NewCath ready for challenge with Butler

Allen Ramsey Photo. Newport Central Catholic senior post Nikki Kiernan smiles after cutting off a piece of the net following Sunday's 9th Region championship win over Notre Dame. The Ms. Basketball candidate averages 16.6 points and 9.9 rebounds per game for the Thoroughbreds. They take on Louisville Butler in the state tournament at Western Kentucky University at 7:30 p.m. EST on Wednesday.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

They came into the season as a 9th Region contender and succeeded at that goal for the fourth time since 2003.

Ware's lay-up lifts NewCath

G. Michael Graham Photo. Newport Central Catholic junior Loren Zimmerman (right) guards Holy Cross' Aleah Tucker in Friday's All "A" 9th Region semifinal contest. The Thoroughbreds won 39-37 in the final seconds to advance to the title game.

By G. MICHAEL GRAHAM

Fort Thomas Matters Sports Reporter

ERLANGER – Some may call it the Newport Central Catholic Invitational.

It is understandable because the Thoroughbreds have won the previous seven All “A” 9th Region girls basketball crowns. But one region opponent has not been intimidated by that in recent years in the Covington Holy Cross Lady Indians (11-4).

Holy Cross gave NewCath its closest game in last year’s tournament losing just 51-43 in the first round. It took the Thoroughbreds (16-2) the final seconds of this year’s semifinal contest Friday to beat the Lady Indians, 39-37 at St. Henry.