14

--60 -55

2. Engram. Records: Jacobs t0-7. 4-3 SOP~ Shrader 12·7. IH JV. Jacobs. 59-52.

•

Three-pointers: S-Johnson 2• Miller, Cooke. J-Rogers

Three-pointers. C-Echoles 5, McAipm 3. F-I.Jnk, Giger.

Moeller 72, ~lder 38

Panthers no match for tough cm~~ers By Carey Hoffman Enquirer contributor

With a starting five stretching from 5-foot-6 Andrew Gomez to 6-8 Division I signees Ryan Childress and Tyler Dierkers, the last guy noticed when Moeller takes the floor is Pat Watt Until the game begins. Watt showed his value once again Friday night, serving as the sparkplug for the talented components around him in leading the city's No.4 ranked Division I team, Moeller, to a 72-38 Greater Catholic League South victory over visiting Elder. Elder came in one of the area's hottest teams, having won nine straight games. "Pat Watt just killed us," Elder coach Joe Schoenfeld said. "He's about hustle and just simple, solid, aggressive basketball. Exactly what we hoped to do to them, he did to us." Watt is better known for his role with Moeller's football team, where he filled a similar role as a jack-of-all-trades on offense. On the basketball court, he's just a 6-foot wing player who doesn't look like much of a threat "I just play aggressive. I won't back down," said Watt, who finished with 14 points. "I don't care how small I am, I'm still going to play hard." He did much of his damage in the first half, coming up with three offensive rebounds and five steals. He helped Moeller to an early 10-4lead with two steals, and then had another steal, which he converted into a short jumper, in the final minute of the quarter. Moeller ended that quarter with a 15-8lead. The other Crusader doing the most damage was Childress, whose 18-point night included a 3-pointer to start the second quarter. Elder made a final run, closing the first half by outscoring Moeller 8-2 to pull within 10 at halftime, 29-19. But a 15-2 Moeller run to open the third quarter put away the game. "We thought coming in that we needed to respect Elder, having won nine in a row," Moeller coach Carl Kremer said. "But tonight, I was really please with our defensive performance." Elder was held to 29 percent shooting. The Panthers committed 16 turnovers. Josh Walters led them with 10 points. It seems both teams have improved since their first meeting in December. "We've really been up and down," Kremer said. "Tins team is a work in progress. Every player is in a different role than they were a year ago. Tonight, I thought we got our rhythm back." ELD£R (9-7, S.S CCL South) - Hamnck 1 0 2, waners4 210, Raterman 102. Sullivan 14 6, O'Conner a 2 2,Johnson 0 2 2, KeroUng 2 04, Lucas 419, Hein 0 II. Totals: 134512·20 38. MOElLER (14-2, 7-1 CCL South) - Brown 0 3 3, ChildressS 718, Gomez2 0 5, Bennett113, Dier1c.eJS2 5 9, Sylvester102, Watt6214, Lynch 103, Schneider2 0 4, Tabler 3 311. Totals: 23·47 21·32 72. Elder............ -......................... 8 11 8 11-38 Motlter .................................... 15 14 23 20-72 3-pointers: M- Childress, Gomez, Lynch, Tabler2.

·· :sectional seedings

:East takes :top seed intoDiv. I '

~plavoffs

::By Alex,;:;~'os' Blumer :Enquirer contributor

: Lakota East can add another first ;to its already historic season. • Fresh off Tuesday's 61-50 victory :over Lakota West, the top-ranked :team in the Enquirer Division I area :coaches' poll, the Thunderhawks · (15-1) garnered the top seed when :the Division I boys' basketball sec:tional brackets were set Saturday. : "I'm not surprised," said Lakota East head coach Wally Vickers, :whose squad edged St. Xavier for :the top spot. ''Rankings, seedings, ;those things are all peripheral subjects. It happens today, and then we :still have to go out and continue to :play well." : Three teams ranked in the Divi•sion I state poll- No.7 St. X, No.6 :Lakota West and No.8 Moeller:were seeded Nos. 2 through 4, re:spectivety. • Lakota East opens against Cole:rain Feb. 22 at Miami. Defending :state champ Hamilton (6-10) is un:seeded and awaits the winner of ;No. 10 Loveland and Wilmington. • Sycamore, a surprise regional ~semifinalist last season, meets sixth:seeded Withrow at Miami. : The University of Cincinnati sec•tional features two of the top three ' :seeds in St. X and Lakota West, :while Moeller, No. 5 seed Princeton :and No.7 LaSalle will play in theXa·vier University sectional. : In Division IT, Taft (11-3) claimed :the top seed over No.2 Indian Hill, :which suffered its first loss of the season Wednesday to Reading. : North College Hill, the state's top,ranked Division ill team, will be the :No. 1seed in the Sycamore sectional •and will play Cincinnati Hills Chris'tian Academy Feb.15. The No.2 :seed went to Reading, which ousted ;NCH from last season's playoffs. ' Lockland got theNo. 1seed in Di:Vision N over Felicity, Cincinnati ~Country Day and Fayetteville. : In the girls' Division I draw, de~fending state champ Mount Notre •Dame was seeded No. 1. The Cou:gars open Feb. 9 against Fairfield at :Milford, the site where last year's ti:,tle run began. • ''Ifs a matter of familiarity with :the routine that way," MND coach :Scott Rogers said. : Princeton claimed the No . 2 seed •over Wmton Woods. Warriors :coach Dave Lumpkin took a first:round bye to give junior standout ;Myia McCurdy more time to recov;er from some nagging injuries. • Roger Bacon is the top seed in the :Division IT sectional at Mason, and :fellow Girls' Greater Cincinnati ;League power McNicholas is No. 3. · Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy (15-1) nabbed the top seed in the :Division ill sectional at Goshen. :Ahead for the Eagles could be No. 4 ·seed Madeira, which bounced them :from the playoffs four of the past five :seasons. : The second seed went to Clark Montessori. : No. 2 Seven Hills and No. 4 Sum:mit Country Day are the local seeds ·in

thP Divi"inn

TV <>Prfinn<>l

<>t

Basketball

. ;I)L'~,.

Lakota East rules roost for 1st time By Tom Groeschen Enquirer staff writer

lakota East made some more school histoty Monday, as the Thunderhawks rose to No. 1 in the weekly Enquirer Division I boys' basketball area coaches' poll. lakota East (151) earned the No.1 ranking for the first time in the school's eight-year histoty. The Thunderhawks last weekend also earned the No. 1 sectional tournament seed, another first for the program. 'We don't want to handle it like ifs the Sports illustrated jinx," lakota East coach Wally Vickers said. "Ifs just a positive reflection of how well we've played. The real deal is when the final poll comes out in two weeks." EastrosefromNo. 3toNo.1in the Enquirer rankings after beating the previous No.1, archrivallakota West, 61-50 last Tuesday. The Thunderhawks are led by junior guard James Dews (19.6 points a game), senior forward Cordate Boyd (16.1) and senior center Nick Kohs (15.3). East jumped past No. 2 St. Xavier (12-3) for the top spot this week, while West (15-2) fell to No.4. Moeller (14-2) jumped from No. 4 to No. 3.

y...,

BOYS' DMSION I Record

1' Lakota East (8) 2. St. Xavwr (3) 3. Moeller 4.l&ota West (1) 5. Princeton 6. Witll!OW 7. La Salle 8. llings 9. Loveland 10. Mason

15-1 12-3 14-2 15-2 15-2 12·2 11-6 13-:l 12-4 11·5

.....

Polnb 114

104

4 1 5 7 6 9 10

92 74

58 52

22 16 14

Othon: Elder 10, Wio10n Woods 5, Haml:ton 5.

y...,

BOYS' DIVISIONS II-IV

1. North College H1tl (9) 2. Tafi 3. Indian Hill 4. Read,ng 5. Roger Bacon 6. Turpm 7. Lockland 8. FenwiCk 9. Walnut Hills 10. Western Brown

Record 14-1

.....

13-1 15-2 9-6

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 NR NR

11-4

11-3 14-1 13-3 8-B

11-4

Polnb 90

80 64

58 49 42 17 13 12

Othon: CincmnatJ Country Oay 10, Wyoming 9, GeorgelOwn 8, New Richmond 7, Flnney10wn 7, McNICholas 5, Shroder Paldeia 4. Cltnton-Massle 4, IJttJe Mtami 3, Goshen 2.

Princeton (15-2) remained No.5. In Divisions II-N, North College Hill (14-1) remained a unanimous No. 1 The Trojans are short-handed while several players serve suspensions related to a fight vs. New Miami on]an. 21, butstarsOJ.MayoandBill Walker have remained in the lineup. On the girls' side, Mount Notre Dame and Roger Bacon have finn holds on the No. 1 spots in Division I

y...,

GIRLS' DIVISION I

.....

Record Polnb 1. Mount Notre Dame ( 12) 129 16-2 1 2. Plmce10n (1) 15-3 115 2 3. Winton Woods 15·1 3 93 4. S)Call\Ore 15-3 4 81 S.Mercy 12-5 66 5 6. lakota Wesl 13-5 63 6 7. Anderson 15-2 45 8 8. Coleram 42 12·6 7 9t. Ta!awanda 15-2 16 10 9t McAuley 8-10 16 9 Othon: Oak Hi::s 11. Hamson 9, St Ursula 9. Withrow 8, Loveland 6, Ursuline 3, Hamilton 2, Seton 1.

T-

GIRLS' DIVISIONS II-IV

1. Roger Bacon (8) 2. CHCA(2) 3. McNicholas (1) 4. Purtell Manan St Madeira St Manemont 7. Georgetown 8. Clennont Northeastern 9. Clarl< Montesson 10. Wyoming

Record

17-1 16-1 7-10 8-9 12-6 12-6 16-2 13·2 16-1 10-7

.....

1 3 2 4 5 7 7

Polnb 107 85

70 39 39 34 NR 33 6 28 9 25 Othon: Kings 22, Badm 21, Utile Mramo17, Seven Hills 14, Readong 11, MtddlelOwn MadlsOo 11, Taylor9, Bethel-Tate 5, Western Brown 5, Shroder Paideta 4, Taft 3,lemon·Monroe 1

and Divisions II-N polls, respectively. MND (16-2) is also ranked No. 1 in the state as the girls' regular season enters its final week. Princeton (15-3) and Wmton Woods (15-1) are 2-3. In Divisions II-N, Roger Bacon (17-1) has a comfortable lead over No.2 Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy (16-1) in the poll.

E-mail tgroeschen@enquirer.com

B4 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2005

SPOR

Gedeon's game-high 22 points pace St. X past Roger Bacon Enquirer staff reports

Junior David Gedeon scored a game-high 22 points to lead host St. Xavier past Roger Bacon 67-46 in boys' basketball Tuesday night. St. Xavier, ranked No. 2 in the Enquirer Division I area coaches' poll, shot 52 percent from the field, making 22 of 42 shots. Gedeon made six of seven shots from 3-point range, and senior Johnny Wolf added 14 points for the Bombers. Roger Bacon is ranked No.5 in the Enquirer Divisions II-IV poll. Withrow 68, Aiken 46 - Sen:or forward Chris Knight led host Withrow with 19 points. Moeller 48, Chaminade-Julienne 42 - All of Moeller's points in the

fourth quarter came from the freethrow line, as the Crusaders went 16-for-19 to hold the lead.

High school roundup

onds to secure the victory. John Graves led the Indians with 16 points.

Moeller coach Carl Kremer reGirls corded his 250th victory. Tyler Dierkers scored 16 points Milford 61, Lakota East 47 and grabbed seven rebounds, and Megan Smith scored 11 of her Ryan Childress added 12 points and game-high 20 points in the fourth quarter, sparking Milford's comeseven rebounds to lead Moeller. Western Hills 61, Winton Woods back. 53 - Jerrann Wright scored 19 Mount Healthy 50, Withrow 49 points to lead Western Hills. Kim Jenkins scored with 0.5 secNorth College Hill 114, Summit ondsleft to help Mount Healthy to a Country Day 35 - Sophomore guard comeback. The Owls rallied from a 0.]. Mayo led the Trojans with 29 10-point deficit with 2:46 remaining points, five steals, nine rebounds behind six points from Jenkins and and 10 a~. 'ts. NCH is ranked No. 1 a 3-pointer from Daisja Grant. in the f.:r 'r Divisions II-IV area Bowling co a< ~~~~ .lj 1:~y 52, St. Bernard Oak Hills senior Nick Schloem49 - ', ulasgow made two free er rolled a perfect 300 game, but it throws with 30 seconds remaining wasn't enough as Oak Hills fell to to lift CCD. Kurt Smith followed Colerain 2,858-2,799. with two free throws with. 15 sec- KyleBurcb J

~oeller

' . The Enquir~r

gets past Bacon

Winton Woods 59, Harrison 42 -.

22 points to lead Wilmington. La Salle 61, Badin 50 - Sophomore Bobby Austin scored 16 points to lead the Lancers. Matt Winterhalter scored seven of his 15 points in the first quarter for La Salle. Nick Martini scored a career-high 30 points and grabbed six rebounds to pace Badin. Indian Hill 57, Mariemont47- Junior forward Mike Scherpenberger led host Indian Hill with 21 points.

Sophomore guard Reggie Revels scored 21 points to lead host Winton Woods, ranked No.10 in the Enquirer Division I poll. Goshen 64, Wilmington 52 - Senior Brad Monk scored 21 points andJ eremy Henderson added 18 to lead Goshen Dennis Nance scored

-Josh Walters scored 15 points to lead visiting Elder. North College Hill 79, New Miami 28 - Trojans sophomore guard 0.]. Mayo recorded his second triple-double of the season as he finished with 26 points, 13 rebounds

Sophomore guard Tyler Tabler scored 18 points to lead visiting Moeller to a 69-44 win over Roger Bacon Friday night. Moeller is ranked No.4 in the Enquirer Division I coaches' poll. Roger Bacon, ranked No. 4 in the Divisions II-IV poll, was led by junior forward Kurt Rocco, who scored 13 points.

Elder 47, Chaminade Julienne 42

and 10 assists. Mayo also had eight steals and three blocks, and sophomore forward Bill Walker added 18 points, 15 rebounds, seven assists and six steals. Âˇ Sophomore center Keenan Ellis, playing in his first game for NCH since transferring from Indianapolis Cathedral, totaled 16 points and 18 rebounds. The game ended shortly into the fourth quarter after a "fight between two students from both teams," according to NCH principal Kelly Hughes, who said the school is investigating. Lockland 76, Summit 58 - Dajuan Harris scored 28 points and Tommy Cox added 23 to lead Lockland. Patrick Madden led Summit with 19 points.

Girls' basketball Lakota West 57, Hamilton 44 -

Freshman Amber Gray scored 18 points and grabbed 17 rebounds while playing just three quarters to lead Lakota West. Lauren Dugan added 15 points for the Firebirds, ranked No. 5 in the Enquirer Division I coaches' poll. Alyssa Faubion scored 15 points for Hamilton. Princeton 59, Fairfield 25 -Ashlee Bridge scored 18 points and Latrice Watkins had nine assists to lead Princeton, ranked No. 2 in the Enquirer Division I poll. POSTPONED GAMES: All games involving Cincinnati public schools were postponed Friday. ;

HiGH SCHOOl BASKETBAll

St. X knocks Moeller fn~J!tu~beaten ranks Post staff report

St. Xavier's defense held Moeller to 24 points in the first three quarters and 25 percent field goal shooting for the game Friday night as the Bombers handed the Crusaders their first loss as defending state champions, 59-46. St. Xavier also opened a Phgame lead over Moeller in the Greater Catholic League's South Division. Bombers senior guard Johnny Wolf scored 29 points and grabbed five rebounds, sinking 8-of-9 free throw attempts in the final quarter to seal the game. Wolf scored nine of his points during a third quarter that saw the Bombers increase their eight-point halftime lead to 17. Moeller went into the game ranked second to Canton McKinley in the state Division I AP poll. St. X was ranked lOth. Moeller was without senior leading scorer Ryan Childress, who was serving the first game of a two-game suspension for drawing two technical fouls during the Crusaders' last win. Childress will also sit out today's game when Moeller hosts St. Vincent-St. Mary at 6:30p.m. MOELLER 9 9 6 22 -46 at ST. XAVIER 15 11 15 18 -59 MORLER (46): Gomez 2 0 6, Dierl<ers 4 3 12, Sylvester 0 I I, Watt4 5 13, lynch I 0 2, Tabler 3 3 10, Martin 10 2. Totals 1512 46. ST. XAVIER (59): Scales 12 4, Peck II 4, Wolf 9 9 29, Sweeney 10 2, Veith 12 4,Aibrigl11102, Gedeon318, Schoenhoft 1 4 6. Totals 18 19 59. Three-pointers: SX-Wo~ 2, Peck, Gedeon. M-Gomez 2, Dierl<ers, Tabler. Records: 51 Xavier 10-1,6-0 GCl; 11·1, 4·1. N: St Xavier, 71-40.

Boys' AP basketball poD · · COlUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - How a state panel of sports wliters and broadcasters mtesOhlo high school boys basketball teams In the secon<~-'<ly Assodated Press ppll of 2005, by OHSM divisions, with wonlost record and total points (llrst.ptace>Otes In parentheses):

DMSIONI

I, Umo Sr. (9) 10-0........................... 2, Spring. s. (10) 14.0 ...................... 3, Can. McKinley (7) 12-1.................. 4, Tol. StJohn's (4) 11-1 .................. 5, Warren Harding(!) 11·1................ 6, Tol. Scott 12.0...............................

264 241 225 214 IS! 137

7,$1. x..lerlll12.() 134 8, Labta West12-1---109 9, N. Can. Hoover (I) 12.0................. !OS 10, Moeller9-2 ................................. 69 01Mn .......... l2or--.polnts: II, ReynoldsbtJrg24.12. Solon 20.13, Pickerington N.16.14, Sprincboro 14.

DIVISION II

I, Akr. SVSM (30) 10-1..................... 326 2, Akr. Buchtel (2) 10-0 ..................... 264 3, Upper Sandusl<y (I) 9.0................. 223 l. Cuyahoga Falls Walsh Jesutt 9-1..... 193 ;, Van Wert 9-1................................. 115 ;, Cambridge 11-2 ............................ 102 r, Willard 9-2 .................................... 83 I, Day. Dunbar !0-3.......................... 81 I, St Paris Graham 13-1 ................... 69 10, Tall9-2 58 01Mn ........ l2or-points: II, E. Uv•rpool43.12, llpp Cityllppecanoe34.13, St Marys ~emortol31. 13, Dresden Trt-Valley 31. 13, wooster r!way 31.16, Painesvtae Harvey 21.17, Obef1in Aremds 18.17, Akr. Hoban 18 ..19. Greenfield McClain

NIGH SCHOOLS Ohio coaches' polls BOYS DIVISION I Reeonl

Team I. Lakota West (5)

St xa,ier (2) 3. Lakota East

10-3

4 Moeller (ll

5. Prioceton · 6t La Salle 6t Wrtllrow 8 Sycamore 9. Ktngs lOt Haml!ton lOt Wrnton Woods Othen: Loveland 6, ~olthwestl.

Team

~·asoo

DIVISIONS II-IV Reeonl

I. Nolth Col:ep,e H,:; (8) 2 To!t 3. Indian H:r:

Pvs. PoiJib 2 73 3 69 11-1 5 62 11-2 I 61 10-2 4 52 9-5 6 36 10·2 7 36 6-5 NR 14 10-3 9 8 5-8 8 7 7·5 10 7 5, HJIJ!'es 2, Elder I,

11·1

4t Readmg

4t Roger Bilcon 6. Turpm 7. Western Brown 8 Feowick 9. Finneytown 10t.lockland

10-1 9-3 10-0 10-2 7-6 7-4 9-3 10·2

Pvs. PoiJib I 80 ~ 69 3 63 4

47 28 17 15 13 10 10

lOt 9 6-6 7 9-1 7 lOt wa:M H:':s 7-5 lOt Othen: Geo'!le'.Owo 9, WJO"''"g 7 , McN'cholas 5, New Richmond 3. C nc•,oati Coo"try 03y 3, Little ~~·am: 3, Har!l'ony 3, cr "ton-~~assie 3, Shrader Paidera 2, Goshen 2, ~.'ade 1 '1l I. •

~;: ~~~r:

Knocks off top-ranked Moeller

>eller averages 64 points a and Childress' 16$point a obviously was missed. ]tile got the ball to the rim, but .::ouldn't get it to go in," Moeller 1Ch Carl Kremer said. "I thought r guys fought and played it to the Jd. We1lleam from this." . Childress did not attend the tame; Kremerwanted to spare him ihe razzing he would have faced 1 from St X students. Some of the usual Moeller-St. Xavier electricity seemed to be missing, with both rooting sections largely well-behaved. Childress' teammates remembered him by wearing blue wristbands emblazoned with a white No. 5- Childress' number. Childress received two technical fouls in Moeller's previous game and, under Ohio High School Athletic Association guidelines. has to sit two games. He also will miss tonight's home game vs. Akron St Vmcent-St Mary. Wolf was the show Friday. He scored St. Xavier's first nine points Friday, and the Bombers were pretty much in control throughout St X led at every quarter stop and was up by as many as 17 points, 4124 after three quarters. Wolf raised his career point total to 1,127 and is chasing St X career scoring leader Jack Thobe (class of 1958), who scored 1,182 points. "I can always do better," Wolf said. "Mer I got some points early, they started guarding me harder, and that let my teammates get some open looks. But I thought the key was our great team defense." St Xavier limited Moeller to 24 points through three quarters. 'The difference was our consistent defense and rebounding on the defensive end," St X coach Scott Martin said. And yes, there are no style points in the GCL Childress or no, the Bombers will always take a win !,

I·

The Enquirer/Ernest Coleman

St. Xavier's Greg Sweeney (right) blocks the shot of Moeller's Troy Tabler (44) in the first half of Friday's game at St. Xavier. Tabler scored 10 points, but the Bombers won the game 59-46.

over archrival Moeller. "It's awesome, it's a great win," Wolf said. Martin also will take it "I thought our guys were mentally ready to play," he said. "When players are out, teams regroup. It's

happened in some games we've had with Moeller over the years. You still have to play." The teams will meet again in a season finale Feb. 11 at Moeller.

