Highlands, NC programs vow to maintain integrity in programs in wake of Cordia sanctions

G. Michael Graham photo. The Newport Central Catholic and Highlands boys basketball programs have vowed to continue to develop their programs within the rules in the wake of the sanctions against eastern Kentucky school Cordia. Cordia, under the guidance of former Kentucky Wildcat Rodrick Rhodes, will not be able to play any scrimmages or games in either the regular or postseason next year.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

It is a situation any high school athletic program hopes to avoid, let alone Highlands and Newport Central Catholic.

Former Kentucky Wildcat basketball player Rodrick Rhodes took over the Cordia Lion boys basketball program in 2011 and the Lions quickly rose to unprecedented heights. Newport Central Catholic beat Cordia twice last winter including a 72-61 victory in the All “A” State championship on Feb. 2 in the Frankfort Civic Center.

Thoroughbreds repeat as All "A" State Champions

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

FRANKFORT – They did it last year and hoped to laugh in the face of the challenge again.

That was not a problem. For the second straight year, the Newport Central Catholic Thoroughbreds boys basketball team (21-3) won five games in six days to win the All “A” State championship. They took down the Cordia Lions (17-6), 72-61 on Sunday at the Frankfort Convention Center. NewCath has won 13 in a row.