Top Five Preview: Ninth Region

<p>Over the next month, we'll continue to preview the top teams and players in each of the 16 regions as we move toward the 2019-2020 regular season. As part of our preview, we are breaking down the regional title contenders and the top college prospects in every region. We continue with the eighth region, where Collins is led by a pair of D1 commits.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Top Five Regional Title Contenders:</strong></span></p> <p>Covington Catholic - Assuming Michael Mayer doesn't play basketball this year, Cov Cath will still have plenty of fire power. Senior Grant Disken joins a few talented new imports (including a 7 footer) to make a talented core for the Colonels. This group of Seniors was undefeated as a JV team two years ago and will look to continue that regional dominance. Look for Senior <strong>Neil Green</strong> to have a big season, filling the void left by the graduation of Nick Thelen.</p> <p>Beechwood - Coming off the best season in 70+ years, the Tigers are hoping to get over the hump and get to Rupp Arena in March. They will have to replace CJ Brannen's 12 points per game but the Junior class is solid and has players capable of filling that void. Last season they showed they can beat Covington Catholic. Now they will need to show they can do it at NKU so they can cut the nets down and head to Rupp.</p> <p>Cooper - They don't have the star power of the last few Cooper teams but these Jaguars know how to play some serious defense. Coach Sullivan's teams will grind opponents out in the half court. As long as they can consistently score in the high 50s, you can pencil the Jags in for 20+ wins and at least the regional semifinals.</p> <p>Conner - My choice for a dark horse to win the 9th, Conner returns 9 of their top 10 scorers from last year. They should have some depth and they will shoot a ton of threes while playing predominantly on the perimeter on the offensive end. The Cougars are going to have to get through Cooper to win their district and some combination of Cov Cath and Beechwood to win the region but if they get hot, they can beat anyone.</p> <p>St. Henry - They bring back their top two scorers and have a big Junior class that is ready to compete for championships. <strong>Wyatt Vieth</strong> is one of the top returning scorers in the region and can be a dangerous team by the time that district and regional tournaments roll around. Their district is by far the easiest in the region so they should be in a good position to have a winner's draw by the time games move to NKU.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Top 5 College Prospects:</strong></span></p> <p>Scotty Draud, Beechwood - Only a Junior, Scotty has college interest at all levels and has been on visits to multiple mid major and higher D1 schools. If he can continue to add to his game, his first college offers should come soon.</p> <p>Grant Disken, Covington Catholic - Disken had to wait his turn at Cov Cath but was ready to step up last season. Coming back from a Junior season averaging 13 PPG, look for Grant to have an even bigger role in his last year at the helm for Coach Ruthsatz.</p> <p>Jalen Scott, Conner - The leading returning scorer for Conner, Scott played all 5 positions last year and will do the same this season. Assuming he gets enough shots, Jalen should be the leading Senior scorer in the 9th.</p> <p>Wyatt Vieth, St. Henry -  Wyatt can really score the ball. Coming off a Sophomore year where he scored over 21 points per game, Vieth can put up even bigger numbers if he can improve his shooting percentages. Look for him to be a scholarship level recruit in the near future.</p> <p>Daeshawn White, Newport - Unheralded due to a big Senior class last year, it's now time for Daeshawn to shine as the go to scorer for a Newport team that can really use him in a big way this year. </p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Predicted Mr. Basketball Finalist:</strong></span></p> <p>Jalen Scott, Conner</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Predicted Regional Champion:</strong></span></p> <p>Covington Catholic</p>