E-mail tgroeschen@enquirer.com

Moolor (11·1, 4-1 GCL·SI -Gomez 2 0 6: Dierloers 4 3 12: Watt 4 5 13; Martm I 0 2; Tabier 3 3 10; Sylves1er 0 II, Lynch I 0 2. Totals: 15 12 46. St. x..lor (ll).l, l-01 - Scales I 2 4; Wo~ 9 9 29; Gedeon 3 18: Sweeney 1 0 2: Schoenhon I 4 6: Peck 114; Veith 12 4: Albriglrt I 0 2. Totals: 1819 59. Moolor--9 9 II 22 -411 St. x..lor - 15 11 15 18 -a 3-pointers: M 4(Gomez2, Dierl<ers, Tabler),X4 (WoK2, Peel<, Gedeon).

Basketball! No. 3 St. Xavier 59, No. 1 Moeller 46

T1e Enquirer/Ernest Coleman

The Bombers' Johnny Wolf gets knocked off his feet after he and the Crusaders' Justin Snith (lower center) collided beneath the basket while going for a rebound Friday night. Wolf scored a game-high 29 points.

Star power provides the difference for Bombers '

By Tom Groeschen Enquirer staff u'ritcr

St. Xavier's star player had 29 points. Moeller's star player couldn't play. Basically, that was the story of the Bombers' 59-46 win over Greater Catholic League South rival Moeller before a sellout crowd of 1,800 at St. Xavier on Friday night. Senior guard Johnny Wolf scored 29 points to lead the Bombers (10-1, ().() GCLS), who are No. 3 in the Enquirer Division I boys' basketball coaches' poll andNo.10inthestateAsso-

Inside No. 5 lakota East beat No. 4 Princeton for the first time in school history, 7868 Friday night.

Stol}', ClO

dated Press poll. Moeller (11-1, 4-1), ranked No. 1 in the Enquirer poll and No.2 in the state, played without senior leader Ryan Childress, who leads the Crusaders with averages of 16.8 points and 9.2 rebounds. Childress was serving the first game of a two-game suspension

because he got two technical fouls in Moeller's previous game. "We didn't take them lightly or anything," Wolf said. 'They came out and played physical, like we knew they would. We had to match their intensity, and we especially did on defense." St. X limited Moeller to 25 percent shooting (15of-60) and had 11 blocked shots, including four by senior forward Rob Schoenhoft. The Crusaders also couldn't hit their free throws, going 12-of-22 (54.5

;>ercent) from the line. Senior guard Pat Watt led Moeller with 13 :;>oints, and seninr forward Tyler Dierkers bad 12 points and 12 rebounds. Sl X shot a solid 50 percent (18-of-36) from the field The Bombers also shot a strong 76 percent from the foul line (19-of-25). Rebounds were even at 33. Wolf and feUow guard Dav:.d Gedeon led St. Xwith five hoards each, and Gedeon was the Bombers' second-leading scorer with eight points. See ST. XAVIER. Page ClO

,f~.·J!

•

4, _.,

Quote of the week , "It's always a wild environment whenever we play them. We just have to play our game and try not to be distracted by the crowd." MoeDer coach Carl Kremer,

on today's game against rival Sl Xavier

THE ENQUIRER

E~JiffiR{RfcHANNEL 9 PLAYERS OF THE YEAR At the conclusion of the basketball season, we'll crown the fourth winner of the Enquirer/Channel 9 Player of the Year award. Each week, we'll list five male and female candidates for our Watch Ust, and the winner will be picked from those players. Coaches are invited to e-mail candidates' names and relevant statistics to tgroeschen@enquirer.com. Here are this week's candidates:

BOYS Ryan Childress, Moeller, Sr., F: Averaging 16.7 points and 9.3 rebounds to lead the Crusaders. Named MVP as Moeller won the Santa Barbara (Calif.) Holiday Classic by scoring 17 points in the finals. OJ. Mayo, North College Hill, Soph., G: Leads Cincinnati playerS in scoring (31.6 a game) for the second straight season. Also averaging 8.9 assists, 6.1 rebounds and 3.3 steals. Tyler Ostennan, Lemon-Monroe, Fr., G: Totaled 50 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists in two games as the Hornets broke a 35game losing streak. Johnny Wolf, St. Xavier, Sr., G: Had 33 points vs. Lakota West to run his career total to 1,076. Is only the third player in St. Xavier history to score 1,000 points, and needs just 107 points to break the school record. Steven Young, Ross, Sr., G: Averaged 21 points and 10 rebounds in two games as the Rams won the U.S. Army Holiday Tournament at Fairfield.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2005 CS

High school basketball

Moeller returns to top of heap Crusaders displace Lakota West By Tom Groeschen Enquirer staff writer

Moeller is back on top. The Crusaders (11-D) have risen one spot to No. 1 in the weekly Enquirer Division I boys' basketball area coaches' poll. Lakota West (10-1), the previous No.1 team, fell to No.2 after being upset by No. 4 Princeton 58-52 last week. Moeller continues its recent dominance, including the 2002.{)3 state title and 2003.{)4 Enquirer regular-season poll championship. The Crusaders will play at No. 3-ranked St. Xavier (9-1) in a big Greater Catholic League South game Friday night. "It's a real tribute to our kids," Moeller coach Carl Kremer said of the No.1 ranking. "After we lost 80 percent of our scoring, I think most people figured Moeller would go away this year." Moeller lost Division I college recruits Andrew Brackman (North Carolina State), Josh Duncan (Xavier) and Bubba Walther (Akron) to graduation. This season, 6-foot-8 seniors Ryan Childress (Wisconsin-Milwaukee) and Tyler Dierkers (Miami University) have continued Moeller's recent run of Division I recruits. In Divisions II-IV boys, No. 1ranked North College Hill (7-1) and No. 2Taft (9-1) are headed for a showdown. The Trojans and Senators will meet in a Martin Luther King Day matinee Monday (4 p.m.) at Fairfield High School. In Division I girls, defending state champion Mount Notre Dame (11-2) retained a comfortable lead on No.2 Princeton (12-1). MND got 11 of 12 first-place votes, with 119 poll points to Princeton's 101.

BOYS DMSION I

r....

1. Moeller !Bl 2. Lakota West (4)

3. St xa.,er(ll 4. Poncet»n

Record 11-o

Pvs. 2 I 3

10-1 9-1 10-1 9-1 8-4

l'lllals 119 113

97 94

5. Lakota Eost 5 72 6 La Salle 6 6J 7. W1tllrow 8-2 7 56 8. Ham"ton 5-5 8 32 9. K.r.gs 9-1 NR 19 10 W1nton Woods 6-3 NR 13 Othen: Si'Ca'nOT!! 12, loveland 9. Elder 9, Mason 6, Huglles I.

BOYS DMSIONS II-IV

r....

Record

Pvs.

l'lllals

I ~011/1 CC.;el(e H•U (9) 7-1 I 99 2 Taft(IJ 9-1 2 89 3. lnN1 H ! 8.() 4 75 4 Reading 8-2 6 58 5. Roger Bacon 6-6 3 53 6 Wyo'11•ng• 7-J 5 31 7. f"'!ey\O'Im 5-5 8 25 8 Turp•n 5-4 lOt 21 9. Fe'- 'cl< 9-2 101 16 lOt. Western Brown 7-3 1 14 lOt. Wa'cot H· > 5-5 9 14 Othen: tock:aod 10. C;;r.ton-Mass;e 8, Georgetown 8, Harr:0:1J8,No-.R C~'"Ofd 7, EastC.1~0 5.L:t'ell•a'"' 3, Goshe1 2. C:n CC••!ry Day 2, Jacobs I. ~•cNdw'as I.

GIRLS DMSION I

THill

I. ~'t- No:"' OJ..,e (11) 2 Pnnceton (1)

Record 11-2

.....

l'lllals

12-1

11-2

4 3 5

6 Mercy 7. Harts.on

119 101 92 91 55 51

8-2

8 Co!era11, 9. A,.de~.o1

9-4 8-2

10 Oak HtiiS

7-7

1 9 8 NR

39 32 6

3. src'"'"'"

4 WtntOf'l Wood.s 5. i..a~cta West

10-0 9-3

Others: St. U:s~:a 5, Urnu!me 5, lolie'a~d 3, •.~cA:.. ey 2, Ha.,.. "!011. Ta!Jwanda 1, Fa·ffie'tll. I. Glen EsteL

GIRLS DMSIONS II-IV

Toam L Ro;oo• 6aar (6) 2 McNIChOlas ll) 3. CHCA (2) 4 Purcen Ma11an

Record 11-1 5-6 9-1 4-5

Pvs.

~~aso:1 3. tro-t~

I 2

Plllnb 104 80

4 8

69 48

5. 6ad" 6-7 3 47 6 lieo'fetown 11-2 6 41 7. !Ia· 9-4 5 39 8 Mode"' 8-3 9 36 9. K.ngs 9-2 7 35 10 Lrttle M<am, llJ ll-3 10 3J. Othen: C'all< llo,~on 23. Wyom··g 19. Se•oo H'''' 17. Clermont Nnl1/leastem 3, Reao,ng 3, Ta~ 3. New R'ct>mond 2, Tay:012, ~<,Ta:e 1. Goshen I, lt,Odleto•n ~~ao son I.

•-..-t

In Divisions II-IV girls, Roger Bacon (11-1) has a commanding poll lead of 104-80 over No.2 McNicholas (S.6). McNick, like Roger Bacon, has played a schedule which includes several Division I teams.

E-mail tgroeschen@enquirer. com

C6 SATURDAY, JANUARY 8, 2005

HIGH SCHOOLS

Notebook

Dierkers, Childress lead Moeller Enquirer staff reports

Senior forwards Tyler Dierkers and Ryan Childress combined for 29 points as host Moeller defeated Badin 65-39 in boys' basketball Friday night. Moeller, up by six at halftime, outscored Badin 25-13 in the third quarter. The Crusaders, ranked No. 2 in the Enquirer Division I coaches' poll, forced 23 turnovers. Moeller led in rebounding 33-21. The Crusaders travel tonight to Cleveland St. Ignatius before playing at St. Xavier Jan. 14. St. Xavier, ranked No.3 in the Enquirer poll, defeated host Purcell Marian 74-31 Friday. Senior · guard Johnny Wolf scored 22 ' points to lead the Bombers. Dierkers had 15 points, two assists, six rebounds and four steals. Childress had 14 points, five rebounds, three assists and a steal.

tian 47- Senior guard Sonny Snell went 7-of-7 from the free-throw rector at Deer Park before arriving

scored 22 points and had seven assists to lead host CCD. Hughes 54, Woodward 51- AD. Graves made a free throw with three seconds left to seal the victory for Hughes. Woodward started the fourth quarter with a 11-0 run to tie the score, but Hughes made seven free throws in the final two minutes. Graves finished with 20 points and freshman Yancy Gates came off the bench to score 17 for Hughes. Taft 86, Meadowdale 64 . DeAndre Byrd and Brandon Rust scored 14 points each to lead Taft, ranked No. 2 in the Enquirer Divisions II-IV poll. Reading 55, Wyoming 49- Reading shot 50 percent and seniors Jeremy Overbeck and Justin Brinkman had 13 and 12 points,

line in the closing minutes to hold on for the victory. NOTEWORTHY: Colerain senior guard Danyelle Echoles was honored before Friday's win over Hamilton for achieving the 1,000point milestone last month.

Football

E.J. MortonGreen, a Princeton wide receiver, has affirmed his oral commitment to play for Miami University and new coach Shane MontMorton-Green gomery. MortonGreen had given a commitment to previous MU coach Terry Hoeppner, who left to become coach at Indiana. • Anderson athletic director Mike Morgan is retiring effective respec~vely. June 30. Morgan was a longtime Cln. Counby Day 56, Cin. Chris· Elder 58, Roger Bacon 49- Elder head football coach and athletic di-

at Anderson four years ago. • Edgewood football coach Steve Channell has been named head coach of the Ohio team for the annual Big 33 All-Star Game. The game, played each July in Hershey, Pa., features Ohio all-stars vs. Pennsylvania all-stars. -

Tom Groeschen

• The committee in charge of finding the next football coach for Scott has recommended Ludlow assistant Randy Borchers for the position. Borchers, who helped lead the Panthers to back-to-back playoff appearances after snapping a 30game losing streak in 2003, will serve as a volunteer coach pending his July 1 hiring. "We're delighted with the choice," Scott athletic director Al Rust said. "He's young and energetic and he's going to be great for the program." -

RyanEmst

THE ENQUIRER

High school roundup

Childress, Dierkers power Crusaders Enquirer staff reports

Senior forward Ryan Childress had 28 points and 13 rebounds as Moeller defeated West Torrance (Calif.) 70-51 Wednesday night to advance to the title game of the Santa Barbara (Calif.) Holiday Classic. Senior guard Tyler Dierkers had 19 points and nine rebounds for Moeller (7-0), ranked No.2 in the Enquirer Division I coaches' poll. South Gwinnett (Ga. I 87, Taft 72Junior Heath White scored 31 points and had 10 rebounds for Taft (6-1) in the Deep South Classic in Atlanta. South Gwinnett (8-l), ranked No. 2 nationally by USA Today, was led by Louis Williams with 36points. Stop DWI Holiday Classic - Roger Bacon (6-4) finished sixth in the Binghamton, N.Y., tournament after losing to Hopkinsville (Ky.) 5648. The Spartans advanced to the fifth-place game after defeating Cypress Bay (Fla.) 58-37.Junior guard Ben Haarman led with 16 points. La Salle 60, Stephenson (Ga.J 43 - Senior guard Mike Wiegele scored 20 points - including three 3-pointers- as the Lancers (6-3) advanced t{) the Kingdom of the Sun consolation final today against Hendricken (R.I.) in Ocala, F1a. Shroder Paldeia 64, Owsley County (Ky,J 53 -Junior guard James Millen scored 17 points to pace Shroder in the Hazard (Ky.) Invitational.

Wyoming 62, Xenia Christian 54Senior guard Mike Deters and junior guard Jeff Weiss scored 16 points each as Wyoming (7-1) won the Xenia Christian Holiday Tournament NOTEWORIHY: Reading coach Rich Bensman earned his 200th career victory with a win in overtime against McNicholas, where he was an assistant prior to coaching at Reading.... North Adams senior Cory Copas set a school record by scoring 43 points in the championship game of the McDonald's Adams County Holiday Tournament HICKS HONORED: Former Lebanon basketball standout lindsey Hicks will have her No. 45 jersey retired before the little Miami-Lebanon girls' game tonight Hicks played at Purdue after averaging 23 points and seven rebounds as a senior for the Warriors in 1999-2000.

Swimming BOYS: There were four pool records set in St Xavier's meet at East Central (Ind.). St Xavier set a record for the 400-yard freestyle relay with a time of 3:22.75. In the 200 medley relay, the Bombers set another mark (1:44.45). St. X's Kit French set standards in the 50 freestyle (22.16) and 100 free (47.75). More results, box scores, 82

â&#x20AC;˘

Roundup

Gomez's big first half spurs

~a~ill~~ to win Junior Andrew Gomez scored 11 points, all in the first half, to lead Moeller over San Marcos (Calif.) 59-48 in the semifinals of the Santa Barbara (Calif.) Holiday Classic. Moeller (8-0), which led 33-15 at halftime, advanced to the title game late Thursday. Tyler Dierkers and Troy Tabler also had 11 points ~piece for Moeller, No. 2 in the Enquirer Division I area coaches' poll:

High school basketball

No. 1 Lakota West leads GMC parade One of 5 league schools in Div. I top 10

;/vlo':J~ By Tom Groeschen Enquirer staff writer

Mike Mueller has been No.1 before, but the top spot is a new experience for his 2004-05 Lakota West team. The Firebirds (9-0) moved from No. 2toNo.1in this week's Enquirer Division I boys' basketball coaches poll, after beating previous No. 1St. Xavier 79-65last week. St. XhadbeenrankedNo.1allseason. "It's great for the fans and it builds enthusiasm," Mueller said of theNo.1ranking. "Itcanalsomake your job tougher. It puts that target on your back." Mueller has been there. His 1991-92 Lakota team won the Division I state title, five years before the Lakota school district split into East and West. "1l:tis does remind me of '91-92," Mueller said. "Our league was so good that year, it got all of us ready for the tournament. We're just hapPY to be one of several good teams." Lakota West is one of five Great- E-mail tgroeschen@enquirer. com

Record

Pvs. Points 2 107 3 94 I 88 4 70 6 68 8 44 5 42 7 36 9 18 NR 15 Others: Kings 9, Winton Woods 6, Oak Hills 4, Western Hills2, loveland I, Mount Healthy I. I. Lakota West (8)

2. Moeller (3) 3. St Xavier 4. Pnnceton S.Lakota East 6. La Salle 7. Withrow 8. Hamilton 9. Mason 10. Sycamore

Team

er Miami Conference teams in this week's Division I Top 10, along with No.4 Princeton (8-1), No.5 Lakota East (6-1), No.8 Hamilton (4-3) and No.10 Sycamore (4-3). Moeller (9-0) and St. Xavier (8-1), both from the Greater Catholic League South, are Nos. 2-3 this week. "I ran into (Moeller coach) Carl Kremer at dinner the other night, and we said we'd vote each other No.1," Mueller said. "Neither of us wants it right now. It's still awfully early to be too hapPY about it." West will get another big challenge Wednesday, when No. 4 Princeton visits for a GMC game. North College Hill (6-1) remains atop the Divisions II-IV boys' poll, led by sophomore 0.]. Mayo (31.6 points a game). On the girls' side, Mount Notre Dame (8-1) and Roger Bacon (9-1) still lead the Division I and Divisions II-IV voting, respectively.

BOYS DIVISION I

Team

9.0 9.0 8-1 8-1 6-1 6-4 6-2 4-3 7-2 4-3

BOYS DIVISIONS II-IV Reconl

Pvs.

Points

I. North College Hill (8) 6-1 I 97 2. Taft (2) 7-1 2 90 3. Roger Bacon 6-3 3 74 4. Indian Hill 5.0 4 68 5. Wyoming 7-1 6t 46 6. Reading 6-2 NR 33 7. Western Brown 7-1 5 27 8. Rnneytown 4-2 8 23 9. Walnut Hills 4-4 9 22 IOl Fenwick 8-1 10 16 IOl Turpin 3-4 6t 16 Others: Shroder 10, New Richmond 9, McNicholas 5, lockland 3, little Miami 3, Woocward 3, Clinton-Massle 3, Goshen 2.

GIRLS DIVISION I

Teaâ&#x20AC;˘ I. Mount Notre Dame (II) 2. Pnnceton 3. Winton Woods 4. Sycamore 5. Lakota West 6. Mercy 7. Harrison 8. Anderson 9. Colerain 10. St Ursula

Record

Pvs.

Points

8-1 !0-1 8.0 9-2 7-3 5-3 7-2 6-2 7-4 3-3

I 2 3 5 4 6 7 10 9 8t

110 92 80 77 56 42 38 24 19 14

Others: Oak Hills 12, loveland II, McAuley 8, Withrow 8, Ursuline 6, Hamilton 5, Mason 2, Glen Este I.

GIRLS DIVISIONS II-IV

Team I. Roger Bacon (6)

Reconl

Pvs.

Points

9-1 I 93 2. McNicholas 4-6 5 68 3. Badin 6-4 7 63 4. CHCA (2) 7-1 3 53 5. Manemont 7-3 NR 42 6. Georgetown 8-2 9 41 7. Kings 6-2 4 36 B. Purcell Manan 3-3 NR 35 9. Madeira 7-3 2 29 10. little Miami (I) 9-3 NR 20 Others: Clark Montesson 19, Wyoming 15, Reading 12, Seven Hills 8, Taft 6, Batavia 5, New Richmond 2, Bethel-Tate I, Shroder I, Goshen I.

