Chayse Lambert stood at the free throw line in the Kentucky Christian Athletic Association boys basketball state tournament final. Community Christian Academy’s only senior was waiting to receive the ball from an official in the waning seconds. The Crusaders’ lead over Galilean Christian Academy was growing with each made free throw. Lambert was given the […]
Author Archives: Marc Hardin
Posted inBasketball
Senior-led Simon Kenton does it with depth, defense
Coach Trent Steiner and his five senior captains crowd into the coach’s office next to the Simon Kenton gymnasium. It’s an imposing bunch of basketball players, topped by 6-foot-9 center Bode Stone and 6-4 forward Marty Taylor. Three others 6 feet and taller join them. The fantastic five gather mere moments after a 90-minute practice […]
Posted inBowling
How Cooper’s Alexis Tignor won the girls state bowling championship
A variety of factors catapulted Cooper senior Alexis Tignor to last week’s girls singles championship at the KHSAA state bowling tournament. Jaguars coach Joe Deters explains. “Alexis is a good fundamental bowler with solid technique and power and she’s a very hard worker,” Deters said. “She’s experienced and she’s also very poised. It all came […]
Posted inWrestling
Pioneers’ McCloskey leads local contingent to state wrestling tournament
Eighteen weight class winners from the local regions and several highly ranked wrestlers head to Lexington beginning Thursday for the three-day KHSAA State Wrestling Championships at Alltech Arena. The girls meet, with four local champions, begins Thursday. The boys meet, with 14 local champs, is Friday and Saturday. One northern Kentucky wrestler making the trip […]
Posted inWrestling
Ryle eyes advantages after another Region 5 wrestling crown
At the outset of the 2024-25 high school wrestling season, Ryle coach Tim Ruschell made some estimations. “Ryle will be respectable this season, returning six state placers. We lost some good wrestlers, but we could have five or six guys who can win region,” Ruschell said in December. “We could have a few more than […]
Posted inBasketball
Bellevue’s Sorrell stepping down after 17 seasons
The plan has been in the works for nearly a year. There was plenty of time to change his mind, but the plan remained in place after discussions with family. The school was ultimately notified. The players were eventually informed. The team kept everything a secret and games were played. The 2024-25 season wore on […]
Posted inBasketball
High-rise seniors, talented teammates tall order for Walton-Verona basketball foes
Braylin Terrell is getting ready for Tuesday afternoon practice at Walton-Verona High School. Dressed in blue and white Bearcats gear, she’s talking about basketball, family, college and what it’s like to be tall. Terrell, a 6-foot-2 senior post player, is the tallest player on the Bearcats. She’s not only that. The affable athlete is also […]
Posted inWrestling
In just five years, Highlands has become a regional wrestling power
The Highlands boys wrestling team has become one of the best in northern Kentucky in a short period of time. The high school squad has a way to go to catch up to elites such as Ryle and Simon Kenton. But the Bluebirds have made gains on a host of perennial powers such as Campbell […]
Posted inBasketball
How the graduation-depleted Holy Cross girls basketball team remained so strong
One of the surprises of the local high school basketball season is the performance of the Holy Cross girls. Coach Ted Arlinghaus’s team won 18 of its first 19 games. The Indians came into the week with the most wins in the 9th Region and they were tied for fewest losses. This is notable because […]
Posted inWrestling
Pioneers wrestlers blazing different trails in 2025
Holding down a top 10 Kentucky ranking nearly a year after placing 15th at the KHSAA state wrestling meet, Simon Kenton is viewed locally and statewide as an improved team. The Pioneers have been lauded by local coaches for having a roster full of state-ranked wrestlers. They have an especially strong contingent in the lighter […]