C6 TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2004

High school basketball

Lakotas put high rankings on line By Carey Hoffman Enquirer contributor

After voting by area coaches Monday, tonight's Lakota East at Lakota West game has a higher profile than any previous meeting between the two rivals than ever before. East is fourth and West is third in the new Enquirer Division I boys coaches' poll, making for the highest combined matchup in the history of the cross-district series. "It counts the same in the standings, but there's no question for our school and our community, it's a huge game," said East coach Wally Vickers, who has his team off to a 4-0 start overall and 3-0 in the Greater Miami Conference, the same record West brings into the game. u est) is off to a great start and if they're not the most talented team in Cincinnati, they are certainly one of the most talented. We're going to have to see if we're up to the challenge. Our team is making progress, but four games into the season is far from a finished product We have a long way to go." East, up from a No.6 ranking last week, has won each of its games by 13 points or more. St Xavier and North College Hill are now unanimous choices atop the boys Division I and Divisions IIIV polls, respectively. Those two are headed for a much-anticipated showdown at St Xavier on Dec. 21. On the girls side, Roger Bacon has a share of the top spot in the Divisions II-IV poll for the first time this year. The Spartans moved up from third and into a tie with last week's No.1, Badin. Those two and McNicholas have been tightly bunched in the top

Poll results Division I Boys

~~.;:,;,'ll!es in pa:ent~es's. ~

1. St Xavier (13) 1 2. Moeller 4 3. Lakota wes: 3 4 lakota East 6 5. Ham1lton 2 6. Pnnceton 9 7. La Salle 5 B Withrow 8 9. Winton Woods 10 10. Sycamore 7 Others: Masoo 12; Wes'.em H: 11s 5; K1ngs 4

Rec. 5-0

3-0 4-0 4.Q

2-1 4-0

3·1 2-1 3-0 3-2

Division II-IV Bo"Rec. ~

Rank-Team 1. North Co!!ege Hi': (B) 2 Taft 3. Roger Bacon 4. lnd1an Hill

1 2 3 5

5. McNrcho!as

5-0

Points

130

93 89 B5 68 50

25 13

Points 80

;>-()

61;

4-1 3-0

59 48

2-2

6 Western Brown 8 6-0 25 7. Reading 10 4-1 23 8. Walnut Hills 7 4-1 Z3 9. Finneytowo NR 4-1 !B 10 Turpin 4 1-2 15 1 Otlms: Wyoming 13; Ferrw:cl< 7; Made m 4; Badin 4; Uttle M:ami 4; Clinton-Mass!e 4; ~;.-•• Richmond 3; lockland 3; Puroel! Marian 2; Ross 1

Division I Girls

Rank-Team ~ Rec. Points 1. Mount Notre Dame (B) 1 4-1 B9 2 Pnnceton 2 7-0 79 3. W,nton Woods (1) 3 5-0 73 4. Lakota West 6 5-1 48 5. Sycamore 7 4-2 47 6. St Ursula 4 4-1 45 7. Hamson 5 3-2 21 S. UtSulme NR 2-3 15 9. Mercy NR 2-3 13 10 Loveland NR 6-2 11 Otl!ers: AndetSon 11; Oak H'"s 10; Colerain 9; McAuley 9; Hamilton 9; Mason 4; Willl'Ow 1; G!eo fs>.e 1

Division II~Glrit...

Rank-Team 1. Roger Bacon (3) 1. Bad;n 3.

McNrc~olas

3 1 2

4-2

4-1

Points 45 45

2-4

4 Cm1• H!lls Chr. Acd.(l) 4 4-0 31 5. ~~ade:m 9 5-1 29 6. Puvn MariaTt T 0·5 25 7. K··g~ (1) 10 4-1 24 8. Wyommg 5 3-2 18 9. George:owo (1) 6 6-0 14 10 i.Jttle M1am! NR 6-i !2 Others: ~t.ar/err.ont 8; Seven H.::s 6; Gos~en 5; Western B"'."" 5; Fen~<:c~ 5; North Co~:ege HJ 4; Sh!Olfer Pa!dela 4; Ta'\3; Read·".g 2; Clalt< Mo!lte>sori 2; New R'chmood 2; Le~o~-~.1n~~oe

1; Bethe!-Tate 1

three spots in the poll all year. Mount Notre Dame carries on as the No. lteam in the Division I poll, where there was also quite a shakeup in the bottom half of the top 10. Three teams that were unranked a week ago, Ursuline, Mercy and Loveland, moved up into the final three spots in the poll.

MoeOer 71, Glen Este 3l Moeller, ranked fourth in the Enquirer Division I ·coaches' poll, jumped out to a 33-8 first-quarter lead. I~ .• l·l··.vO~ Tyler Dierkers, scored all 12 of his points in the first half to lead Moeller. Ryan Childress and Pat Watt scored 11 points each, all in the first half, for Moeller. · Glo. [Ito IG-41 - Euton 4 0 10, Mlldlefl 0 II, Moon! II 4, Walker2 0 4, Welngardnerl13, Wilson I 0 2, Mack2 2 7. Totals: II 5 31. Meolerll-01- Brown 12 4, Childress 5111, Gomez II 3, Wnek I 02, Bennett 10 3, P. RedwlneO II, Dlerkers 5 212, Sylvester I 0 2, W8tl 5 I II, Smith I 0 2, lynch I 0 2, Schnelder2 3 7, S. RedWine 12 4, Tabler319, Marun 2 04. Totals: 30 14 77.

a. [Ito

.......

• 10 9 4-31 33 19 11 14-77

3-polnters: Glen Este 4 (EutDn 2, Moore, MI!Ck); Moeller 3 (Bennea. Tabler 2).

Moeller 78, PureeD Marian 52 Tyler Dierkers scored 18 points and had seven rebounds to lead Moeller, the No.3 team in the Enquirer Division I area coaches' poll. t2~L/-t>U

PaRe~ MariiiiiG-21- ShepaR14 4 !2;f1Pnell.6 o 10. Howan11 02, c. Reeder 10 3, Willis 23 7, D. Reeder 30 5,

Keith 3 I 7, Banks I 2 4, DeLuca 1 0 2. Totals: 23 10 52. Moeller 11·01- Brown 113, Theis 215, Childress 5 213, Gomez 12 4, Wnek 0 2 2, Bennett 4 0 7, Dlel1<ers 8 2 18, Sylvesterl02, Wattl02, Lynch03 3, Schneiderl02, Tabler 50 12. Martin 2 1 5. Totals: 35 13 78.

Purcell -···-·············

-52

Moeller.·-·--·-·-·· 20 17 20 21 -78 3-pointers: P 4 (Finnell 2, C. Reeder, D. Reeder); M 5 (Tlleis, Childress. Bennett. Tabler 2).

Bluegrass-Buckeye Charity Classic

Votel, No.1 CovCath keeR Elder winless ~ia~ ilea~

Enquirer contributor

Elder's hopes of celebrating Christmas with an upset of Northem KentuckY's top-ranked team were dashed by a 6-foot-7, redheaded grinch. Brennan Votel scored 23 points to lead Covington Catholic past the Panthers, 61-54, Monday in the sec-ond - annual Bluegrass-Buckeye Charity Classic at Cintas Center. Elder'slosswasitssixthinarow. CovCath has won three straight after opening the season with consecutive losses. "I think we're really starting to gel," CovCath coach Mike Listerman said. Votel scored eight straight Colonels points in the first quarter and another 11 straight beginning at the end of the third quarter. Votel's third-period streak showed his versatility. He hit a soft turnaround jumper, a 3-pointer and a thunderous one-handed fastbreak dunk off an Elder turnover. 'That's the nice thing about him, he's not one-dimensional," Listerman said. "Ifpeopletrytotakeaway one aspect of his game, we're going to try to put him in a position where we can use some of his other talents and abilities." The Panthers trailed by just four points before Votel's third-quarter barrage. When it ended, Elder was staring at a 49-36 deficit with just under six minutes remaining. "(CovCath) is too good of a team to play catch up on," Elder coach Joe Schoenfeld said. Elder (().6): Hamrick 6 0 12, Raterrnan 12 5, Kersting 3 410, Bessler 10 3, Eaney 2 0 4, Watters 5010, Jones 10 3, Johnson 2 0 4, Holmes 1 0 3. Totals: 22 6 54. Covington Catholic (3-2): Witzgall2 0 6, Tierney 2 2 7, T.Jacobs3 410, Young102, Votel10 2 23, Noll103, Bovard 2 0 4, S. Jacobs 2 2 6. Totals: 23 10 61.

Elder-----····-·

Cov. Catholic .... _.........

14 16

12 13

8 13

20 19

-54

-61

Three-point field goals: Elder 3 (Raterrnan, Bessler, Holmes); Covington ~tholic 5 (Witzgall, Tiemey, Noll, Votel).

Moeller 60, Conner 4l Seniors Patrick Watt and Ryan Childress combined for 40 points to lead the Crusaders. Moeller, ranked No. 3 in the Enquirer Division I poll, improved to 5-0. Watt connected on 9-of-12 shots from the field and made the game's only three 3-pointers. "Patrick Watt is one of the best competitors I've ever coached," Moeller coach Carl Kremer said of Watt, a first-team all-state wide receiver in football. "I'm pleased with his leadership as much as anything and I'm happy he had a bust-out game tonight." Moeller(5·0): Childress 60 719, Wnek113, GomezO 1 1, Dierl<ers 3 1 7, Sylvester 1 0 2, Watt 9 3 21, Tabler 3 1 7. Totals: 23 11 60. Conner(4-2): Broyles 215, Lafollette 3 2 8, Spaulding 1 3 5, Crews 1 0 2, Durbin 12 4, Pieschel 0 2 2, Cuny 4 0 210. Totals: 14 13 41.

Moeller_,_______

-60

Conner ---------·

-41

3-point field goals: Moeller 3 (Watt 3).

NewCath 49, Anderson 27 The Thoroughbreds' defense held Anderson to a season-low offensive output. NewCath has limited all but one opponent to under 40 points, allowing an average of just 36. Seniors Mark Krebs (14), Michael Shiels (11) and Gary Gearding (11) scored in double figures for NewCath, sixth in the Enquirer Northern Kentucky coaches' poll. Anderson (3-4): Tarvin 3 0 7, Wilkison 3 0 6, Zeis 10 2, Shingleton 4 4 12. Totals: 11 4 27. NCC (4-1): Beuter 0 11, Krebs 4 5 14, Gesenhues 2 0 5, Shiels 5 111, Gearding 5 0 11, Hell 2 0 4, Upscomb 1 0 3. Totals: 19 7 49. ·

AndenorJ ...................... NCC .....-......................

8 12

8 9

7 22

4 6

-27 -49

Three-point field goals: Anderson 1 (Tarvin); Newport Central Catholic 4 (Krebs, Gesenhues, Gearding, Upscomb). '

Only certainty: From St. Xavier to Hamilton, no decisive No.1 11/4-'/() 'f

By Tom Groeschen Enquirerstaffwriter

There is no clear-cut No.1 team entering the Cincinnati boys' basketball season. Hamilton is the· defending Division I state champion and might have been No. 1 this preseason, but standout swingman Adam MyersWhite has opted not to play his senior year. And although St Xavier is No. 1 on most coaches' ballots, Bombers coach Scott Martin agrees there is no dominant team. 'The past two years you had Moeller with all those high Division I players, but this year there's a lot of good talent at several schools," Martin said. The past two years, Moeller had it all. The 2002-03 Crusaders won the Division I state title, and the '0304 team was a regional finalist Divison I college recruits Andrew Brackman (North Carolina State), Josh Duncan (Xavier) and Bubba Walther (Akron) led those Moeller teams. Entering 2004-05, there's no such supergroup. "I think you'll see four or five teams be ranked No.1 during the year," Oak Hills coach Mike Price

''/think you'U see four or five teams be nked AT J d • the rp£,~ lot ra 1Y0. U'nrlg year. .1 fU5t'B Sa ofgood individual talent but there'S not • ' , one team you can say 'l,S above the rest. ,

Oak Hils coach Mike Price said. 'There's a lot of good individual talent, but there's not one team you can say is above the rest." Hamilton, St. Xavier, Moeller, both Lakotas, Withrow, La Salle, Princeton, Oak Hills and Sycamore are among many teams coaches mention as Division I challengers. In Division II, Taft looks strong. Standout guard Heath White transferred from Wmton Woods, and the Senators already returned the core of last season's regional qualifier. In Division III, North College Hill should dominate. 0.]. Mayo and Bill Walker, both ranked among the nation's top 10 sophomores by Hoop Scoop analyst Clark Francis, lead the Trojans. NCH went 21-0 before being upset by Reading in the sectionals last season. Mayo, the reigning Division III state player of the year, averaged 30.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, 7.5 as-

head coach Larry Allen, was sixth man on the state-title team. Myers-White, honorable mention all-state in basketball last season, was also the No. 2-rated prep football safety in America by ESPN.com. But after being hurt much of this autumn, Myers-White is sitting out of basketball as he finalizes his plans to play Division I college football. "I think the world of Adam, and he did real well for us," Larry Allen said. "We've just gotto go on." Hamilton also must replace state tournament MVP Brandon Lampley, the point guard who averaged 10.3 points and 3.7 assists last season. Also graduated are forward Latez Williams and guards Derrick Huff and Casey Brooke. Moeller returns two Division I recruits in 6-8 Tyler Dierkers (signed with Miami University) and 6-8 Ryan Childress (Wisconsin-Milwaukee). "We won't be bad, but I think right now you'd have to put teams like St. X and Hamilton up there," Moeller coach Carl Kremer said. "And I'd watch out for both Lakotas."

sists and 5.2 steals as a freshman. Walker missed most of last season with a knee injury. NCH is rated the No. 6 team in the Midwest by USA Today and No. 22 nationally in an Internet poll, the National Prep Basketball Poll. The Trojans' schedule can't match those of Division I teams, but NCH plays a few D-1 schools this season. The big one is Dec. 21 at St Xavier, when Mayo goes toe to toe with Bombers star Johnny Wolf. "Last year we had a very young team," NCH coach Jamie Mahaffey said. "Even though we had a lot of talent, we were not mature. This year we are a year older, but still young." In Division I, Hamilton returns two standout players in 6-foot-9 senior Jason Miller (committed to Columbia) and 6-5 sophomore Billy Allen. Allen, son of Hamilton E-mail tgroeschen@enquirer. com

Greater· Catholic League South division

--~~~~~~~----~--~----------

St. Xavier's Robby Schoenhoft, a 6-foot-6 forward who will help anchor the Bombers' frontcourt.

(Schools in order of predicted KEY PLAYERS: F Ryan Childress, racing. pressing basketball wit~ a finish basGd on voting by leagur. FTyler Dierkers, G Patrick Watt, G willingness to fire up the 3-pointcoaches) Andrew Gomez ers. Rynn (8.8 ppg) is a solid

Sl Xavier COACH: Scott Martin (164-80) oAST SEASON: 15-6 (8-5) ID PLAtERS: GJohnny Wolf , G Oavid Gedeon, F Robby Schoenhoft ounooK: Johnny Wolf (18 ppg), who first burst onto the scene as a rare freshman player on the varsity at St. X, is now a senior, and the two-time Enquirer Division I all-area player is ready to be the dominant presence for the Bombers fo• the third straight season. There's plenty of perimeter experience to go with him in Gedeon (7 ppg), Dan Peck and Maurice Scales. The Bombers have the makings of a solid frontcourt in the 6-foot-6 Schoenhoft (6 ppg), 6-7 Greg Sweeney and 6-6 Kyle Gibler.

Moeller COACH: Car1 Kremer (235-105) tAST SEASON: 22-3 (11·1)

OUROOK: Not many programs could withstand losing three Division I college recruits to graduation in the same year, but Moeller will rebu:~d around two more D-1 signees- 6-8 forwards Childress. (Wisconsin-Milwaukee) and Dierkers (Miami University). They'll be courted on to replace the 80 percent of the offense that is gone from last season. Watt and Gomez bring good athleticism to the backcourt and will allow Moeller to play an aggressive, attacking style.

La Salle COACH: Dan Reming (205-139) lAST SEASON: 23-2 (11-1) KEY PLAYERS: F Colin Rynn, G Mike Wiegele OUTLOOK: The 2003-04 dream regular season was diminished by the season-ending injury to star Justin Orr. Now the Lancers will have to play without him full time, but their style never changes -

shooter and will have help in that area from senior Kurt Wiebell and sophomores Tony Schmidt and Bobby AusHn. Wiegele averaged 4.2 points a game. Ben Martin, a star at defensive end on the football field, will be a 6-6 shot-blocking presence inside.

Elder COACH: Joe Schoenfeld (194107) LAST SEASON: 12-10 (6-6) KEY PLAYERS: GJosh Walters ounoOK: Walters (10.4 ppg) is the top veteran back for a team that is going to have to scrap to compete against the other GCL teams. Elder doesn't have a lot of height, nor an obvious star to occupy the attention of opposing defenders. To compensate, Schoenfeld will try to implement more running and pressing into Elder's playing style.

Greater Catholic League North division (Schools in order of predicted finish, based or; voting by leagtte coaches)

Alter COACH: Joe Petrocelli (700228) lAST SEASON: 9-12 (6-8) KEY PlAYERS: G Danny Fortner, C Andy Dorow, F Matt Krystofik OUTLOOK: Dorow is the lone starter back for Alter, which will try to improve on a rare down season - its first losing effort in 34 years. Offensively, Alter should be better, but youth will be a factor. One highlight from last season was Petrocelli earning his 700th career victory. He's the second-winningest coach in Ohio history.

Chaminade-Julienne COACH: Joe Staley (243-199) lAST SEASON: 18-8 (10-4) KEY PlAYERS: F Derrick Brown, G Steve Dees OUTLOOK: Coming off a fine season, C-J has the league's attention. The GCl North coaches unanimously endorsed the Eagles as preseason favorites. Brown (16 ppg), an early signee with Xavier, is an athletic 6-foot-8 forward who should be the league's top player. Dees, a junior who was secondteam aii-GCllast season, is a potential Division I signee next year. Depth behind those t\vo stars is also a C-J ~trength.

McNicholas' Matt Schlagheck, at 6 feet 5, will help prov:de size inside for the Rockets. He averaged seven points a game last season.

Roger Bacon

shooter, and Knecht will be looked to for leadership.

COACH: Bill Brewer (185-110) lAST SEASON: 6-16 (6-10) KEY PlAYERS: C Nick Duffy, G Ben Haarman, GJosh Nolan, F Pete Knecht OUTLOOK: A rare rebuilding campaign last season should give way to more progress, although Bacon is still a young bunch with only two seniors on its roster. Duffy Haarman (nine ppg, six rpg) and Haarman (12 ppg) are two of the most talented young players in the GCl North. Nolan is a threat as an outside

COACH: Pat Stricker (21-23) lAST SEASON: 8-14 (5-9) KEY PlAYERS: F Matt Schlagheck, C Andy Stamper, GTyler Ward OUTLOOK: After a disappo:nting finish last season, McNick appears to have the talent to move back into the upper half of the GCl North. Schlagheck (seven ppg) and Stamper (five ppg) give the traditionally undersized Rockets a pair of 6-5 players inside, while Ward (seven ppg) is the team's serior captain and a leader at guard. Stricker is looking for improvement in ball-handling and defense. â&#x20AC;˘

Badin Enquirer file/Mike Sirroons

McNicholas

COACH: Fred Hesse (35-65) lAST SEASON: 4-17 (2-12) KEY PlAYERS: F Nick Martini, C Jerry Young OUTLOOK: Martini (12 ppg) was one of the few bright spots last season, earning first-team all-league honors. Young (5 rpg) is a 6-5 returning starter at center. Hesse expects to have a better shooting and rebounding team this season but is concerned with lapses on defense.

Purcell Marian COACH: Randy Reeder (54-97) lAST SEASON: 6-15 (3-11) KEY PlAYERS: F Deshawn Keith, CJohnathan Deluca OUTLOOK: Purcell will try to find strength in numbers, as Reeder plans to use 10 players in his rotation and will try to wear down opponents by taking advantage of his team's excellent speed. Keith and Deluca will be counted on for leadership.

High school basketball

Team

St. X, Hamilton remain 1-2 in poll I t4 I("' ,., fJ

By Carey Hoffman

Enquirer contributor

The end of Hamilton's 22game winning streak in boys' basketball had little effect on the Enquirer's first batch of regularseason area coaches' polls. In Division I, St. Xavier remainedNo.1andHamiltonNo. 2 - the same positions they held before St. Xavier's 57-55 victory Saturday at Hamilton. It was the first loss since last December for Hamilton, the defending Division I state champion, and pushed St. Xavier to a 4-0 start. Hamilton was just ahead of Lakota West, which the Big Blue will visit Dec. 17. West was the last team to beat Hamilton before the Big Blue started its winning streak last year. OJ. Mayo-led North College Hill remained a comfortable

No.1 in the boys' Divisions II-IV poll, where the biggest mover was Walnut Hills, up from a preseason rank of No. 10 to a current ranking of No.7. On the girls' side, Mount Notre Dame absorbed a 55-51 loss Saturday to Lexington Catholic without losing its top ranking in the Division I poll. The Cougars held the No. 1 spot, just ahead of Princeton and Winton Woods. Two teams that gained from the preseason in Division I were No. 4 St. Ursula and No. 5 Harrison, the other two unbeaten squads in the Division I poll. Badin, McNicholas and Roger Bacon all received three firstplace votes in the girls' Divisions II-IV poll, but it was Badin holding on to the top spot it was first awarded in the preseason balloting. McNick and Roger Bacon are tied for second.

Division I Boys

I. St Xavier (B) 2 Ham•ltOn 3. Lakota West 4. Moeller 5. La Salle 6. Lakota East 7. Sycamore

Roconl

Pro¥lous

4.0 0·1 2.0

2 4

1-C

3 5

2.0 2-0 3.0

6 9 1

B.W~hrnw

9. Princeton 2.0 B 10. Wmton Woods 1-C NR Others: Mason 5; Oak Hills 2; Western Hills I; Kings HS I

Team

Division I~Bo.e._

I. North College Hiil (4)

61 57 55 51 47 30 23 19

Points

49 2.Ta~(l) 1-0 2 44 3. Roger Bacon 3.0 3 37 4 Turpm ().! 4 26 5.1ndian Hill !.() 6 25 6. McNicholas 1·1 ~ 24 7. Walnut Hills HS 2·1 10 19 8. Western Brown 5.0 9 15 9. Wyoming 2·1 NR 8 10. Rei!01ng 3.0 7 7 Others: Woodward 5; Anneytown 4; Utile M1am1 4; LDckland 3; Goshen 3; Ross I; Fenwick I

Team

3.0

Points BO

Division I Girts Roconl

Pro¥lous

Points

I. Mount Notre Dame (6) 2-1 1 66 2 Plinceton 5-C 2 62 3. Wmton Woods (I) 3.0 3 59 4. St. Ul'lula 3.0 !C 32 5. Harrison 3.0 NR 31 6 Lakota West 3-1 4 30 7. Syeamore 3-1 5 2B B. Oak Hills 4·1 N~ 25 9t McAuley 3-1 9 14 9t Anderson 1-:< E 14 Others: Co!eraln 9; Mercy B; Ursuline 3; Haminon 2; Loveland I; Fairfield 1

Team

Division II-IV Girts Roconl

Pro¥lous

Points

I. Badin (3) 2·2 I 94 2t McNIChOlaS (3) 1·3 3 88 2t Roger Bacon (3) 4-1 2 88 4. Cin. Hills CnristiOn (I) 0-2 4 71 5. Wyoll'ing 0-2 5 55 6. Georgetown {I) 4.0 E 54 7. Purtell l.'arlan 2-2 B 42 B. Manemont 4·1 IC 39 9. Madeira (I) 3.0 7 3B 10. Kings (I) 3·0 S 36 Others: little Miami 34; Fenwick 15; Clark Montessori 12; Saven Hills II: Goshen 10; New R1chmond 5; Shrader Paldela 5; Bethel-Tate 4; Taft 4; Finneytown 3; Taylor 2; Western Brown 2; Middletown Madiscn 2; Woodward 1

Wolf, Sch9enhoft lead No. 1 St. X. '

DMSION I Points 104

85 84 80

44 22

Otllon: Western Hills 10, Loveland 9, HugtJes 8, Winton Woods 7, Mason 5, Northwest 2.

DMSIONS II-IV School

1. North College Hill ( 7) 2. Taft (3) 3. Roger Bacon 4. Turpin (1) 5. McNicholas 6. Indian Hill 7. Reading 8. Madeira 9. Western Brown 10. Walnut Hills

';...;

Enquirer staff writer

F1rst·place votes are mparentneses:

1. St. Xavier (6) 2. Hamilton (3) 3. Moeller (1) 4. Lakota West ( 1) 5. La Salle (1) 6. Lakota East 7. Withrow 8. Princeton 9. Sycamore 10. Oak Hills

By Tom Groeschen

Preseason polls School

·'

,"''

Points

88 77 66 61 49 42 32 27 24 22

Otllers: Badm 19. Wyoming 16, Lockland 16, PuJCell Manan 13, Fen~itk 10, Clai1< Montesso' 8, N"" Richmond 6.

St. Xavier, led by two bigname stars, is No. 1 in the Enquirer Division I preseason boys' basketball coaches' poll. Bombers senior guard Johnny Wolf is a two-time Enquirer first-team all-star, a rare feat. Senior forward Robby Schoenhoft, a star football quarterback committed to Ohio State, was honorable mention all-area last season in basketball. In Divisions II-IV, No.1ranked North College Hill is led by sophomore stars OJ. Mayo and Bill Walker. Mayo was the Associated Press' Division III state player of the year as a freshman, when he averaged 30.9 points a game. In Division I, St. Xavier has

FOUR-PAGE BASKETBALL PREVIEW SECTION INSIDE

Hamilton, Moeller, Lakota West and La Salle. "St. X has the most talent," Hamilton coach larry Allen said. "I think we11 be up there, and by tournament time I don't think teams will want to play us." St. Xavier is led by Wolf, a 6-3 shooter extraordinaire who averaged 19.4 points as a sophomore and 18.2 as a junior. Junior guard David Gedeon (seven ppg last year) and Schoenhoft (six ppg) were honorable mention allarea. St. Xavier opens its season vs. Centerville today (7 p.m.) at Xavier's Cintas Center, part of the Provident Bank Prep Festival invitational.

• Coaches selected St. Xavier No. 1 in the Enquirer preseason poll, but most of them, including Bombers coach Scott Martin, believe there's no unanimous choice.

• North College Hill's OJ. Mayo is just a sophomore - but he might be the best player in the area, and even in the state.

size (six players 6 feet 6 or taller), shooters and depth. It could be the best St. X team since the 2000 Bombers won the state title. "We just have to be mental· ly ready, because people will be motivated to play us," St. Xavier coach Scott Martin said. "We've got to make our kids come out and play like they're ranked No. 10 or not ranked at all."

Hamilton, the defending state champion, is ranked No.2 in Division I. The Big Blue might have been No. 1, but star forward Adam MyersWhite has opted not to play his senior season. MyersWhite will use the time to fi. nalize his college football plans. In Division I, the first-place poll votes were scattered E-mail tgroeschen@enquireramong five teams - St. X, .com

Stories, conference-byconference breakdowns, 86-9

1perry@enquirer.com, (513) 768-8381

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2005

Lakota East finishes atop poll Thunderhawks edge Moeller; NCH reigns in Divisions II-IV By Tom Groeschen Enquirer staff writer

lakota East celebrated its first Enquirer Division I boys' basketball area coaches' poll championship Monday, by the narrowest margin. The Thunderhawks (18-2) edged No. 2 Moeller (17-3) by one point in the final vote, 184-183. The voting,

open to all area head coaches, was conducted online all season. "It's a reflection of our regular season, and we're proud of it," lakota East coach Wally Vickers said. "One of our goals was to end up No.1 in Cincinnati." In Divisions II-IV, North College Hill (19-1) was the unanimous poll winner over Taft.

lakota East was a comfortable No.1 in last week's Division I poll, but a 64-49loss to Hamilton cost the Thunderhawks some poll support. But not from Moeller coach Carl Kremer. "I voted for East, because with only two losses I think they deserved to be No.1," Kremer said. Moeller, ranked No. 4 last week, nearly surged to No.1 after a 59-49 win over then-No. 2 St. Xavier last Friday. lakota East lost to Hamilton without one of its top players, senior forward Cordale Boyd, who sat out because of what Vickers called, "A

team issue." For lakota East, the Enquirer title is the program's first since the Lakota school district split into East and West in 1997. For Vickers, it is his first Enquirer title in 15 years as a head coach. This is his second season at East, and he voted his team No. 1 in the final poll. ''We tied for the best record in the city, so I think that means something," Vickers said. East and Princeton both are 18-2. Princeton, with 176 poll points, was behind Moeller at No. 3. The Vikings also were No. 3last week.

In Divisions II-IV, NCH sophomore stars 0.]. Mayo and Bill Walker led an impressive season in which the Trojans beat Division I state power Toledo St. John's and the area's top Division II team, Taft. NCH's only loss was to Division I St. Xavier. ''We always want to be one of the best teams in the area, so it's very symbolic for us to win that," NCH coach Jamie Mahaffey said of the coaches' voting.

E-mail tgroeschen@enquirer.com Polls, C2

................

C8 FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 2005

A LOOK AT THIS WEEK'S KEY GAMES AND MORE

ENQUIRER/CHANNEL 9 PLAYERS OF THE YEAR

GCL showdown I St. Xavier, Moeller play for title

At the conclusion of the basketball season, we will crown the win.. ~r of the annual Enquirer/Channel 9 Player of the Year award. Each week, we will list five male and female candidates for our Watch list, and the winners will be picked from those players. Coaches are invited to e-mail candidates' names and relevant statistics to tgroeschen@enquirer.com. Here are this week's candidates:

BOYS Tyler Dlerkers, Moeller 6-8, Sr., F:

The Miami recruit has averaged 12.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.3 blocks for Moeller, ranked No. 4 in the Division I area coaches' poll. Dajuan Harris, Lockland, Jr., G: He has averaged 19.1 points and 10.4 rebounds for the Panthers, who are 16-2 and ranked No. 7 in the Enquirer Divisions II-IV poll. Joe Mendenhall, Batavia, Sr., F: He scored his 1,000th career point and had a career-high 39 points and 15 rebounds in a 75-61 win over Blanchester. He averages 20.3 points and 11.5 rebounds.

The Enquirer; Jeff Swinger

Coach Carl Kremer said he wishes Moeller was going for an outright Greater Catholic League South

title but is pleased to have a shot at a share of it vs. St. X, which beat Moeller in the first meeting.

Matt Pilgrim, Withrow, Sr., F:

Rated one of the area's top seniors by several scouting services, he is averaging 14.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks while shooting 64 percent.

Bombers want it all, Crusaders a share

Jerrann Wright, Western Hills, Sr., F: In two games, he totaled 55

points and 26 rebounds and made 24 ot 25 (96 percent) from the free-throw line.

GIRLS

Moeller was without Childress in Jan. 14loss

Jessica Cain, Oak Hills, Jr., F:

One of the area's top-rated juniors, she is averaging 11.6 points and is third in the Greater Miami Conference at 8.5 rebounds a game.

By Alex Blumer Enqllirer conlrihtttor

Danyelle Echoles, Colerain, Sr., G: She is averaging 13.5 points, 2.5 assists and 2.4 steals in leading Colerain to a No. 8 ranking in the Enquirer Division I poll. Dlondra Holliday, Clark Montessort, Soph., G: She is averaging 19.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, 3.5 steals and 5.1 assists a game, as Clark is tied for No. 10 in the Enquirer Divisions II-IV poll. Chrissy Smith, Lockland, Sr., G: She averaged 32.6 points a game over a three-game span last week. For the season, she is averaging 23.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 3.8 steals. Brittany Wheeler, McAuley, Jr., G: She is averaging 11.3 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.0 steals for the area's No. 9-ranked Division I team. She averaged 18 points over a recent three-game span.

St Xavier stands just one win from its first outright Greater Catholic League South championship since2000. The trouble is, the Bombers need to get that win against archrival Moeller, which has title designs of its own. Tipoff is 8 p.m. today at Moeller. It seems fitting that the conference crown won't be decided until the season's final weekend, considering the success of both teams. St X is ranked No.2 in the Divi· sion I area coaches' poll and lOth in the state, while Moeller is fourth in the area and eighth in Ohio. The two own three of the last six Division I state titles, with St. Xwin· ning in 2000 and Moeller in 1999 and2003. "It's a great rivalry," Moeller coach Carl Kremer said. "Both schools respect each other so much." St X (1~. 10-1) earned at least a share of the GCL South title with Monday's 67-31 thrashing of Alter. But a 49-4 7 setback at Elder, now ranked No. 8 in the area coaches' poll, last Friday put the Bombers in a must-win situation today if they want sole possession of the title. The good news forSt X was that Moeller (16-3, 9-2) failed to capital· ize, falling 71-61 to La Salle that same night "We wish we were going for it outright," Kremer said. "(But) we're pleased to have a chance to

TOP 10 OUTLOOK .(All games 7:30 unless otherwise noted) (* denotes sectional playoffs)

BOYS' DIVISION I l. Lakota East (18-1) beat Mason 71·50 Tuesday; hosts Hamilton today; •vs. Colerain, 0 eb. 22. 7 p.m. at Miami. 2. St. Xavier (15-4) beat Mer 67-31 Monday; at Moeller today, 8 p.m.; •vs. Lebanon, "eb. 21, 7 p.m. at UC. 3. Princeton (17-2) beat Milford 77-53 Saturday; at Oak Hills today; •vs. f.MordjHughes, Feb. 22, 7 p.m. at Cintas. 4. Moeller (16-3) beat McNick 84-43 Tuesday; hosts St. Xavier today; •vs. NorthweSVAiken, Feb. 21, 7 p.m. at Cintas. 5. Lakota West (16-3) beat Fairfield 61-40 Saturday; hosts Milford today; vs. Oak Hills, Feb. 22, 8:30 p.m. at uc. 6. Withrow (15-3) beat Dayton Meadowdale ro1-86 Tuesday; at Western Hills today; at Colonel White, Wednesday. i. La Salle (12-8) lost to Colerain 83-79 TJesday; hosts Elder today, 8 p.m.; •vs. Western Hills, Feb. 22, 8:30p.m. at Cintas. 8t. Elder (11-8) lost to Oak Hills 64-58 TJesday; at La Salle today, 8 p.m.; •vs. Amelia/Talawanda Feb. 22, 8:30 at Miami. St. Kings (15-3) beat Northwest 62-51 Friday; a: Ross today; hosts Utile Miami Monday. !l· Hamilton (9-10) tJ:_at Middletown 62-57

Mike Simons for the Enquirer

Moeller will rely on the 6-foot-8

presences of Tyler Dierkers (shown) and Ryan Childress. play for a share." St. X ensured the Cru,;aders can do no more than force a tie in the standings, thanks to its 59-46 home win over Moeller Jan.14. 'The way we're looking at it, our goal is to win (the GCL South outright)," said Scott Martin, coach of the Bombers, whose senior Johnny Wolf scored 29 points in the earlier victory. That ga,me was notable because of the absence of senior Ryan Childress, the Crusaders' team leader at 15.3 points and 8.8 rebounds a game. Childress was serving the first game of a two-game suspension for

receiving two technical fouls in Moeller's previous game. Without Childress, Moeller managed only 24 points through three quarters and shot just 25 percent (15-for-60). "With Childress in the lineup and them playing at home, those 13 points (we won by previously) are erased," Martin said. "We've got a super challenge in front of us." The Crusaders are looking to be more than just spoilers, with a share of their fourth GCL South title in five years within reach. . "When you're playing X at home on Senior Night, last game of the season, that's motivation enough," Childress said. Moeller counters St. X's perimeter threats of Wolf and David Gedeon (12.1 points per game) with the 6-foot-8 duo of Childress and TYler Dierkers. The Miami-bound Dierkers is second to Childress in the GCL South with 7.5 rebounds a game, and he averages 12.5 points. The presence of (H) Kyle Gibler, who missed the first Moeller game because of a football injury, gives St. X even more size. 'They have great depth at every position," Kremer said. "It's tough to get good looks against them, because they're big at every spot." Given the magnitude of the rivalry, Kremer knows to expect an in· tense game. "Youneverknowwhafsgoingto happen in a game like this," Kremer said. 'There'll be a lot of emotion on both sides. It's going to be fun."

Greater Catholic League showdown I Moeller 59, St. Xavier 49 2-12~os

Crusaders uncatchable They get big lead early and keep it to clinch share of league title By Tom Groeschen Enquirer staff writer

Moeller's basketball seniors charged onto their home court for the final time Friday night, engul.fed by a surround-sound of music and cheering from a sellout crowd. The Crusaders. never really Âˇ stopped running as they beat archrival St. Xavier 59-49 to claim a share of the Greater Catholic League South championship. Moeller (16-4, 10-2 GCL-S) and St. Xavier (15-5, 10-2) finished in a tie atop the league, closing the regular season with a typical mano-a-mano GCL slugfest. St. Xavier is ranked No.2 in the Enquirer area coaches' poll and lOth in the state, while Moeller is No.4 and No.8, respectively. Senior big men Ryan Childress (19 points, six rebounds) and Tyler Dierkers (13 points, five rebounds, two dunks) led Moeller, with sophomore guard/star-inwaiting Troy Tabler scoring 14 points. The sellout crowd of1,300plus stood most of the game, with the gym steamy and the student rooting sections in full battle cry. "It's Senior Night and it's St. X, so we were really hyped up," said the 6-foot-8 Childress. "We wanted to go out with a bang." It was extra special for Childress, who has signed with Division I Wisconsin-Milwaukee for next season. He missed the first Moeller-St. Xavier meeting this season, a 59-46 Bombers victory (at St. X) on Jan. 14. Childress that night served the first game of a two-game suspension after receiving two technical fouls in Moeller's previous game. "Missing that game was hard, but this makes up for it," Childress said. "It's great to come back and beat them." Dierkers, like Childress a 6-8 Division I college signee (Miami See MORLER, Page C6

The Enquirer/ Jeff Swinger

Tile Bombers' Johnny Wolf holds onto the ball as the Crusaders' Patrick Watt (left} tries to get a hand in during Friday's game. Wolf led St. Xavier with 18 points.

Moeller: Wins big in

GCL game vs. St. X From PageCl

2-12-D'S

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...

University), threw down two emphatic dunks Friday. The second one was extra huge, as Dierkers got a steal and then a breakaway slam to give Moeller a 55-49 lead with 1:03 left. St. X did not score again. 'That felt real good," Dierkers said of the final dunk. "This is everything you dream of, to win your last game on Senior Night.~

St. Xavier star guard Johnny Wolf, a 6-2 senior who averages 24.3 points a game, scored 18 points on 8-of-16 shooting. Bombers forward Robby Schoenhoft, a 6-6 senior signed with Ohio State as a football quarterback, had 12 points and eight rebounds. St. X junior guard David Gedeon, the Bombers' secondleading scorer at 12.1 a game, was held scoreless on <H>f-4 shooting. Moeller coach Carl Kremer was especially pleased with his team's perimeter defense on Wolf and Gedeon. "Guys like Andrew Gomez, Pat Watt, Tun Lynch and Troy Tabler don't get enough credit for the job they do on our perimeter,~ Kremer said. "We're hold-

The Enquirer; Jeff Swin3er

Moeller fans In the sellout crowd cheer the Crusaders, who JUmped out to a 16-8 lead after one quarter of play.

ing teams to 21 percent 3-point shooting. Our big guys get a lot of attention and deservedly so, but all year long our perimeter defense has bee!l great." St. X coach Sc::>tt Martin credited Moeller's strong defensive effort. Wolf was held scoreless in the first quarter as Moeller took a 16-8 lead, and the Bombers never caught up. Moeller has won at least a share of the GCL South title four times in the past five years. St. Xavier last had won the GCL South in 2000, when the Bombers went on to win their only state basketball title. In a wide-open Cincinnatiarea basketball season, both

teams enter postseason play optimistic. "It's going to be a matter of who plays well that night," Martin said. On this night, it was Moeller. 'This is how you want to go out at home," Dierkers said. "This is a night that will make a lot of memories for us."

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New faces keying another strong season at' Moeller By Dave Aspinall Contributor

While there are many reasons for Moeller's (15-3 record) success this season: Perimeter defense and rebounding have stuck out Moeller is the top rebounding team in the Greater Catholic League South. The Crusaders average over 34 rebounds a game and only allow opponents to shoot 20 percent from the three point line. "Great perimeter defense has been the key since game one," said head coach Carl Kremer. WhileÂˇ it is well known that Moeller's standouts are Ryan Childress and 'IYier Dierkers, who each have made Division I college commitments, others have raised their level of play. This was very important for Moeller who returned few regulars from last year's regional championship team. "Every player is in a new role, including Ryan and 'IYier," Kremer said.. "Because we have had guys step up, I believe we can be a team good enough to represent Southwest Ohio." Kremer added that he feels "there are eight other teams that

could do it." So, who are these Crusaders who have stepped up? One such player is Patrick Watt, a senior who plays mostly the twoguard position but can also play point. "He has always played a supporting role, and now we have asked him to do more, and he has," Kremer said. "He has really been consistent, especially on defense." Troy Tabler, a sophomore, has also been coming into his own. "He has been able to move into a starter's role and play well, and is . our best 3-point shooter," Kremer said. Andrew Gomez, a junior guard, has been particularly effective for Moeller's perimeter defense. "He is one of our better defenders who can put the pressure on," says Kremer. "With Patrick (Watt) and Andrew (Gomez), they really go after it on defense." Perhaps Moeller's biggest surprise is 6-foot-5 sophomore Terry Martin. "Terry has had the job of back-. ing up Childress and Dierkers which is important for us," says

2-1-D)

Kremer. "He has really done a nice job for us all year." According to Childress, Kremer has united these players. "Coach is great and he preaches. team, team, team," Childress, a Loveland resident, said. "If you buy into it, then the sky is the limit." Childress, who is clearly on the short list of best players in Cincinnati, also feels there is work to be done. "Our main thing we have to work on are free throws, which we have done extra work on," Childress said, adding that he must "work on using both hands to score with in the post arid handle the ball better in order to improve." When asked about strengths of the team he said, "our team chemi&llY is really starting to fo~ .... _ With St. Xavier losing to Elder on ÂˇFriday '(Feb. 4), the CruMeft remain one game back in the league with games remaining against McNicholas (Thesday, Feb. 8 after Journal deadlines) and Friday; Feb. 11 at home against St. Xavier. eastsports@communitypress.com 248-7570

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Great shot: St. Xavier High School guard johnny Wolf shoots. over Moeller High School guard Patt Wyatt during their Ohio state semi-final game in Columbus in late March. St. Xavier won the game and advanced to the state championship game.

More baseball inside

Boys' basketball

Sl X, Moeller to play at state; NCH wins, Taft falls in regional

Greg Loring for the Enquirer

St. Xavier's Johnny Wolf gets past Centerville defenders for two of his 15 points.

Rob Schoenhoft tipped in a missed shot at the buzzer to lift St Xavier to a 41-39 victory over Centerville in a Division I regional championship Saturday at UD Arena. The victory set up a huge state semifinal matchup with Greater Catholic League rival Moeller. The Crusaders beat Columbus Brookhaven 56-39 at Ohio State Saturday. "1llis is unbelievable," said Schoenhoft. "It's great to be going upstate, and we

get to play Moeller, who put us out in the second round in football." â&#x20AC;˘ OJ. Mayo had 26 points andlOreboundstolead North College Hill to a 75-53 victory over Middletown Fenwick in a Division ill regional championship at the Nutter Center in Fairborn. â&#x20AC;˘ Taft's impressive Division II postseason run came to an end in an 80-72 overtime loss to Dayton Dunbar. Coverage, C6

Reds Insider: With just Ken Griffey Jr. (above) and Eric Milton signed to long-tenn contracts, the 51.5 percent of the Reds for sale is a pretty good buy, John Fay says. C8 Take 10 with Sean Casey: The Reds first baseman tells all. C8 Doc weighs In: Players and officials should stop complaining and testify before Congress about steroids, Paul Daugherty writes. C9 Grapefruit League: Reds lose a pair to the Pirates. Summary, C8; Reds notebook, C9; Danny Graves profile page, CU

Moeller, St. X vie in state â&#x20AC;˘ senns By Carey Hofhnan Enquirer contributor

For the first time, three Hamilton County teams this week will be heading north in the same year to chase a state title at the Ohio boys' basketball state tournament. Friday will be a day like none other in Cincinnati basketball history. At 10:45 a.m., top-ranked North College Hill (25-1) will try to take the final step toward the Division III state title game when it plays Loudonville (22-3) in a state semifinal. Then, in the last game of tl}.e day at Ohio State's Value City Arena, Greater Catholic League rivals Moeller (22-3) and St. Xavier (20-5) will meet at 8:30p.m. for one of the berths in the Division I state final. The pairing of Moeller and St. X guarantees a Cincinnatiarea team will play for the Division I state championship for a seventh straight year. ''You knew it was possible, obviously, when we ended up in the sectional that would send us to Columbus (for regionals), but you're so focused always on just your next game," Moeller coach Carl Kremer said of the matchup. "A couple of games ago people started asking me about it, and now it's happened. I'm really happy for our league and I think it will be a great moment for Cincinnati basketball." Moeller is in the state tournament for the third time in six years, having won state titles in 1999 and 2003 on its two previous trips to Columbus. St. Xavier was last in the state tourney in 2000, when the Bombers also won the state championship. North College Hill returns to the state tournament for only the second time in history, having made the trip in 1989, when the Trojans lost in the title game in double overtime to Akron Hoban.

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THE ENQUIRER

Quote of the day

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Division I boys

Moeller wins regional again By Todd Bonds Enquirer contributor

COWMBUS - The Moeller Crusaders are Division I regional champions for the second time in three years, running away from Columbus Brookhaven 5639 Saturday. The victory earned the Crusaders a third date with Greater Catholic League rival St. Xavier at 8:30 p.m. Friday at Value City Arena in the state semifinals. The game started with a bucket from Bearcats senior forward Jamelle Comley, arguably the best player in the Columbus area. Then, as Moeller was setting up its offense, Comley was called for an off-the-ball foul against Ryan Childress. On the next play, Comley and Childress were called for a double foul as they were trying to establish position in the post. The second foul forced Comley to sit for the remainder of the half. "(Comley) lives off intimidation," said Childress. "We11 take the best shot from anyone. We're not intimidated by anyone." Moeller negotiated the physical play by Brookhaven and took a 16-15 lead with 2:13 remaining in the first half and wouldn't trail again. Moeller led 21-15 at the half after junior Michael Bennett hit a jumper at the buzzer to end the half. The game continued to swing into Moeller's favor as the second half started. The Crusaders got easy layups from Pat Watt and

Moeller, St. X had season split Moeller and St. Xavier won their respective home games during the regular season. On Feb. 14 Moeller defeated St. Xavier 59-49 on Senior Night to claim a share of the GCL South championship with St. Xavier. Senior forwards Ryan Childress scored 19 points and had six rebounds while Tyler Dierkers had 13 points and five rebounds. St. Xavier senior guard Johhny Wolf scored 18 points on 8-of-16 shooting. The first meeting of the season, Jan. 14, the Bombers defeated Moeller 59-46. Childress served the first game of a two-game suspension after receiving two technicals at Cleveland St. Ignatius. Wolf scored 29 points and St X limited Moeller to 25 percent shooting (15-of-60).

Troy Tabler after breaking the Bearcats' press. "I thought the key to the game for us was being able to handle their pressure," said Moeller coach Carl Kremer. Moeller's defense began to take its toll early in the fourth quarter. The Bearcats shot only 26 percent for the game. "I like how our team is playing," Kremer said. "I thought this region would be a good region on the way up to state." Mooller (22·31 - Childress 7 418, Bennett 3 39, Dierkers 5212, Watt317, Tabler113, Martin 3 0 6. Totals: 22 12 56. BrookhawB (21-41 -Young 10 2, Campb.!ll 10 2, Comley 3 3 9, Cumberland 215, Swann 4 3 11, Fountain 2 0 6, Robinson 114. Totals: 14 8 39.

........

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Brookhawe--- 9 6 915 -39 3·polnters: CB 3 (Robinson, Fountain 2.)

.. t. ... oY, THE ENQUIRER

Moeller's Dierkers commits to Miami Enquirer staff and wire reports

Moeller High senior Tyler Dierkers, a 6-foot-8 forward, has made an oral commitment to play basketball for Miami University beginning with the 2005-06 season. Dierkers averaged eight points and seven rebounds last season. He was a member of the Crusaders' Division I state championship team as a sophomore in the 2002-03 season. Moeller coach Carl Kremer said Dierkers narrowed his choices to Miami, West VIrginia and Saint Louis. Dierkers will sign with Miami during the early signing period in November. Dierkers also is a standout wide receiver for the Moeller football team, which is 5-l and ranked No. 3 in the Ennu;vnv niu1~1nn

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 11, 2005 C5

High school basketball

Moeller returns to top of heap Crusaders displace Lakota West By Tom Groeschen

BOYS DMSION I

Tum I. Moe''er (8) 2 Lakota West (4)

Enquirer staff writer

-.. !1.0 10-1

Pws. 2 1

Paints !19 113

Moeller is back on top. ~: ~n~: ell ! ~ 1 ~) The Crusaders (11-0) have ris- 5. Lakota East 9-t 5 12 en one spot to No. 1 in the weekly ~:~.;a! ~ ~ ~ Enquirer Division I boys' basket- e. HamortDn H 8 32 9. Kings 9-1 NR 19 ball area coaches' poll . Lakota 10 wmtDn woods 1>-3 NR 13 West (10-1), the previous No.1 Olhon: Sycam""' 12. L<m!and 9, Elder 9, Mason 6. team, fell to No. 2 after being up- Hughes t. set by No. 4 Princeton 58-52 last Tum BOYS DM~ 11if! Paints week 1. North eo·•ege H 'C9J r-1 1 99 · ller continues · 't t · 2 Taft OJ 9-1 2 89 Moe 1 s recen 3. lnd·•• H : 8.o 4 75 dominance, including the 2002-03 4 Reaa;n& s-2 6 sa 1\ A E . 5. Roger Bacon 6-6 3 53 state ti'tle an d ZOO".:>-V't nqwrer 6. WJ<~mong 7-3 5 31 regular-season poll champion- ~: f~":-"" ~~ ~ ~~ 1 ship. The Crusaders will play at 9. Fenw.ck 9-2 tOt ts 8 No. 3-ranked St. Xavier (9-1) in a i~ :~:"H ':"" ~:~ ~ t! big Greater Catholic League Olhon: Lock'aod 10. c: ,..on-Masste 8. Georgetown 8. South game Friday night Hannony s. New Rld!mond 7, East Clinton 5.lltlle Moamo3, Goshen 2. Cm. Coun!Jy Day 2. Jacobs I. McN.cho!as I. "It's a real tribute to our kid · s," GIRLS DMSION 1 Moeller coach Carl Kremer said T -.. ..... Paints oftheNo.1ranking."Afterwelost ~::O:~:lme(lll g:f ~ :~~ 80 percent of our scoring I think 3.4. Sycamom 11-2 4 92 W•nTIJo WOO<l$ !0.0 3 91 most people figured Moeller 5. tako:a west 9-3 5 55 would go away this year." ~- ~::,n ~~ ~ ~ Moeller lost Division I college 8. Calera•• 9-4 9 39 3 recruits Andrew Brackman ~<t"~~~s ~~ ~ ~ (North Carolina State), Josh Dun- Olhon: St. U!SO!a 5. UrsuiM 5, loveland 3. Mason 3, can (Xavier) and Bubba walther McAuley 2, Ham.~ 1. Talowanda I, Fairfield 1. Northwest l. Glen Este 1. (Akron) to graduation. GIRLS DMSIONS II-IV This season, 6-foot-8 seniors T 11econ1 ..... Paints Ryan Childress (Wisconsin-Mil- ~: ~':~C:n,l~ 1 't~ J 1~ waukee) and Tyler Dierkers (Mi- 3.cHCA(2l 9-t 4 69 4 P"""'" Manan 4-5 8 48 ami University) have continued 5. Bad" 6-7 3 47 Moeller's recent run of Division I ~- :'.~~:; ~~~ ~ ~ recruits. 8. Madeora 8-3 9 36 In Divisions II-IV boys, No. 1- io~~;~ M1am1 ctJ ~~ ~~ 1i:~ ranked North College Hill (7-1) Othen: C!al1< Mantesson 23. Wyoming 19, Se>-en H"'s 11. (9-1) are headed for Clennont Noi!heastem 3. Read,og 3. Toft 3. New Rld!mo'd and No. 2T'-A C:Ul 2, TaY:or2. Betlle~Tate 1. Goshen!, Middletown Ma<l.son!. a showdown. The Trojans and Senators will meet in a Martin LuIn Divisions II-IV girls, Roger ther King Day matinee Monday (4 p.m.) at Fairfield High School. Bacon (11-1) has a commanding In Division I girls, defending poll lead of 104-80 over No.2 state champion Mount Notre McNiCholas (5-6). McNick, like Dame (11-2) retained a comfort- Roger Bacon, has played a schedable lead on No. 2 Princeton ule which includes several Divi(12-1). MND got 11 of 12 first-place sion I teams. votes, with 119 poll points to E-mail tgroeschen@enquirer.com Princeton's 101. 1

Boys' basketball! Moeller's game plan -changes .

1-Âˇ14-.os

The Enquirer/Glenn Hartong

Moeller guard Pat Watt (center) and forward Tyler Dierkers (right) will have to guide the Crusaders today without leading scorer Ryan Childress (left), who's suspended for two games.

No Childress for the Crusaders' big game But sold-out GCL South match should still thrill By TOtR Grteschen E11quirer staff writerÂˇ Moeller is ranked No.1 in the area, but the Crusaders know that is irrelevant today when they visit No.3 St. Xavier (8 p.m.). Frrst, the Crusaders will be without star player Ryan Childress. He is suspended for two games after receiving two technical fouls in Moeller's last game. Second, the overall talent. The two Greater Catholic League South basketball powers have been evenly matched for many years, and have accounted for three of the last six Ohio Division I championships. Moeller was state champion in 1999 and 2003 and St. Xavier was the 2000champ. "It's always a wild environment whenever we play them," Moeller coach Carl Kremer said. "We just have to play our game and try not to be distracted by the crowd." The game was sold out several days ago, with St. Xavier's gym seating about 1,800. Moeller (ll-0, 4-0 GCL South) is ranked No. 1 in the Enquirer Division I area coaches' poll and No. 2 in the AssoCiated Press state poll. St. Xavier (9-1,5-0GCLS) is No.3 in the Enquirer poll and No. 10 in . the state. The packed house won't see Moeller's Childress, a 6-foot-8 se-

nior who leads the Crusaders in scoring (16.8 average) and rebounding (9.2). His absence seemingly gives St. Xavier the edge, but the Bombers won't say that. "It's still two very good basketball teams going out there," St. Xavier coach Scott Martin said. "In one respect, they have an advantage because we don't know how they v.ill play without him." .Childress got two technicals during last Saturday's 54-45 win at Cleveland St. Igriatius, and under OhioHighSchoolAthleticAssociation guidelines, he must miss the next two games. "He's the centerpiece of our team," Kremer said. 'The situation is what it is, and we'll play without

him."

scored 1,098 career points and is chasing St. X career leader Jack ,Thobe (class of 1958), who scored 1,182. Junior guard David Gedeon is the Bombers' second-leading scarer at 12.5 a game. Senior forward Greg Sweeney (signed with Rollins College) averages 6.9 points. Senior forward Robby Schoenhoft, the Ohio State-bound football quarterback, averages 5.8 points. Moeller's No.2 scorer is 6-8 senior forward Tyler Dierkers (signed with Miami University), who averages 13 points. Next come senior guard Pat Watt at 9.3 points a game and sophomore guard Troy Tabler at 7.4 a game. Watt said Moeller will try to win for Childress. "He's a great player, and now other players are going to have to step up," Watt said. St. Xavier itseH has not been at 100 percent strength. The Bombers lost senior guard Nick Leibold to a season-ending anterior cruciate ligament knee injury. Senior center Kyle Gibler, who broke his ankle during football season, hasn't played yet. "We've been in that situation, where all your best players aren't there," Martin said. "Ourguyshave regrouped and played very well."

The Moeller camp thought the technicals highly questionable., .One came after a dunk with four minutes left in the game, when an official deemed Childress hung on the rim too long. The other came with 20 seconds left, when Chi!dress had the ball, a St. Ignatius player fouled him, and Childress tried to shrug him off. Both players were assessed technical fouls. Childress, who has signed with Division I Wisconsin-Milwaukee fer next season, is one of many standouts on these teams. St. Xavier senior guard Johnny WoH (24.9 points a game) has E-mail tgroeschen~enquirer.com

Wolf, Schoenhoft lead No. 1 St. X Preseason polls

By Tom Groeschen Enquirer staff writer

First-place votes are in parentheses:

DIVISION I School

1. St. Xavier iS)·

~: ~~~~\~~u~) • .

4. Lakota West (1) 5. La Salle (1)

6. Lakota East 7. Withrow 8. Princeton 9iSycamore 10. Oak Hills

Points

104 85

84 80 74 65 48 44

22 13

Others: Western Hills 10, Loveland 9, Hughes 8, Winton Woods 7, Mason 5, Northwest 2.

DIVISIONS II·IV School 1.. North College Hill (7) 2. Taft {3)

Points 88

4. Turpin (1) 5. McNicholas 6. Indian Hill

.... 61

3. Roger Bacon· 7~

Reading

8. Madeira 9~

Western 8rowo

10. Walnut Hills

66 49 42

27 24 22

Others: Badin 19, Wyoming 16, Lockland 16, Purcell Marian 13, Fenwick 10, Clar1< Montessori 8, New Richmond 6.

St. Xavier, led by two .bigname stars, is No.1 in the Enquirer Division I preseason boys' basketball coaches' poll. Bombers senior guard Johnny Wolf is a two-time Enquirer first-team all-star, a rare feat. Senior forward Robby Schoenhoft, a star football quarterback committed to Ohio State, was honorable mention all-area last season in basketball. In Divisions II-IV, No. 1ranked North College Hill is led by sophomore stars OJ. Mayo and Bill Walker. Mayo was the Associated Press' Division III state player of the year as a freshman, when he averaged 30.9 points a game. In Division I, St. Xavier has

FOUR-PAGE BASKETBAll PREVIEW SECTION INSIDE

Hamilton, Moeller, Lakota West and La Salle. "St. X has the most talent," Hamilton coach Larry. Allen said. "I think we'll be up there, and by tournament time I don't think teams will want to play us." St. Xavier is led by Wolf, a 6-3 shooter extraordinaire who averaged 19.4 points as a sophomore and 18.2 as a junior. Junior guard David Gedeon (seven ppg last year) and Schoenhoft (six ppg) were honorable mention allarea. St. Xavier opens its season vs. Centerville today (7 p.m.) at Xavier's Cintas Center, part of the Provident Bank Prep Festival invitational.

• Coaches selected St. Xavier No. 1 in the Enquirer preseason poll, but most of them, including Bombers coach Scott Martin, believe there's no unanimous choice.

• North College Hill's O.J. Mayo is just a sophomore - but he might be the best player in the area, and even in the state. Stories, conference-byconference breakdowns, 86-9

size (six players 6 feet 6 or taller), shooters and depth. It .could be the best St. X team since the 2000 Bombers won the state title. ''We just have to be mentally ready, because people will be motivated to play us," St. Xavier coach Scott Martin said. ''We've got to make our kids come out and play like they're ranked No. 10 or not ranked at all."

Hamilton, the defending state champion, is ranked No. 2 in Division I. The Big Blue might have been No. 1, but star forward Adam MyersWhite has opted not to play his senior season. MyersWhite will use the time to finalize his college football plans. In Division I, the first-place poll votes were scattered E-mail tgroeschen@enquireramong five teams - St. X, .com

•

l.~ ,~w1mmmg

•

prev1ew

3t. Xavier still the best

/ By Alex''/.~S/or.l Blumer Enquirer contributor

With six consecutive state swimming titles and 26 overall since 1970, St Xavier being picked as the top area team is about as sure a thing as there is in local high school sports. The Bombers might be more vulnerable at the state level this season, though, with only six returning state qualifiers. "We're shooting for seven (straight state titles), but it'll be harder this year," St. Xavier head coach Jim Brower said. "Ifs not what we've had in past years." St X still has plenty of talent, including Division !-bound seniors Kit French (Georgia) and Jared Wagster (Arizona State). St X's David Mosko, who had two top-10 state finishes as a freshman, headlines a good sophomore class. The Bombers' toughest local competition will be a strong Turpin squad, led by senior Hank Browning. Browning, who's committed to North Carolina, was the state runner-up in the 200 and 500 freestyles and teamed with juniors Kyle Greene and Rob Jackson to give the Spartans state-caliber 200 and 400 free relay teams. Turpin also has the area's top returning diver in senior Nick Thornton (16th at state). "We have more depth than we've had since I've been here," said Turpin coach Rene Contino, whose squad was sixth at state last season. Anderson will be competitive in the distance events, too, led by ' Sean Davis (Purdue), who was 1 third at state in the 200 freestyle

Turpin will be Bombers' main area challenge

Enquirer file

St. Xavier swim coach Jim Brower (bottom right) returns six state qualifiers from a team that won the state title last season. His Bombers have won six straight state crowns.

and fourth in the 500 free. Seniors Charlie Sparks (Ohio) and William Montague are returning state qualifiers in both events as well. OlHER SWIMMERS TO WATCH: • Wren Dupre, Mariemont, state qualifier in three events last season as a sophomore, including fifth in the 100 butterfly. • Heath Tameris, Sycamore,

was fourth in the 100 breaststroke as a junior. • Matt Angelini, Moeller, top 10 at state in 100 backstroke and 200 individual medley as a sophomore. • Tun Williams, Elder, state qualifier in three events, including fifth in the 200 IM. TOURNAMENT lRAIL: • Southwest District Coaches'

Classic, Jan.l5-16, StXavier's Keating Natatorium • Sectionals, diving, Feb. 9; swimming, Feb. 11, at Mason and Keating • District, diving, Feb. 16; swimming, Feb. 18, at Miami University • State, diving, Feb. 24; swimming, Feb. 25-26, Branin Natatorium in Canton

fHE ENQUIRE

IB4 FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 2005

DIVISION I

Chris Knight

The senior averaged 13.5 points, 9.5 rebounds, 1.6 as· sists and 1.7 blocks a game. He was honorable mention all~state, secondteam al~district.

· The junior averaged 13.1 points, 8.2 re. bounds, 1.3 steals and 2.1 blocks. He was honorable mention all-state, second-team alldistrict and first team GMC.

Lakota East

Withrow

Moeller

The junior averaged 20.2 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.7, assists per ·game. He was named secondteam al~state, first-team all-district and GMCplayer of the year.

The senior averaged 23.9 points, 12.8 rebounds and 3.2 blocks. He was named third-team allstate, first-team all-district and first-team SOPL-American.

The senior averaged 13.0 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.8 steals and 1.1 blocks a game. He was honorable mention alldistrict and first team GCL South.

Northwest The senior averaged 19 points, 11.2 rebounds, 2.7assists and 4. 7 steals. He . was thir<Heam all-district and FAVC Cardinal co'player of the year.

Mason

Sycamore

The junior averag~d 20.9 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.6 steals a game. He was third-team alldistrict and FAVC Buckeye player of the year.

The senior averaged 21.0 points, 3.9 assists and 1.8 steals. He was honorable mention all-district and first-team GMC.

The senior averaged 18.6 , points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 2.2 steals-a game. He was honorable mention all-district and first team Greater Miami Conference.

DIVISION I HOtiORABLE IVIENTION

LaSalle The senior averaged 15.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 2.1 steals a game. fl e was honorable mention all-district and first-team \]CL South.·

The senior aver. aged 16.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.4 steals a game. He was honor· able mention all-district and firstteam Greater Miami Conference.

Hughes

Elder

The junior averaged 24.3 points and 9.5 rebounds a game. He was honorable mention alldistrict and first-team Southwest Ohio Public League-American.

The senior averaged 12.1 points, 3.1 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 2.1 steals a game. He was honorable mention all-district and first-team GCL south. ,

Aiken - Will McGivens. Allen Robinson; Chris Grant; Mason - Jack Brown, Mike Amelia -Eric MacFarlanri, Jovan McClure, Decker, Brad Stephens; Middletown Jay Dale; Anderson- Juli.M Wilkison, Matt •Branden Edwards, Darius Edwards; Milford Shingleton; Colerain - Justin Gaines, - A.J. Salerno, Aaron Slusher, Moeller- Pat Eugene Clifford, Eric Ree.se; Elder - Billy Watt, Troy Tabler, Michael Bennett; Mount O'Conner, Mark Lucas, 'Paul Ratennan, Healthy - Wand Newman; Northwest Brian Hamrick; Fairfield -'Adam Ruhl, Kelly DeMario Pleasant Anthony Knott; Oak Hills Beane; Glen Este - David Walker, -Steve Pogue; Princeton- Robert Walker, Hamilton -Jason Miller, Billy Allen, Sean Ben McGrath, Jerome Nelson, Ryan Ben; St. Dixon. Gary Rice; Harrisi:>;n -Tom Myets; Xavier- Robby Schoenhoft, David Gedeon, Hughes - Yancy Gates;; Kings - Mark Greg Sweeney, Maurice Scales; Sycamore Burgess, Doug Matthews, t\dam Testennan, - Robby Peters, David Buchberger, Ben Schnee; Lakota East- Cardale Boyd, Talawanda - Chris Zimmennan; Western Nick Kohs, Casey Schlens!o;:er; Lakota West Hills - Jerrann Wright, Jaron Brooks; - Todd Mayberry, Dane: Romero, Matt Wilmington - Dennis Nance, Desmond Karaffa;· La Salle - M1k-e Wiegele, Kurt Nance; Winton Woods - Maurice McGee, Wiebell, Matt Winterhalte.r, Bobby Austin; Deonte Ridgeway; Withrow- Matt Pilgrim, Lebanon - Josh Shephad; Loveland - Jeff flicks, Larry Robinson. Tony Fields, Charlie lng._<trup, Matt Olpe,

.·DIVISIONS U-IV ----"

-.----- -

~~--

;:.- -

-~--=

~--- ~--~-

DiviSION IV

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

DaJuan Harris Taft The senior averaged 16.2 · points, 8.6 assists and 9.2 rebounds; He was secondteam all-state, first-team all-district and SOPLNational player of the year.

NCH He guided the Trojans (27-1) to the pro. gram's first state title. NCH are 48-2 the past two years under Mahaffey.

Roger B[lCon The junior averaged 22.7 · points, 6.7 rebounds, 5.8 assists and 3.0 blocks a game. He was D'1vision II special mention all-state, firstteam all-district.

Wyoming The sophomore averaged 12.9 points, 8.5· rebounds and 2.7 blocks a game. He was Division II honorable mention all-district and first-team Cincinnati Hills League.

The sophomore averaged 20.8 points, 12.2 rebounds and 3.0 assists. He was Division Ill second-team · all-state, first-team all-district and first-team MVC-Scarlet

The junior averaged 19.3 points, 10 re·bounds, 2.1 assists, 2.6 steals and 1.8 blocks a game. He was special mention al.l-state, first-team all-district.

He led Lock land· (23-3) to its firstregiohal title game since 1991. The Panthers were sectional, district and MVC-Grey champ. Lockland is 41-6 the past two years.

New Richmond The senior averaged 14 points, 14 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 7.0 blocks a game. He was Division II third-team all-district and first-team SBC.

The junior averaged 11.6 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. He was Division II honorable mention all-state, second-team all-district and first-team GCL North.

NCH.

Lockland

Reading The senior averaged 13.1 points and 8.4 re- · bounds a game. He was Division Ill honorable mention all-state, second-team all-district and first-team CHL.

Batavia The senior averaged 21 points and U rebounds. He was Division Ill honorable mention · all ..state, second-team all-district anriJ sse-National player of the yeali.

CCD The senior averaged 16.4 points, 4.5 assists and 3.0 steals a game.· He was Division IV special mention all-state, first-team all-district and and first-team MVC-scartet

DIVISIONS II-IV HONORABLE ffiENTli!ON .Badin -Sean Mock; Batavia -Joe Price; Bethel-Tate -Brad Feliz; Clermont Northeastern - Brad Hosler, Cory Moore, Matt Oliver; Blanchester Kevin Bell, Evan Hollingsworth; Cincinnati ~hristian -Joe Hom; Cili. Countty Day -Johnny Graves, Kurt Smith; CHCA - Michael Chacksfield; · Ind!an Hill Clark Montessori -Darin Wyly, Zach The senior avThe senior averGibos·; Clinton-Massie - Keny eraged 14 aged 16 points, Wilkinson, JuStin Becket,. Chase points, 6.0 re7.0 rebounds Duncan, Kyle Stone; Deer Pari; - Shea bounds and and 3.0 assists. · 3.0 steals a Roth, Maurice Brown; East Clinton He was Division game. He was II special menWes Andeis, Shawn Patterson, Jay Division IV third team all-district tion al~state, first-team all district Runk; Edgewood - Matt Root, Eric and first-team MVC-Grey. and CHL player of the year. Knapp; F;~yetteville - John Lykins; - - - - - - - - - -------·"'..J - ' - -_ _ _ _ _ _ __!:]Fe11!1i!!!C1!itvL=.-l!Jawre~d..~utts. Jeremy ~attield,

Mike Aeig; Fenwick - Michael Donovan, Jordan Kelly; MciNicholas McWeeney, Andrew McDonald; Nick Carmel, Tyler Ward, Mlatt Finneytown - Scott SiiJert, Rayshawn Schlagheck; Middletown Christian Green; Georgetown - Isaiah Felder, Jay Jarrod Ruggles; Middletown Madison Chadwell, Jeremy Dunkin, Nathan -Jake Hall, Mike Clark; New Miami Chinn; Goshen- Brad Monk, Jeremy . Ramsey Jackson, Corey Shelley; New Henderson; Harmony-- Travis Barnes, Richmond - Eric McMonigle, Kevin Greg Rosser, Jawa Gooden; Indian Hill Young; North College Hill - Darion -Will Nolte, Phil Madden, Mike Goins, Damon Butler, Andre Evans, Scherpenberg; Jacobs - Kenny Jones, George Victorian; NotWood - Marques · Chartes Thompson; Lemon-Monroe Worrell; Purcell Marian - Fred Willis, Tyler Osterman; Little MiamiWard Banks; Reading~ Jeremy Sheldon McNeil; Lockland- Tommy Overbeck, Rodney Stidham, Sean Cox, Mack Og!etree,Jason Sneed; Curtis; Ripley- Justin Fu]tz, Josh Madeira -Chris Ebene, Jeff Moore, Howard; Roger Bacon- Sam Andrew Tuke, Cole Schwein; GaiJreiJerhane, Chad Koesters, Josh Mariemont - Mac Phillips"";M""i""ke,_·~--'-'Nc:::ol"'an"';.::R=oss= - Stev~nY()ung, Brett

Bosse; St. Bernard ~ Aaron Byrd, Ben Haarman; SCPA - Greg Mason; Seven Hills - Riley Grimme, Pat McGrath, Gavin Tabor; Shroder - Melvin Jones, Nico Dean, James Millen; Summit Countty Day- Dan Cosgrove, Patrick Madden; Taft - Brandon Russ, Eddie . Gray, Tyrone Bradshaw; Taylor- Chris Nicolaou; Turpin -Will Norwell, Josh Slonim, Ryan Burlas, Darren Armstrong; . Walnut Hills - Romell Salone, Steve . Ellison; Western Brown- Dominic . Thomas, Biian Randall, Michael Smith; Woodward'- Troy Long, Chris. Grimes; Wyoming -Jon Edgington, Jeff Weiss, David Jolson, Mike Deters.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2004 l!ll1

Did you know? Greater Catholic League standout Derrick Brown of Chaminade-Julienne was the first player to commit for first-year Xavier head coach Sean Miller.

A LOOK AT THE 2004-05 HIGH SCHOOL SEASON

Miami Valley Conference Scarlet division

Xavier.coach Sean Miller

Southern Buckeye Conference American division

Greater Catholic League South dilsion

(Schools in order ofPredicted finish, based on voting by league coaches)

(Schools in order ofpredictedfinish, based on voting by league coaches)

North College Hill

Clinton-Massie

COACH: Jamie Mahaffey (23-18) LAST SEASON: 21-1 (12-0) KEY PLAYERS: G/F O.J. Mayo, F Bill Walker, G Darton Goins, F Andre Evans, G Nathaniel Glover, G Damon Butler OUTLOOK: North College Hill, which won the conference last season, enters this season with a powerful and experienced starting lineup that has matured physically and mentally. After last season's surprising playoff loss, the Trojans have worked hard· to improve as a unit, Mahaffey said. "We're concentrating more on ourselves than who we pliily," Mahaffey said. "We're more focused on what we have to do." Much of the attention is focused on sophomores Mayo, who led the area in scoring last season (30.9 ppg) and was the Associated Press Ohio Division Ill player of the year, and Walker, who averaged 16.1 points and 10 rebounds. But the Trojans' other players have improved, and they understand their importance to the team.

Atkins OUTLOOK: Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy will have a young team, with only one senior (Matt McKillen) on the roster. The Eagles will start three new players this season and will rely on defense. Riewald is the leading returning scorer and rebouncler. Hall and Atkins will return 11nd are expected to provide good defense.

CCD

Seven Hills

COACH: Brian Mudd (88-48) LAST SEASON: 20-4 (13-1) KEY PLAYERS: PG Kerry Wilkinson, C Justin Beckett, G Chase Duncan OUTLOOK: With last season's top two rebounders and scorers returning, the Falcons are the favorites tc win the division. Senior point guard Wil- , kinson should surpass 1,000 career points.

Western Brown COACH: Bill Garrett (91-102) LAST SEASON: 17-4 (12-2) KEY PI:AYERS: PG Bobby Kuntz, G Dominic Thoruas, G Brian Randall, C Richard Bradford, G Nate Garrett, G/F Drake Williams · OUfLOOK: The Broncos return 12 players with varsi:'<y experience and, according to coach Garrett, "will !i1ave depth at all positions." Outside shooting will te a strength with the return of junior Nate Garr~tt. who shot 43 percent frorn 3-point range last season.

l'he Enquirer/Jeff Swinger

Forward Bill Walker averaged 16.1 points and 10 rebounds a game as a freshman for North College Hill last season:

COACH: Willie Hill (first COACH: Howard Brownstein (387-130) season)' LAST SEASON: 11-10 (8-5) LAST SEASON: 12-11 KEY PLAYERS: F Gavin TaKEY PLAYERS: F Kurt Smith, GJohnny Graves, G Sonny Snell bor, F/C Malcolm Drane, G Andy Barr, G Riley Grimme OUTLOOK: Cincinnati CounOUTLOOK: In his first season try Day does .------, not feature a as a head coach, Hill inherits four returning starters and a player taller deep bench. There are 10 playthan 6 feet3 but has a good ers back from last season, and Hill will try to incorporate a amount of exmore up-tempo offense. Tabor perience reis expected to be the team's turning. Since top offensive player. all of his players· also particiSummit pate in a fall sport, Brownstein expects the team to be a littie COACH: Walt McBride (36slow out of the gate. Srnith will . 24) be a key player again this seaLAST SEASON: 7-13 (5-6) son, after averaging 12 points KEY PLAYERS: G Christian and eight rebounds last seaMeininger, Austin Berry, Patrick son. Also returning is Graves, · Madden, David Koepfer who averaged 12 points and OUTLOOK: Summit Country four assists last season. Snell, Day will face a rebuilding seaa transfer from now-defunct son. The Silver Knights have landmark Trinity, also will be two returning starters, bothcounted on to contribute. sophOmores, in Meininger and Berry. As a freshman, Meininger CHCA avera~ed eight points and 3.2 assists per game. Berry averCOACH: Mike Chitty (201aged ~ix points as a freshman. 115 overall) Juniot' Koepfer returns as well, LAST SEASON: 5-17 (3-10) after overaging three steals last KEY PLAYERS: FJonny Riewald, F Cart Hall Jr., F Ryan · season.

New Richmond

(Schools in orderofpredic- ipate in track and will try to use ted finish, based on voting by their speed to overcome a lack league coaches) of height.

Lockland

New Miami

COACH: Steve Farquhar (4860) LAST SEASON: 18-3 (11-2) KEY PLAYERS: GJordan Gibson, G Brandon Grissom, F Dominic Smith OUTLOOK: With a roster that includes six seniors, Farquhar points to depth and athletic ability as the team's strengths. But despite having six seniors, the Panthers lack leadership; gone to graduation is Corey Farley, an Enquirer Divisions II-IV all-star.

COACH: Kevin Lakes (11865) I.AST SEASON: 7-14 (3-10) KEY PLAYERS: GDavid Allen, F Calvin Williams OUTLOOK: New Miami returns quite a few players frorn last season, but there are some questions as to who will fill out the rotation. Allen averaged 10.1 points, three steals and four assists last season. Williams is the other returnee who will. be counted on for the Vikings after averaging 8. 7 points and 8.2 rebounds last season. Lakes expects to rotate many players in and out of games this season.

Cincinnati Christian

St. Bernard

COACH: Mike Radtke (12COACH: Ronnie Grandison 12) LAST SEASON: 12-12 (6-8) (16-26) LAST SEASON: 11-10 (6-7) KEY PLAYERS: G Quincy CurKEY PLAYry, F/C Aaron Byrd, G Doug ERS: Joe Horn, Miller, G Jay Ralston Tyler Cotton, OUTLOOK: St. Bernard reJames Becker, turns only five players from last season's team and does not Jacob Lammers have a player taller than OUTLOOK: 6 feet 1 on the roster. Radtke Two starters re- will look to use his team's turn this seaspeed to its advantage. Byrd is the only returning starter for the son for a Cincinnati Christian team that will Titans, and Curry is a senior rely heavily on its speed. Lead- transfer frorn Clark Montessori. ing scorer Joe Horn returns, as Miller and Ralston came off the bench last season and will be does leading rebounder Tyler expected to make greater conCotton. The Cougars feature several players who also partie- tributions this season. ~~

Clermont Northeastern

Malinda Hartong for the Enquirer

St. Xavier's Robby Schoenhoft, a 6-foot-6 forward who averaged six points a game last season, will help anchor the Bombers' frontcourt.

I(EY PLAYERS: F Ryan Childress, racing, pressing basketball with a (Schools in order of predicted finish based on voting by league FTyler Dierkers, G Patrick Watt, G willingness to fire up the 3-pointcoaches) ers. Flynn (8.8 ppg) is a solid Andrew Gomez

St. Xavier COACH: Scott Martin (164-80) LAST SEASON: 15-6 (8-5) KEY PLAYEI\S: GJ(lhnny Wolf, G David Gedeon, F RobbySchoenhoft OUTLOOK: Johnny Wolf (18 ppg), who first burst onto the scene as a rare freshman player on the varsity at St. X, is now a senior, and the two-time Enquirer Division I all-area player is ready to be the dominant presence for the Bombers for the third straight season. There's plenty of perimeter experience to go with him in Gedeon (7 ppg), Dan Pack and Maurice Scales. The Bombers have the makings of a solid frontcourt in the 6-foot-6 Schoenhoft (6 ppg), 6-7 Greg Sweeney and 6-6 Kyle Gibler.

Moeller COACH: Carl Kremer(235-105) LAST SEASON: 22-3 (11-1)

OUTLOOK: Not rnany programs could withstand losing three Division I college recruits to graduation in the same year, but Moeller will rebuild around two more D-1 signees - 6-8 forwards Childress (Wisccinsin"Milwaukee) and Dierkers (Miami University). They'll be counted on to replace the 80 percent of the offense that is gone from last season. Watt and Gomez bring good athleticism to the backcourt and will allow Moeller to play an aggressive, attacking style.

La Salle . COACH: Dan Fleming (205-139) LAST SEASON: 23-2 (11-1) KEY PLAYERS: F Colin Flynn, G Mike Wiegele · OUTLOOK: The 2003-04 drearn regular season was diminished by the season-ending injury to star Justin Orr. Now the Lancers will have to play without him full time, but their style never changes-

shooter and will have help in that area from senior Kurt Wiebell and sophomores Tony Schmidt and Bobby Austin. Wiegele averaged 4.2 points a game. Ben Martin, a star at defensive end on the foot- · ball field, will be a 6-6 shot-blocking presence inside.

(Schools in order of predicted finish, based on voting by league coaches)

COACH: Joe Petrocelli (700228) LAST SEASON: 9-12 (6-8) KEY PLAYERS: G Danny Fortner, CAndy Dorow, F Matt Krystofik OUTLOOK: Dorow is the lone starter back for Alter, which will try to improve .on a rare down season- its first losing effort in 34 years. Offensively, Alter should be better, but youth will be a factor. One highlight from last season was Petrocelli earning his 700th career victory. He's the second-winningest coach in Ohio history.

Chaminade-Julienne

McNicholas' Matt Schlagheck, at 6 feet 5, will help provide size inside for the Rockets. He averaged seven points a game last season.

Roger Bacon

shooter, and Knecht will be looked to for ieadership.

Badin Enquirer file/Mike Simons

COACH: Bill Brewer (185-110) LAST SEASON: 6-16 (6-10) McNicholas KEY PLAYERS: C Nick Duffy, G COACH: Pat Stricker (21~23) Ben Haarman, GJosh Nolan, F LAST SEASON: 8-14 (5-9) Pete Knecht KEY PLAYERS: F Matt SchlaghOUTLOOK: A rare rebuilding eck, C Andy Stamper, G Tyler Ward· campaign last OUTLOOK: After a disappointing season should finish last season, McNick appears give way to more progress, although to have the talent to move back into the upper half of the GCL North. Bacon is still a Schlagheck (seven ppg) and young bunch with Stamper (five ppg) give the tradionly two seniors on its roster. Duffy tionally undersized Rockets a pair (nine ppg, six rpg) of 6-5 players inside, while Ward (seven ppg) is the team's senior and Haarman (12 ppg) are two of the most talented . captain and a leader at guard. Stricker is looking for improvement yourig players in the GCL North. in ball-handling and defense. Nolan is a threat as i.ln outside .·'

; I ! I

Bethel-Tate COACH: Mike Jennings (first year) LAST SEASON: 4-16 (3-11) KEY PLAYERS: G Brad Felix, F David Pritchard OUTLOOK: Enthusiastic but undersized, BethelTate's players will learn a new system under firstyear head coach Jennings.

Southern Buckeye Conference National division (Schools in order ofpredicted finish, based on voting by league coaches)

East Clinton COACH: Dusty Miller (83-70) LAST SEASON: 14-8 (9-6) KEY PLAYERS: C Wes Anders, PG ·Shawn Patterson, FJay Runk OUTLOOK: Coach Miller wants floor leadership from Patterson, who averaged seven assists a game last season, and scoring frorn Anders and Rt1.nk, who scored 16 and 15 points a garne, respectively. Physical toughness, tearn quickness and .experience will be East Clinton's strengths.

Georgetown Alter

COACH: Joe Staley (243-199) LAST SEASON: 18-8 (10-4) KEY PLAYERS: F Derrick Brown, G Steve Dees OUTLOOK: Coming off a fine season, C-J has the league's attention. The GCL North coaches unanimously endorsed the Eagles as preseason favorites. Brown (16 ppg), an early signee with Xavier, is an athletic 6-foot-8 forward who should be the league's top player. Dees, a junior who was secondteam aii-GCL last season, is a potential Division I signee next year. Depth behind those two stars is also a C-J strength.

(lOACH: Jerry Doerger (478-260) lAST SEASON: 14-7 (10-4) 1'\EY PLAYERS: FJosh Fishback, PG Matt' Oliver, . F Brad Hosler, F Cory Moore, G Chase Rosselot, G Shann Dorsey, F Justin Rader OUTLOOK: The Rockets will use size to their advantage on the inside, with three starters 6-4 or taller. Experience is also a strength, with three returning starters on a tearn comprising five seniors and six juniors. Doerger will look to improve tearn defense and outside shooting.

. Elder · COACH': JoeSchoimfeld (194107) LAST SEASON: 12-10 (6-6) KEY PLAYERS: GJosh Walters OUTLOOK: Walters (10.4 ppg) is the top veteran back for a team that is going to have to scrap to corn pete against the other GCL teams. Elder doesn't have a lot of height, nor an obvious star to occupy the attention of opposing defenders. To compensate, Schoenfeld will try to implement more running and pressing into Elder's playing style.

Greater Catholic League North division Miami Valley Conference Gray division

I II

C:QACH: Alan Slater (8-14) . LAST SEASON: 8-14 ( 5-9) K:EY PLAYERS: F David Duncan, C Eric McMonigle, G Ross Holman OlJTLOOK: Slater will use size to his advantage with Duncan, a 6-foot-10 forward, and McMonigle, a 6-6 center, in the frontcourt. Good speed will allow the Lions to play an up-tempo offense and ~core in transition.

COACH: Fred Hesse (35-65) LAST SEASON: 4-17 (2-12) KEY PLAYERS: F Nick Martini, C Jerry Young OUTLOOK: Martini (12 ppg) was one of the few bright spots last season, earning first-team all-league honors. Young (5 rpg) · is a 6-5 returning starter at center. Hesse expects to have a better shooting and rebounding team this season but is concerned with lapses on defense.

Purcell Marian COACH: Randy Reeder (54-9 7) LAST SEASON: 6-15 (3-11) KEY PLAYERS: F Deshawn Keith, CJohnathan Deluca OUTLOOK: Purcell will try to find strength in numbers, as Reeder plans to use 10 players in his rotation and will try to wear down opponents by taking advantage of his team's excellent speed. Keith and Deluca will be counted on for leadership.

COACH: Jerry Underwood (120-74) LAST SEASON: 11-10 (8-7) KEY PLAYERS: Jay Chadwell, Isaiah Felder, Jeremy Dunkin . · OUTLOOK: A young 1tearn, led by sophomores Felder and Chadwell, will try to be competitive and avoid injuries this season. Underwood hopes Dunkin will provide needed defense. .,

Batavia COACH: Mike Hatfield (92-107) LAST SEASON: 14-9 (11-4) KEY PLAYERS: FJoe Mendenhall; G Joe Proce, G Jake Sante!, F Andrew Harlow OUTLOOK: Batavia· will use good tearn quickness and perimeter shooting to overcome its inexperience and lack of size in the paint. Forward Mendenhall should reach 1,000 career points by 1 midseason.

Felicity-Franklin COACH: Ross Hudson (first year) LAST SEASON: 9-12 (6-9) KEY PLAYERS: F/G Jared Butts, F/G Mike Baker, F/G Jeremy Hatfield, F/G Brandon lllie, F/G Ian Jarman, F/G Brandon Littie, F/G Tim Smith, F/G Brent Thurman OUTLOOK: Hudson will utiiize team height for a s·ttrong inside game this season. Defense is an area w!here the Wildcats need to improve.'

Blanchester COACH: Bennie Carroll (107-197) LAST SEASON: 2-19 (2-12) KEY PLAYERS: G Kevin Bell, C Sylas Johnson, F Evan Hollingsworth OUTLOOK: Six lettern1en return for an undersized squad. Senior Bell will provide leadership.

Williamsburg COACH: Jim Bowling (206-48) LAST SEASON: 1-20 (1-12) KEY PLAYERS: G Dave Wiley, FBrandon Lewis, F Jacob Morgan · OUTLOOK: In his first season at Williamsburg, Bowling inherits a team with a good attitude and several promising young players. · \\

IBG FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 26, ,:.:/04

BS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2004

THE ENQUIRER

Did you know? Lakota East junior James Dews (left) was AP third-team all-district last season, leading the GMC in scoring (23.3 ppg). He also shot 85 percent from the foul line.

A LOOK AT THE 2004-05 HIGH SCHOOL SEASON

Greater Miami Conference

Mid-Miami league North division (Schools in order ofpredictedfin- Greene will provide an inside presish, based on voting by league coach- ence for Grimm, who calls them the es) "key to the offense's effectiveness.."

Springboro

.·

•

COACH: Troy Holtrey (218-70) LAST SEASON: 18-3 (13-1) KEY PLAYERS: CJake Ballard, G Chad James, G Sean Miller, GTyler Howard , OUTLOOK: The Panthers return three starters from last season's team that won the league championship. James, a 6-foot-5 guard, returns after his 12 points and five rebounds a game earned him first-team allleague accolades. Howard transferred from Lebanon, where he was a second-team league performer. Those two will team with Miller to form the most athletic group of guards in the league. Holtrey expects to lead the Panthers to a winning record for the 13th straight season. ·

Lebanon COACH: Frank Back (86-84) LAST SEASON: 16'5 (12-2) KEY PLAYERS: G Chris Overbee, G Tyler Smith, G Zack'Resetar OUTLOOK: aack has to replace almost his entire offense from last season after the Warriors lost every starter to graduation. Some help will come from 6-4 transfer Overbee. . Smith and Resetar bring senior leadership to the backcourt, while juniors Josh Shepherd and Jeremy Langston will be counted on to spark the offense. "Right now we are just learning how to play together," Back said. "Some guys will find themselves in different roles than they were in last year,, and they will need to fit those needs."

Senior James Byrd will again be the sixth man for the Skyhawks.

Carroll COACH: Herman Burger (i20-80) LAST SEASON: 6-14 (6-10) KEY PLAYERS: PG Casey McCoart, G/F Chari"·; Spencer, C Craig Elam OUTI..lh' Burger has been forc2ci +n •ractices without six of i; :s . ,, :''rs, who play for the fOL·cc::: learn. The Patriots return four starters and have five seniors returning from what was a young team last season. McCoart will run a good inside-outside game with Elam. Seniors Mike Distrek and Nick Heider, both spot starters last season, are needed to step into bigger roles. The athletic Spencer will drive the offense after averaging 14.6 points last season.

Miamisburg COACH: Jim Robinson (31-33) LAST SEASON: 12-9 (9-7) KEY PLAYERS: G/F Billy Kitchen, PG Darryl Cordell OUTLOOK: Robinson leads this, "small but scrappy," team, which returns just three seniors and will be limited inside with a pair of 6-foot-5 players, Tyler Teuscher and Robert Barr. Junior Kitchen will shoulder the offense after averaging 10.5 points last' season. Senior Cordell will again run the offense after averaging eight points and 4.3 assists last season. The Vikings will look to use their excess of guards to attack taller opponents with quickness.

Stebbins

F•b

COACH: Ron Coleman (20-22) LAST SEASON: 7-13 (5-11) COACH: Todd Grimm (39-67) KEY PLAYERS: FJared Howard, G LAST SEASON: 11-11 (9-7) DaRen Kirkendoll, G Quentin Williams KEY PLAYERS: GJosh Dow, G/F OUTLOOK: Stebbins returns five . Josh Copeland lettermen, who all saw significant OUTLOOK: Fairborn returns six se- time last season, but must replace niors, but just two starters from last Temple University signee DaShon season. Junior Dow leads an athletic Kirkendoll. His brother, senior Dagroup of guards and once again will Ron Kirkendoll, will try to make up carry the Skyhawks' offense after avfor the loss after averaging eight eraging 17 points last season. Sopho- points as a junior. Fellow senior Wilmore Copeland can play inside and Iiams will team with Kirkendoll to.. ~~outSide ana will try to imj:mive his 1--run the-three=guani"offense. --··--verages of seven points and 10 rebounds. Jared Smith and Demetrius

a1r om

(Schools in order ofpredictedfin- be used to spark an aggressive deish, based on voting by league coach- fense, which De Cello hopes can es) create easy baskets in transition.

COACH: Pat Kreke (191-145) LAST SEASON: 20-4 (14-2) KEY PLAYERS: F Marty Bidwell, G Andrew McDonald OUTLOOK: Senior Bidwell again will shoulder much of the offensive .load after averaging 18.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.4 steals a game. The Falcons will struggle inside; their tallest player is 6-foot-5 Chris Bruns. The offense will be run by senior McDonald and will utilize its quickness to attack opposing defenses. The Falcons'have only four seniors on the roster, but each will play a key role. Kreke needs just nine wins to reach the 200-victory plateau and hopes to lead his team to its fourth consecutive winning season.

Junior Pritikin returns and will see a more expanded offensive role after averaging three points last season.

Franklin COACH: Denny Ferguson (67-74) LASTYEAR: 12-22 (6-10) KEY PLAYERS: G/F Joe Ayers, F/C Micah Wagner, F/C Kyle Cowgill OUTLOOK: Franklin is looking to contend for the school's first MidMiami League crown. Ferguson leads a team with just three seniors (Ayers, Wagner and Cowgill) and as many as four underclassmen seeing significant time. Most of the offensive output should come from the athletic Ayers, who averaged 10 points, four rebounds and three assists last season.

Edgewood

COACH: John Thomas (10-11) LAST SEASON: 10-11 (6-10) . COACH: Dan Gerhard (160-206) ltEY PLAYERS: G/F Matt Root, F/C LAST SEASON: 7-14 (6-10) Eric Knapp KEY PLAYERS: G/F Drew Frahm, OUTLOOK: The Cougars need to F/C Chad Muntzinger, G Brian Corn, find ai replacement for leading scorPG Danny Manning er Bri?n Hangbers, who led the OUTLOOK: Four of the Pirates' top league averaging 24 ppg last seasix players return from last season, · son. Root averaged 10 points, four leaving Gerhard a solid base to con- rebounds and five assists last seatend for the school's first MML title. son. Knapp will provide a dominant Frahm will spark the offense and try post presence for the Cougars; he to better his 14 ppg average from averaged 8.5 rebounds last season. last season. Muntzinger, who joined Thomas will need to get some role Frahm with all-league recognition players from last season to step inlast season, will be one of the to primary positions if he wants to league's most athletic big men. lead the Cougars to their first With Muntzinger and 6-3 forward league title. Pat Wall patrolling the middle, outside shots should open up for Frahm, Corn and J.D. Hibberd. COACH: Tim Kellis (292-207) . LAST YEAR: 0-21 (0-16) KEY PLAYERS: GTad Kilburn, G COACH: Michael De Cello (199Jason Hunt, F/C Jeff Myers 141) OUTLOOK: The Hornets have LAST SEASON: 10-11 (7-9) things to look forward to this season KEY PLAYERS: SG Chris Zimmeras they open their new 1,400-seat man, G/F ian Vanness, C Marques gym Tuesday against Springboro. Pritikin Kellis enters his fourth season at OUTLOOK: New head coach De Monroe and will lead a young team Cello, who coached previously in in a rebuilding season. Myers will Pennsylvania and Texas, needs one be expected to be powerful in the win for his 200th_career victory. post, while Kilburn should run the Eight seniors return and will help point for the Hornets. Kellis will be him reach that goal. Zimmerman looking for new players to add taland Vanness will run much of the ent and depth to his lineup as he Braves' offense. Senior Andy Clark hopes to achieve win No. 300 this and sophomore Zach Wilhelm will season.

West Carrollton

lemon-Monroe

Talawanda

:~·

(Schools in order of predicted finish, based on voting by league coaches)

Fairfield COACH: Matt Wissman (40-49) LAST SEASON: 11-11 (7-9) KEY PLAYERS: F Adam Ruhl, G Kelly Beane "' OUTLOOK: Ruhl, an all-conference second-teamer, helped guide' the Indians to an 8-3 finish last season and led the team in scoring and rebounding. Beane needs to help shoulder the scoring load after averaging six ppg last season. ·

.Lalmta West COACH: Mike Mueller (518-264) LAST SEASON: 15-8 (10-6) KEY PLAYERS: PG Dane Romero, C Josh Chichester, G J.C. Casper, F Todd Maybeny OUTLOOK: With thr~e starters and five lettermen back, the Firebirds get the top preseason nod from league coaches. Mueller also gains Lakota East transfer Mayberry, one of the league's best 3-point shooters last season as a sophomore. Chichester, a 6-foot-8 junior _.... who nearly averaged a double~dou,, · ble (nine points, nine rebounds), gives East good size in the low post. Senior Romero (eight ppg, five apg) is still recovering from a football injury.

Hamilton

Mid-Miami league South division

Fenwick

Thomas E. Witte for the Enquirer

Oak Hills' Steve Pogue, a 6-foot-5 guard, practices shooting free throws. The Highlanders will field an inexperienced team this seasoo,

COACH: Larry Allen (120-46) LAST SEASON: 25-2 (15-1) KEY PLAYERS: F/C :lason Miller, G/F Billy Allen OUTLOOK: The Big Blue will continue to develop as the season goes on after losing three all-conference performers from last season's Division I state champs. That includes seniorAdam Myers-White, who has decided to concentrate on football. Allen will rely on Miller, who has committed to Columbia and was second-team AII-GMC last season after averaging 11 points and eight rebounds.

lakota East COACH: Wally Vickers (168-150) LAST SEASON: 13-9 (9-7)

Malinda Hartong for the Enquirer ·

Colerain

COACH: Jason Adkins (13-30) Hamilton's Jason Miller has committed to Columbia. He averaged LAST SEASON: 6-16 (2-14) 11 points and eight rebounds last season for the Big Blue. _ KEY PLAYI;Rs; .G_Dominick.!Jood- . ·-~ . ·----··- man, GJustin Gaines KEY PLAYERS: F cardale Boyd, G OUTLOOK: The Cardinals have James Dews, c Nick Kohs, G Casey ' COACH: Rob Matula (64-70) athleticism with at least six football Schlensker LAST SEASON: 13-11 (7-9) players on the roster. Goodman OUTLOOK: The Thunderhawl(s KEY PLAYERS: G Mike Kimmey, has signed with the UniversitY of·· ... hope this can be the season they G/F Robby Peters, G/F David BuchFindlay after averaging 22 points make tneir move into the GMC elite. berger and six rebounds last season. Dews, who led the GMC in scoring OUTLOOK: The Aves will have last season as a sophomore with more trouble snealling up on teams Mid~letown 23,3 ppg, returns. Finding some this season after making it to last depth and improving team defense COACH: Bob Ronai (7-14) season's regional semifinals. Kimare concerns for Vickers. LAST SEASON: 7-14 (4-12) mey, a 5-9 senior, averaged over KEY PLAYERS: F Branden Ed15 ppg en route to making firstwards, G Darius Edwards team aii-GMC. The Aves will try to OUTLOOK: Rebuilding continues translate their athleticism into an COACH: Paul Andrews (282-176) for Ronai and the Middies, who have up-tempo approach at both ends LAST SEASON: 19-4 (14-2) no seniors. of th·e floor. KEY PLAYERS: F/C Ross Morin, F/C Robert Walker, G Ryan Ben, F Jerome Nelson COACH: Joe Cambron (9-33) OUTLOOK: Developing team chemCOACH: Mike Price (179-106) LAST SEASON: 2-19 (1-15) istry and a winning identity are the LAST SEASON: 15-8 (10-6) KEY PLAYERS: F AJ. Salerno main concerns for the Vikings, who KEY PLAYERS: G Mike Kramer OUTLOOK: The Eagles wil 1 try to graduated GMC player of the year OUTLOOK: Only two players have Mark Dorris. The 6-8 Morin has comsignificant varsity experience. Price is parlay improved team quickness into a more aggressive defense. mitted to Yale after notching 14 points encouraged by the effort and ability Forward Salerno averaged 10 and nine rebounds a game last seaof his younger players. The 6-5 points and seven rebounds a game son. Walker, a 6'6 lakota East transKramer has signed with Central last season. fer, should contribute. Michigan.

Sycamore

Princeton

Oak Hills

(Schools in order of predicted finish, ·based on voting by league coaches)

Milford

scorer Marl( Hawkins, now at North,. OUTLOOK: The talented but ·ern Kentucky. youthful Cowboys have to replace Kevin Weybrlght, the school's alltime leading scorer. Six-foot-4 swingman Jolson brings versatility COACH: David Wainscott (52-78} with seven assists, six points and LAST SEASON: 7-14 (4-10) four rebounds a game. The guard KEY PLAYERS: GJordan Kelly, F play of Edgington (four assists, Mike Donovan, G Sam Am is three steals per game) and Weiss OUTLOOK: The Warriors' strength (9. 7 ppg) will be a big factor in the will be their outside shooting. Kelly Cowboys' success this season. · averaged eight ppg on 42 percent 3-point shooting last season. At 6-3, Donovan (eight ppg) is the tallest player for the undersized COACH: Jim Reynolds (270-141) Warriors. LAST SEASON: 15-6 (12-2) KEY PLAYERS: G Cole Schwein, F Park Jeff Moore, G Chris Eberle, C Aaron Blankenship COACH: Jeoff Gabbard (30-36) OUTLOOK: The Mustangs graduLAST SEASON: 12-10 (5-9) ated 11 seniors from last season's KEY PLAYERS: C Maurice Brown league co-champs. Compounding OUTLOOK: Gabbard hopes an that lack of experience will be the abundance of size, with five playabsence of Schwein (9 ppg, 4. 7 ers 6-3 or taller, can help overrpg) until January because of a come the team's youth and lack of football injury. Eberle and Blanken~ experience. The 6-6 Brown (11. 7 .. ship were the leading scorers on ppg, 8.1 rpg) i~ the lone returning. last season's junior varsity team. starter.

Mariemont

Indian Hill COACH: Jim Prugh (27-64) LAST SEASON: 11-10 (6-8) KEY PLAYERS: C Will Nolte, F Branden Miller OUTLOOK: The Braves' experienced and senior-laden roster makes them the consensus preseason favorite. "We were so young last year," Prugh said. "It's one thing to have so many seniors, but it's another thing for them to all have a year of experience. It Should pay dividends for us." Nolte (first team) and Miller (second team) both averaged 12 points a game last season to earn all-conference recognition.

Madeira

Deer

Reading Enquirer file/Ernest Coleman COACH: Rich Bensman (194-101) Reading forward/ center Jeremy LAST SEASON: 19-6 (10-4) Overbeck averaged 10 points KEY PLAYERS: F/C Jeremy Overper game last season. beck, PG Rodney Stidham, F/C Justin Brinkman 6-foot-7 seniors Overbeck (10 OUTLOOK: The Blue Devils have been one ofthe state's top Division ppg., 11 rpg., four blocks) and Ill programs in recent years, reach- Brinkman (10.5 ppg., 12 rpg., four blocks). ing the regional final last season after winning the state title the year before. Preseason injuries to StidCOACH: Tony Gentry (65-49) ham and Mason Smith have hurt LASlSEASON: 17-6 (12-2) the Blue Devils' backcourt depth. KEY PLAYERS: G/F David Jolson, Interior play shouldn't be a probG Jeff Weiss, G Jon Edg)ngton lem, with

Wyoming

Finneytown

Taylor

COACH: Dan Adams (30-75) LAST SEASON: 10-11 (8-6) KEY PLAYERS: F Scottie Sibert, G Kyle Linder OUTLOOK: Adams sees potential in an athletic but unproven squad, which has eight returning varsity players. Linder and Sibert are both returning starters. The Wildcats look to be more team-oriented after graduating all-time leading.

COACH: Kyle Haney (41-95) LAST SEASON: 1-20 (0-14) KEY PLAYERS: F Chris Nicolaou, PG Corey Pascua OUTLOOK: Haney feels that with hard work, the Yellow Jackets can. achieve respectability as the season progresses. Nicolaou, a versa: tile 6-5 senior, is their top return-. ing scorer, having averaged six points last season. c

;'.·

THE ENQUIRER

Bengals: Youth a big part of improvement

FRIDIW, NOVEivJE;t:R 2f:i, LUU4 ltli:J>

Ailing Pahner expected to play

From Page Bl Clemons' development coincides with a noticeable improvement by a Bengals defensive front subjected to considerable criticism earlier this season. ''We felt it was a lack of respect, basically," defensive tackle Langston Moore said. In three games since a sevenpoint loss against the Titans on Halloween- the defense allowed 358 total yards and the defensive line was penalized four- times the Bengals have been on a statistical tear defensively. Opponents have gained 86.1 fewer average total yards and scored, on average, 14 fewer points per game compared to Cincinnati's first seven games. Clemons and right defensive end Justin Smith along with Moore and rookie defensive tackle Robert Geathers account for 71/z of the defense's 13 sacks during the stretch. "I think we've definitely turned the comer," Clemons said. ''We've accomplished some of our goals. Our young guys are playing like veterans. That's allowed us to really expand our scheme." The Bengals enter Sunday's game against the Browns ranked 16th in the NFL in total defense. But they still remain near the bote tom (31st) against the run. Lewis and his players cite a synergy that has developed up front and the benefit of stability behind surrounding them. The Tennessee game was Moore's first career NFL start. Geathers has become increa~ ingly more involved, sometimes bumping Clemons to defensive tackle in passing situations. "... lt'salmostlikeplayingbflS· ketball," Clemons said. "Wh1!H he can react to you, and you c;m read off each other, now you c:m really do things."

Bengals notebook

Quarterback haVing back spasms By Mark Curnutte

weekend as a lame-duck coach. A coach facing an unce1iain fuEnquirer staff writer ture can present a problem for the Carson Palmer was added to the opposing team. "It's a scary game," Palmer said. injury report Thursday with back ·spasms but is expected to play Sun- "It's easy to say, 'Their coach is on the line. Guys are going to get day against the Browns. "Carson had back spasms dur- fired. Nobody's going to want to ing practice and he spent the sec- play.' But it could be the exact op. and half (of practice) in treatment," posite. Guys could be trying to rally Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said. ''We expect he11 be fine. The around their head coach. You don't listing of probable speaks for itseli" know what to exA listing of probable means a pect. "A lot of coaches player has a 75 percent chance of playing. just could he pullIf Palmer were limited, backup ing something out Jon Kitna - who has not taken a of their hat. 'If I'm going to be fired, let's see if this snap in 10 games -would play. In other injury news Thursday, works.' We just need to go out and defensive lineman Carl Powell do our stuff and not worry about (knee) was downgraded to doubt- which Browns team is showing ful. Cornerback Rashad Bauman up;" . (Achilles) was ruled out Defensive Asked if he had comment on the tackle Matthias Askew .(knee) ap- Davis situation, Lewis said: "I don't peared for the first time on the re- want to talk about their situation port this week as questionable af- · there. ter practicing. And starting 'That's not fair." cornerback Deltha O'Neal (elbow) Browns safety Robert Griffith remained questionable but did said the Davis situation has been a practice. distraction. 1V nME: The Bengals and . "Guys are worried about their Browns will be featured on CBS futures, and coaches, and rightfultelevision's "Six Days to Sunday." ly so," Griffith said on a conference The 60-minute special will air at call with reporters who cover the 1 p.m. Saturday on Channel12. The Bengals. · special was filmed the week before 'There's probably going to be the first Bengals-Browns game some changes, and every man has Oct. 17 at Cleveland. to look out for his familv and his TRYOUTS: Before signing wide well-being. With just that on the receiver Freddie Milons to their back of people's minds, it can be a practice squad this week, the Ben- challenge. ~ut as far as our operagals also held a tryout for wide re- tions today, nothing's changed. ceiver Madise Adrian of Texas We're getting ready for the BenChristian. gals." QUESTION MARK: Butch Davis will show up in Cincinnati this E-mail mcurnutte@enquirer.com

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Manning finds end zone with ease 11te Associated Press

DEIROIT - Peyton Manning · threw for six touchdowns in less than three quarters and raised his season total to 41 scoring passes, leading the Indianapolis Colts past the Detroit Uons 41-9 Thursday. He set an NFL record with at least four touchdown passes in a .:fifth straightgame-andhediditby halftime. Dan Marino had a fourgame streak with at least four. touchdowns in 1984, when he also set a league mark with 48 touchdown passes in a season. "I feel uncomfortable talldng about anything individual," Man. ning said after the game, almost pleading to change the subject. "I just want to keep winning." Connecting with Marvin Harrison and Brandon Stokley three times each for scores, Manning finished 23-of-28 for 236 yards and no interceptions for the AFC Southleading Colts (8-3). Look at the performance this way: Manning had more touchdown passes than incomplotions. With five regular-season games left, Manning already has matched Kurt Warner for third-most TD passes in a season. Marino is No. 2

Roundup

Ill Summaries, B2 ·

with 44 in 1986. The reeling Uons (4-7) didn't help themselves by fumbling four times in their own territory, missing a :field goal and stalling repeatedly in the red zone. Joey Harrington was 14-of.23 for 156yards before he was benched in favor of Mike McMahon late in the third quarter. Fittingly, ·McMahon fulnbled on the final play before scooping up the ball and throwing an interception in the end zone to cap a five-game losing streak.

(4-7) - an interception R W. McQuarters returned 45 yards for a touchdown. Bears quarterback Craig Krenzelleft the game after suffering a . foot injury in the second quarter. Replacement Jonathan Quinn was 10-of-21 for 86 yards with two interceptions.

"owbous ?I 111 ears 7 " 1 ~ ID IRVING, Texas- Julius Jones burst up the middle for a 33-yard touchdown on Dallas' first drive and was still going strong at the end, scoring from 4 yards out mid.way through the fourtl1 quarter. Jones finished with 150 yards on 33 carries, becoming the first Dallas running back to gain 100 yards this season, as the Cowboys (4-7) ended a three-game losing streak. After leading the Cowboys 62 yards in five plays for the opening score, the only points Drew Henson produced were for Chicago

•I

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Used Cars to be sold to the public for as Iovv as- $7 Local Cincinnati dealer group nttust reduce over $2,0()(),()()() worth ofpre-owned vehicles Sunday, November 28, 2004. JVliLFORD, OH these vehicles to the public for Management of the Castrucci thousands below normal Automotive . Group has values before they go to ~ounced th~r pl~ to reduce auction. ''The community has therr used vehicle mventory to shown · us great support the public by means of a $79 throughout the years, and Supersale Sunday, November we're very grateful. We would 28th. rather give these great deals to During this one-day event, the public than unload these every used vehicle will be sold vehicles at auction." fi th d b1 · · al 0~ 0 ?san ~ e ow ongm "A huge selection of over 300 pnce- m~luding cars for $79· pre-owned cars, trucks, vans Why J?l1Ce the~ so low? and sport utility vehicles will According to Rich Wil~er, be available for this event" Sales Manager of Mike , · Castrucci Chevy-Olds, 'The 'We abs?lutely must reduce used car market has taken a our used mventory at all costs, tum for the worse,. and all of so ~ustomers can expect these us in the Mike Castrucci vehicles to be sold !orne~ or Automotive Group are very below wholesale, Wilber concemed." stated. "Cars. that would " nom1aily sell for $1,000 to J?e r~ent economy has $2 000 will sell for as little as driven. mterest. ratesd down, . $79•. C<\lS. that would normally allowmg mme an more sell for $3 000 to $12 000 will people to trade up to new ' ' be thousands and thousands Vehicles," Wilber con•;nued .u • 1 Th . ' tn· 1 hi 1 "Plus, with auto leasing at the ower. ere, s 11y a,ve c e current level, we are se_eing for e~eryone s budget. more lease-return vehicles ''Vehicles from all twelve than ever. In short, the used car Castrucci franchises will be market . is beco~ng on display at Mike·~astrucci dangerously saturated. Given Chevy-Olds, 1099 Lila Ave. the economic circumstan?es US 50 :in Milford. Due to the we fac~, vye hav~ ~o chmce large response expected for but 1I? liqmdate ~s ~ventory this event, those wishing to as qmckly as poss1ble. buy must register before "The twelve dealers in the the $79 Supersale begins. Castrncci Automotive Dealer Customers are strongly Group have agreed to offer encouraged to register

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Supersale works. At 12:45 pm, all vehicles will be opened so that customers may inspect the vehicles. The retail price will be posted on the windshield of each vehicle. When the ~7n S"persa11e ~., 7 u H begins at 1pm, the Price Cutter will cross out the retail price on each vehicle and replace it with the new Supersale price. Whoever is sitting in the vehicle when the event begins will have the first cllance to purcllase that . at the Supersale pnce. . vehicle . . . . Pnces will b: cut one tun~ to the pnce' . . rock-oottom . mcluding V!;:;hicles for only $79. This. Supersale is for the public only - Auto dealers and wholesalers are ~o! e~gibi~ to .parti~~pa&:_e. It s JUst tklat SllTiple, smd Wilber. "Choose the vehicle you're interested in, be the first one behind the wheel, and you get the first opportunity to purchase that vehicle at the Supersale price."

Mike Castrucci Chevy-Olds will have special finance and credit analysts on hand to get you pre-qualified before the sal~. Wilber said, ''We'll have some of the most liberal lenders in the area, at this event, so even if you've had trouble obtaining auto financing in the past, don't count yourself out If you bring a current payroll stub and your 'driver's license, chances are we can arrange financing for you." "This $79 Supersale on Sunday, November 28th will be the biggest event we've ever had!" Wilber stated. ''I expect over 150 cust?mers to leave Wednes~y w1th gJ.~eat cars at lS!:~at pnces. If you ve been wmtmg for a great deal on a great used car or truck, the wait is over! The $79 Supersale on November 28th .-I' . • will be a pc;uect opportunity to get a quality car or truck at a substantial savings while we drastically reduce our inventory." The $79 Supersale will be held at Mike Castrucci Chevy-Olds 1099 Lila Ave._ US 50 in Miliord. Only one $79 vehicle per family, please. Que!.tions call be directed to any Mike Castrucci Chevy-Olds employeeorcall513-248-7188.

(

86 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2004

THE EN UIRER

Did you know? ~efore Hamilton's state 20~3-04, the last Greater

championship run in Miami Conference team to win a boys' basketball state title was Lakrota in 1992. Lakota since has split into two higt1 schools - East and West. Bm,n~don Lampley celebrates Hamilton's stOJd:e championship with fans.

A LOOK AT THIE 2004-05 HIGH SCHOOL SEASON

Southwest Ohio Public league (Schools in order of predicted averaged six points and five assists. finish, based on voting by leagJle coaches)

Meadowdale

I-

I-,

COACH: John Taylor (363-248) LAST SEASON: 10-11 (4-4) KEY PLAYERS: GWendell ArmWithrow strong, G Forest Miles, FJeshua BryCOACH: Steve Gentry (44-19) ant, F Brandon Caldwell, F Eric AnLAST SEASON: 16-5 (8-2) derson KEY PLAYERS: FChris Knight, P/FOUTLOOK: The team's two returnMatt Pilgrim, PG Larry Robinson ing starters are Armstrong and Miles. OUTLOOK: In his fourth season, Armstrong, a 5-10 senior, averaged Gentry has five players with varsit)' 15.7 points and led the league with experience. Knight, a 6-foot-6 foran average of eight assists. Miles avward, averaged 20 points and 10 re- eraged 7.8 poin\5. Bryant, a 6-5, bounds last season, and the 6-7 Pil- 220-pound junior forward, should be grim averaged 15 points and 10 a force inside. rebounds. Robinson, a 5-11 point guard, averaged 13 points and thme Belmont assists. COACH: Ricky Brooks (62-43) LAST SEASON: 11-11 (3-5) Dunbar KEY PLAYERS: PG Aaron Brown, COACH: Peter Pullen (111-29) C lbu Marone, G Marvin Allen, F LAST SEASON: 14-11 (6-3) Pierre Bradley, PF Durrel Wright KEY PLAYERS: G/F Daequan OUTLOOK: Teams might try to Cook, CAaron Pogue, PG Darren take advantage of the squad's lack Powell, GAntonine Sain, F Mark of height, but Belmont will run at any Anderson chance and hope to cause tumovers OUTLOOK: Pullen, who coached with full-court pressure. Brown, a juthe girls' team for six seasons, is in nior, averaged 11.5 points, four rehis first as boys' coach. He will rely bounds and 2.3 assists. Marone, a on Cook, a 6-5 guard/forward who 6-5 junior, averaged 10 points and averaged 21 points, eight rebounds eight rebounds. Allen, a 5-8 guard and four assists last season. "He's a and one of the league's top 3-point very special player; he can do it all," shooters, averaged 11 points. Pullen said. Pogue, a 6-8, 290pound sophomore, has good hands Mount Healthy Malinda Hartong for the Enquirer and is a force inside. Powell, a 6-1 Coach Larry Allen (left) must lead Division I defending state champion Hamilton without standout Adam Myers-White. COACH: Jim Pugh (241-219) junior, averaged six points. LAST YEAR: 2-19 (0-8) KEY PLAYERS: FWand Newman, Western Hills Ill 1!1 G Lamar Jones, GCliff Caff, CJohn COACH: P.J. Mays (15-6) Brown, C/F Anthony Billups LAST SEASON: 15-6 (10-3) OUTLOOK: The Owls are more KEY PLAYERS: PG Jaron Brook;;, F confident, and their win total should Jerran Wright, GJamar Howard reflect that. Last season, they lost 10 OUTLOOK: Only three of the games by a total of 40 points. There team's eight seniors have varsity exis no one go-to player, but improveperience, and the schedule will proment should be made in shooting vide a test. Mays said the squad and handling close games. Newman, hopes to be aggressive defensively a 6-3 junior, was the team's leading and value each possession. Brooks scorer at nine points a game. Jones, head coach Larry Allen, was sixth _ is a 5-9 senior who averaged almost a 6-foot junior, averaged five points. By Tom Groeschen ''I think you'U see four or five teams be man on the state-title team. 14 points a game last season. Caff, a 5-9 senior, and junior centers Enquirer staff writer Myers-White, honorable menranked No. 1 during the year. There's a lot tion all-state in basketball last sea- Wright is a 6-6 forward who averBrown and Billups should. contribute. aged 12.5 points and 8.5 rebounds. There is no clear-cut No.1 team of good individual talent, but th£re's not son, was also the No. 2-rated prep Howard is a 6-5 shooting guard who entering the Cincinnati boys' basfootball safety in America by .averaged 13.7 points and nine reone team you can say is above the rest." ESPN.com. ketball season. bounds. _ Hamilton is_the_d~~pding))lvi- __ But after being hmtmuclwfthis Shrader· Paideia sion I state chiiriip1on and might au1:urnil, Myers-White is sitting out Colonel White have been No. 1this preseason, but of basketball as he finalizes his COACH: Steve Morris (43-61) standout swingman Adam Myers- said. 'There's a lot of good individ- 'sists and 5.2 steals as a freshman. plans to play Division I college footCOACH: John Ralph (205-118) LAST YEAR: 14-7 (8-0) White has opted not to play his se- ual talent, but there's not one team Walker missed most of last season ball. LAST SEASON: 13-8 (6-5) KEY PLAYERS:F Doug Waldon, G nior year. you can say is above the rest." with a knee injury. "I think the world of Adam, and KEY PLAYERS: G Keith Long, PG Will Johnson, G Nico Dean, FMelvin Hamilton, St. Xavier, Moeller, And although St. Xavier is No. 1 NCH is rated the No.6 team in he did real well for us," lan-y Allen Chester Elliott, G Bruce Griffith, F Do- Jones on most coaches' ballots, Bombers both Lakotas, Withrow, La Salle, the Midwest by USA Today and said. "We've just got to go on." rian Johnson, F Mark Gray OUTLOOK: Morris begins his seccoach Scott Martin agrees there is Princeton, Oak Hills and Sycamore No. 22 nationally in an Internet Hamilton also must replace state OUTLOOK: Although this. might be ond season and is hoping to get are among many teams coaches poll, the National Prep Basketball tournament MVP Brandon Lamno dominant team. a rebuilding season, there are sig:ns past the first round of the tourna'The past two years you had mention as Division I challengers. Poll. pley, the point guard who averaged of promise with senior leadership. ment after losing to Deer Park last In Division II, Taft looks strong. The Trojans' schedule can't 10.3 points and 3.7_assists last seaMoeller with all those high DiviGray averaged 10 points last season. season. It's an up-tempo team with sion I players, but this year there's Standout guard Heath White trans- match those of Division I teams, son. Johnson (9 ppg) and Elliott (6 ppg) depth despite losing its two leading a lot of good talent at several fen-eel from Winton Woods, and but NCH plays a 'few D-I schools Also graduated are forward Lashould be consistent. scorers. Waldon, a 6-8 senior, averthe Senators already returned the this season. The big one is Dec. 21 tez Williams and guards Derrick schools," Martin said. aged seven points and 12 rebounds. The past two years, Moeller had core of last season's regional quali- at St. Xavier, when Mayo goes toe Huff and Casey Brooke. Hugbes Johnson, a 5-10 senior, averaged to toe with Bombers star Johnny it all. The 2002-03 Crusaders won fier. Moeller returns two Division I four steals and three assists. Dean, In Division III, North College Wolf. COACH: Greg Mills (19-42) the Division I state title, arid the '03recruits in 6-8 Tyler Dierkers "Last year we had a very young (signed with Miami University) a 5-9 senior, averaged nine points 04 team was a regional finalist. Di- Hill should dominate. LAST SEASON: 4-16 (2-8) O.J.,Mayo and Bill Walker, both team," NCH coach Jamie Mahaffey and and 5.2 assists. Jones, a 6-3 junior,_ vison I college recruits Andrew 6-8 Ryan Childress KEY PLAYERS: G/F Adrian Braclunan (North Carolina State), ranked among the nation's top 10 said. "Even though we had a lot of (Wisconsin-Milwaukee). averaged nine points. Graves, CYancey Gates Josh Duncan (Xavier) and Bubba sophomores by Hoop Scoop ana- talent, we were not mature. This ''We won't be bad, but I think OUTLOOK: The Big Red are inexWalther (Akron) led those Moeller lyst Clark Francis, lead the Tro- year we are a year older, but still right now you'd have to put teams Jacobs perienced with five sophomores and jans. NCH went 21-0 before being young." teams. like St. X and Hamilton up there," several freshmen. They will be led by COACH: Grant Stanley (24-39) In Division I, Hamilton returns Moeller coach Carl Kremer said. Entering 2004-05, there's no upset by Reading in the sectionals junior Graves, a talented swingmi:l.n LAST SEASON: 9-12 (5-3) such supergroup. two standout players in 6-foot-9 se- "And I'd watch out for both last season. who averaged 18.4 points, 7.6 reKEY PLAYERS: FCharles ThompMayo, the reigning DiVision III nior Jason Miller (committed to Lakotas." "I think you'll see four or five bounds and 3.2 assists last season. son, PG Demetrius Rogers, F Charles teams be_ ranked No.1 during the state player of the year, averaged Columbia) and 6-5 sophomore BilGates is a promising freshman. TI1e Presswood, GWilliams Wilburn year," Oak Hills coach Mike Price 30.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, 7.5 as- ly Allen. Allen, son of Hamilton E-mail tgroeschen@enquirer.com question is whether the squad can OUTLOOK: Thompson, a 6-4 overcome its inexperience to win sophomore, has been a "pleasant close games. surprise," Stanley said. Rogers, a senior, averaged four points and three Woodward assists. Presswood is getting looks COACH: LannisTimmons (91-14) from several Division Ill schools. Wilburn averaged five points, four reLAST SEASON: 2-19 (1-15) bounds and two steals last season. KEY PLAYERS: PG Markeith Rebounding is strong, but Stanley Behanan OUTLOOK: Three freshmen might wants improvement on defense. Reading in last season's Division III By Tom Groeschen see significant playing time, and 1nsectionals. Enquirer staff writer Clark Montessori experience is a concern for coach ''We are a year older, but still Timmons. Behanan, a 5-8 senior COACH: Kent Varies (11-12) As a sophomore, O.J. Mayo al- young," Mahaffey said. point guard, started every game last LAST SEASON: 11-12 (3·5) Mahaffey ~aid Mayo and Walker ready might be the best player in season and averaged 10 points. KEY PLAYERS: F Darin Wyly, F both have improved their physical Cincinnati, and also the state. Zach Gibbs, GAntoine Smith, C The North College Hill star strength, but he said the Trojans Chris Ellison might have been the best last sea- overall remain green. Most of the OUTLOOK: Clark has an inexperison, too. It all depends upon whom team is still underclassmen. enced squad. The lone returning Among area seniors, Withrow's you ask. Taft starter is sophomore Wyly, who was "0 .]. is the best player in the Chris Knight and Matt Pilgrim COACH: Mark Mitchell (22-3) state in any class," Wyoming coach (both 6-foot-7 forwards) are ranked second on the team in scoring last LAST SEASON: 22-3 (14-1) best in their local class by Hoop Tony Gentry said. season (10.5 ppg). The Cougars KEY PLAYERS: G DeAndre Byrd, G were Division IV sectional finalists in Gentry said that last season, af- Scoop. Neither has committed to a Eddie Gray, FTravis Donald, GJolln Varies' first season, and he guided ter watching Mayo score 44 points college. Princeton center Ross Morin Stone, CTyrone Bradshaw, F Branon his team. Clark to a school record in victories. Mayo, a combination point (committed to Yale), Moeller fordon Russ, F Heath White The Cougars must rely on defensive guard/shooting guard, averaged ward Tyler Dierkers (Miami UniOUTLOOK: Eight piayers return quickness to stay competitive. 30.9 points a game last season. He versity) and St. Xavier guard Johnfrom last season's district title te.am. Gibbs, a sophomore, averaged 8.5 finished third in the Ohio Mr. Bas- ny Wolf (uncommitted) are also Defending the perimeter will be em- points and nine rebounds. ketball voting behind winner Jamar top-five area seniors. phasized, but this squad is loaded Childress Butler (Lima Shawnee) and AnMoeller's Ryan with college prospects. SCPA drew Brackman (Moeller). (Wisconsin-Milwaukee), HamilCOACH: Tom Haney (3-18) Butler is now at Ohio State, ton's Jason Miller (Columbia), Aiken Brackman at North Carolina State. Northwest's Jeremy Chappell LASTYEAR: 3-18 (0-8) COACH: Kevin Higgins (24-4Q) Mayo has three years remaining (Robert Morris) and Oak Hills' KEY PLAYERS: G Greg Mason, C LAST SEASON: 10-11 (5-3) at North College Hill. Mike Kramer (Central Michigan) Rod Benton, GTirn Richardson KEY PLAYERS: GAllen Robinson, And, the area's second-best play- are all headed to Division I OUTLOOK: Haney said this squad er might be in the same building. colleges. GWill McGivens, GPrince Coopflr will be much improved, thanks to the Bill Walker, like Mayo a 6-foot-6 James Dews (Lakota East) is the OUTLOOK: Aiken should be return of Mason, the team's leading sophomore, transfen-ed with Mayo area's top-rated jun:ior. He averamong the league's best teams. It's scorer at 17 points a game as a ju.to NCH from Rose Hill Christian aged 23.3 points a &'arne last seaEnquirer file/Meggan Booker a young squad without a lot of size nior, and Benton, a 6~5 junior who (Ky.). Mayo is rated the tri-No.l son. North College Hill sophomoreO.J. Mayo could be the best player in but is very quick and a better shMt- averaged 12 rebounds a .game. Richsophomore in America by Hoop Heath White (Taft) is another ju- the area and the state. He averaged 30.9 points as a freshman. ing team than last season's. Robin- ardson, a junior, is in his first season Scoop analyst Clark Francis. Walk- nior to watch. White, a guard who son, a 6-3 senior, averaged eight atthe school and should contribute er is No. 9 in tl1at class. transfen-ed from Winton Woods, last season's 22-3 regional qualifier. will be in the house, which assuredpoints. McGivens, a 5-8 senior who right away, It's a quick team on the NCH coachJamie Mahaffey says should help make Taft a dominant Circle the calendar for Dec. 21, . ly will be sold out. also plays football, averaged four fioor, but coach Haney is uncertain that's all fine, but Mahaffey also re- Division II team. The Senators al- when North College Hill visits St. points, and Cooper, a junior guard, of its shooting and depth. members the 58-47 upset loss to ready were returning the core of Xavier. Mayo, JValker and Wolf all E-mail tgroeschen@enqy.irer. com .:..: <.·

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Only certainty: From St. Xavier to Hamilton, no decisive No.1

Alook at the top players .

NCH's Mayo is leader of the pack